White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Coarse, uneven texture with prominent cathedral patterns visible on the flat-sawn curved face; features large, open pores and distinct medullary rays.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with an olive cast; sapwood is slightly lighter. The sample shows typical golden-tan tones with visible dark pores and some oxidation darkening from age.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; high rot and decay resistance with tyloses in heartwood that make it nearly waterproof and insect-resistant.
Common Uses
Furniture (specifically bentwood chairs as seen in image), flooring, boat building, wine barrels, cabinetry, and interior trim.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and thickness.
Wood Age Estimate
Approximately 30-50 years based on the patina, the style of the furniture bend, and darkened oxidation within the grain.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern on IUCN Red List; widely available and sustainable with FSC certification common for this species.
Workability
Excellent results with hand and machine tools, though it has moderate shrinkage. Responds exceptionally well to steam bending as evidenced by this curved furniture component.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic odor when worked; high tannin content can cause dark stains if it contacts iron and water; famous for its strength-to-weight ratio.
Finish Recommendations
Responds best to oil-based finishes or clear polyurethane to highlight the grain; can be difficult to stain evenly without pre-conditioning due to open pores.
Identification Confidence
High; the large open pores in the latewood rings and the characteristic cathedral pattern are diagnostic of the Quercus genus, while the olive-brown hue strongly suggests White Oak over Red Oak.