White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a coarse, uneven texture. The sample shows a rift-sawn to quarter-sawn orientation with characteristic long rays and open pores visible as dark streaks.
Color Description
Heartwood is light to medium brown, commonly with an olive cast. Sapwood is light tan to nearly white. This sample shows significant ambering from an aged finish, displaying a medium golden-brown hue.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Exceptional resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the heartwood which plug the pores and make the wood liquid-tight.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, cooperage (barrels), trim, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on cut and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
30 to 50 years based on the heavy oxidation of the finish, surface micro-scratches, and deep amber patina characteristic of mid-century millwork.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Produces good results with hand and machine tools. Has moderately high shrinkage, so dimensional stability must be considered. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic smell when worked. Contains high tannin levels which can react with iron fasteners to create dark blue/black stains. Pores are typically clogged with tyloses.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer for durability. Responds excellently to staining. Oil-based finishes will enhance the golden-brown depth of the grain.
Identification Confidence
High. The prominent large pores, visible medullary rays, and the specific ring-porous structure visible in the surface texture are classic diagnostic features of the Quercus genus, specifically White Oak.