White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy grain with a coarse, uneven texture. The sample shows a flat-sawn surface with prominent large pores and visible medullary rays emerging on the face.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light to medium brown, commonly with an olive cast. Sapwood is light tan to off-white. This sample shows significant graying and weathering due to oxidation and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. High resistance to rot and decay due to the presence of tyloses in the pores, which makes it nearly waterproof.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrel making (cooperage), and heavy construction.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $5.00 - $8.00 per board foot for standard grades; reclaimed/weathered specimens may carry a premium for aesthetic use.
Wood Age Estimate
Estimated 20-40 years old based on the deep silver-gray oxidation patina and the presence of surface checking and silvering characteristic of long-term weathering.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered very sustainable and widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Produces good results with hand and machine tools, though it has a moderately high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam bending. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Contains high tannin content which can react with iron fasteners to create dark blue/black stains. It has a distinct, slightly acidic scent when being worked.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or film-building finishes like polyurethane are recommended. If the weathered look is desired, a clear matte sealer is best to prevent further decay while preserving the patina.
Identification Confidence
High. The ring-porous structure, visible medullary rays, and the specific way the wood fibers have weathered into a silvery-gray color are classic diagnostic features of the White Oak group.