White Oak (Quarter-sawn)
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with prominent medullary rays creating a distinctive "tiger stripe" or flake figure due to quarter-sawn milling. Large, open pores are visible as darker flecks.
Color Description
Medium to dark brown tone due to staining and aging; naturally a light to medium brown heartwood with nearly white sapwood. It features low to medium luster and significant chatoyance in the rays.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; famous for excellent rot resistance and high tannin content which deters insects. Suitable for water-tight vessels.
Common Uses
Mission-style furniture, cabinetry, interior trim, flooring, boatbuilding, and barrels for wine and spirits.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$8.00 - $12.00 per board foot for high-grade quarter-sawn stock.
Wood Age Estimate
Estimated 70-100+ years old based on the deep patina, darkening of the pores, and the specific style of quarter-sawn figuring used in early 20th-century furniture.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and sustainable in its native range; FSC certified sources are common.
Workability
Responds well to machine and hand tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate and can be prone to splintering. The open pores require filling if a glass-smooth finish is desired.
Notable Features
Distinctive Ray Fleck figure; contains high levels of tyloses in pores making it waterproof; reacts with iron to turn black (ebonizing).
Finish Recommendations
Traditional linseed oil or shellac to highlight depth, or modern polyurethane for durability. Dark wiping stains are frequently used to emphasize the grain contrast.
Identification Confidence
High; the presence of long medullary ray flakes combined with the ring-porous grain structure is a diagnostic hallmark of quarter-sawn White Oak.