White Oak — Quercus alba

White Oak

Quercus alba · Hardwood

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Type
Hardwood
Origin
Eastern North America
Hardness
1350 lbf (Hard)
Durability
Very Durable (due to closed cellular structure and tyloses)

Got a wood sample like this?

Identify any wood from a photo, free.

Identify wood

Grain Pattern

Straight to irregular grain with pronounced quarter-sawn ray fleck patterns visible on several boards

Color & Appearance

Medium to dark brown, heavily fumed or chemically treated to a rich dark grayish-brown color, with prominent medullary rays

Hardness (Janka)

1350 lbf (Hard)

Durability & Decay Resistance

Very Durable (due to closed cellular structure and tyloses)

Value & Age

Estimated Market ValueNot an official valuation

6.00 to 12.00 USD per board foot

AI estimate for general guidance only — not a professional appraisal. Actual value depends on grade, dimensions, condition, and local market demand.

Wood Age Estimate
Modern or recently milled, potentially fumed/thermally modified stock

Common Uses

High-end furniture, architectural millwork, flooring, boat building, cabinetry, and mission-style furniture

Geographic Origin

Eastern North America

Workability

Generally works well with hand and machine tools, though it can blunt cutters due to silica content and reacts strongly with iron (causing black stains)

Finish Recommendations

Takes stains, oils, varnishes, and waxes very well. Water-based finishes can sometimes raise the grain; oil-based polyurethane or hardwax oils accentuate the ray flecks wonderfully

Notable Features

High tannin content which reacts strongly with ammonia fuming to produce rich dark browns and blacks; presence of tyloses making it water-resistant

Learn more about White Oak in the Wood Encyclopedia
Identified August 15, 2026