White Oak (likely)
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse, and open-pored grain pattern typical of ring-porous hardwoods with visible medullary rays and cathedral-like figure appearing beneath the rough-sawn surface.
Color Description
Light to medium tan or 'wheat' color heartwood with slightly paler sapwood; the rough surface shows grayish oxidation and dust accumulation, but will deepen to a golden brown with light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; heartwood is highly resistant to rot and fungal decay due to tyloses in the pores.
Common Uses
Flooring, cabinetry, fine furniture, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), and interior joinery.
Geographic Origin
Eastern Northern America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $6.00 to $9.00 per board foot for select grade rough-sawn lumber.
Wood Age Estimate
Fresh to moderately aged rough-cut lumber (1-5 years post-processing) based on the presence of surface oxidation and saw marks without significant darkening or patina development.
Sustainability Status
Common and sustainable; categorized as Least Concern by IUCN; widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Generally works well with both hand and machine tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate and can react with iron fasteners to cause blue/black staining.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic acid scent when cut; contains large amounts of tyloses which make the wood waterproof; can cause skin and respiratory irritation in some users.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based stains and polyurethane work well; highlights medullary rays beautifully when quarter-sawn. Avoid water-based finishes without a sealer to prevent tannin pull.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the coarse texture, ring-porous structure, and tan-beige color palette are characteristic of the White Oak group, though the rough-sawn surface obscures fine pore details needed for 100% certainty.