White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with a flat-sawn cathedral appearance; notably large, open pores and prominent medullary rays are visible in the fractured fibers.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with an olive cast; sapwood is off-white to light brown. Exhibits a tendency to darken and become more golden-brown with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; heartwood is highly resistant to decay and rot due to tyloses in the heartwood pores, making it water-resistant.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), interior trim, and heavy construction.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and region.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears to be seasoned lumber with some surface oxidation suggesting a few years of age, but the jagged mechanical fracture suggests recent breakage of older stock.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally managed sustainably through FSC certification.
Workability
Generally works well with hand and machine tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam bending. Glues and finishes well, though pre-boring for screws is recommended.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when wet; high tannin content can cause dark stains when in contact with iron and moisture.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based stains, polyurethane, or oil-and-wax finishes are recommended to highlight the grain. Can be fumed with ammonia to create a deep, historic dark brown color.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the coarse, open-pored structure, color range, and the specific way the wood fibers have splintered (toughness) are classic indicators of Quercus species, specifically the white oak group.