White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Strong cathedral grain and straight grain, coarse texture with prominent large pores and distinctive rays.
Color Description
Light to medium brown with a yellowish-honey cast from the finish; heartwood is brownish while sapwood is lighter. Tends to darken/amber with age.
Hardness Rating
1360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in pores; moderately resistant to insects.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, barrels (cooperage), and interior millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
30-50 years based on the chair's mid-century design style and the ambering/oxidation of the clear finish.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and sustainably harvested in North America; FSC certified options common.
Workability
Works well with machine and hand tools. Has a high shrinkage rate, so dimensional stability is a factor. Responds well to steam bending.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when cut; contains high tannin levels which can react with iron to cause blue/black staining.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based polyurethanes or lacquers enhance the grain. Takes stains well, though large pores may require a filler for a glass-smooth surface.
Identification Confidence
High; the open-pore structure, visible medullary rays, and cathedral grain patterns are classic diagnostic features of the Quercus genus, specifically White Oak group.