White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse-textured grain. The sample shows a rift-sawn or quarter-sawn appearance with long, vertical lines and evidence of prominent medullary rays and open pores typical of the Quercus genus.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light to medium brown, commonly with an olive cast. Sapwood is near-white to light brown. This sample appears to be finished with a 'pickled' or 'white-wash' effect, or is naturally very light, exhibiting low luster and a neutral tone.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to decay and rot due to tyloses in the heartwood which plug the vascular vessels, making it liquid-tight.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), and interior trim.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $12.00 per board foot depending on cut (rift/quartered) and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern (5-15 years); the lack of significant ambering or oxidation suggests a contemporary kiln-dried board or a recently applied light-colored finish.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and generally sustainable.
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It has moderately high shrinkage but is dimensionally stable once dry. Responds well to steam bending. Large pores may require filling for a glass-smooth finish.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'tannic' scent when worked. High tannin content can cause dark staining if the wood comes into contact with iron and water. Known for its strength and liquid-tight cellular structure.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane, oil, or waxes. Because of the open pores, a grain filler is recommended if a smooth surface is desired. This specific sample appears to have a matte clear coat or a white-toner finish.
Identification Confidence
High; the visible large, open earlywood pores coupled with the specific grain straightness and light-brown-to-olive undertones are classic diagnostic features of White Oak.