White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain; the sample shows a flat-sawn face with visible end-grain medullary rays characteristic of most oaks.
Color Description
Currently weathered to a silvery-gray/brown patina. Heartwood is typically light to medium brown; sapwood is nearly white to light brown. Darkens with age and exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,350 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the pores which make it water-resistant.
Common Uses
Flooring, furniture, cabinetry, boat building, wine barrels (cooperage), and outdoor timber framing.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
6.00 to 12.00 USD per board foot depending on width and grade (Higher for quarter-sawn).
Wood Age Estimate
20-50 years; the deep checking (cracks) and significant surface graying suggest it has been air-exposed or salvaged for several decades.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and harvested sustainably in North America; FSC certified options common.
Workability
Fairly easy to work with machine and hand tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam bending. Pre-boring for screws is recommended.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic smell when cut; contains high tannin content which can react with iron to create black stains; pores are plugged with tyloses.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or polyurethane for protection. If using for outdoor applications, a UV-inhibiting oil is recommended to prevent further graying.
Identification Confidence
High; the end-grain structure, visible medullary rays, large open-pored earlywood, and the specific weathering/cracking pattern are classic indicators of Oak, specifically the White Oak group.