White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with a prominent cathedral pattern on the flat-sawn face; rings are distinct with a ring-porous structure.
Color Description
Naturally light to medium brown with an olive cast; shown here with a dark walnut-colored stain. Heartwood is darker than the thin sapwood. It maintains a low-to-medium luster and tends to amber over time without stain.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; high tannin content provides excellent resistance to rot and decay, and is highly resistant to water infiltration due to tyloses in pores.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, wine barrels (cooperage), and millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and cut (higher for rift or quarter-sawn).
Wood Age Estimate
Modern construction (likely 10-30 years old) based on the crispness of the joinery and factory-applied dark stain/finish.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; widely available and not CITES listed. Both IUCN and FSC sources are common.
Workability
Relatively easy to work with machine and hand tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate and can be prone to splintering. Responds well to steam-bending and glues easily.
Notable Features
Contains tyloses that plug the vessels, making it waterproof and ideal for liquid storage. Known for its distinct 'oak' scent when freshly cut and high tannin levels which can react with iron to cause black staining.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains very consistently as seen in the image. Polyurethane or lacquer are recommended for high-wear surfaces; oil finishes provide a more natural, deep appearance.
Identification Confidence
High; the large, open-pored cathedral grain and characteristic texture are diagnostic of North American White Oak, commonly used in this style of paneled cabinetry.