White Oak (Quarter-sawn)
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Prominent quarter-sawn grain with dramatic ray fleck or 'tiger stripe' figure; straight grain with a coarse, open-pored texture.
Color Description
Medium golden-brown heartwood with a distinct amber hue from finishing; sapwood is typically lighter cream-white. Highly lustrous ray flecks that appear almost three-dimensional (chatoyance).
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; exceptional resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the pores, making it more water-resistant than Red Oak.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, mission-style cabinetry, flooring, boat building, cooperage (wine and whiskey barrels), and architectural millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$8.00 to $12.00 per board foot if high-grade quarter-sawn stock.
Wood Age Estimate
Estimated 20-40 years old based on the darkening of the finish and the style of the furniture piece shown in a thrift environment.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; widely available and not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. FSC certification is common.
Workability
Excellent with hand and machine tools, though the high density and ray flecks can lead to occasional tearout. Responds well to steam bending and glues/finishes excellently.
Notable Features
Distinctive large medullary rays (flecks). Contains high tannin levels which can react with iron/steel to create dark stains. Has a faint, pleasant scent when worked.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes or shellac are recommended to highlight the ray fleck. Polyurethane provides excellent protection for high-wear surfaces like table tops.
Identification Confidence
High; the presence of dramatic 'flake' or 'fleck' medullary rays is a signature identifier for quarter-sawn oak, specifically white oak in this golden hue.