White Oak (Quarter-sawn)
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1360 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with prominent, pronounced ray fleck (medullary rays) characteristic of quarter-sawn figure.
Color & Appearance
Medium to dark brown with warm golden undertones, showing rich deep staining and dark highlights accentuating the ray flecks.
Hardness (Janka)
1360 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- Moderate to High ($6 - $12+ per board foot for select quarter-sawn lumber)
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be several decades old, typical of vintage furniture from the mid-20th century or earlier.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices or IUCN Red List. Widely available and sustainably harvested in North America.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, mission/arts and crafts style furniture, cabinetry, boat building, and flooring.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though it can blunt cutting edges due to silica content. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils, lacquer, or varnishes. Darker wiping stains are often used to highlight the intricate medullary ray patterns.
Notable Features
High tannin content which reacts strongly with iron and certain finishes, closed cellular structure (tyloses) providing natural water resistance, and striking ray fleck patterns.
