White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight and coarse grain with a medium to large texture. Typical of flat-sawn oak common in vintage printers drawers and shadow boxes.
Color Description
Light to medium brown with a warm, reddish-brown patina from age. Sapwood is typically narrow and light, but mostly heartwood is visible here.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; high resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the pores. Excellent insect resistance.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, boat building, and historically for printers type trays/thimble cases.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot for dimensional lumber; as a finished vintage item, the value is $40-$80.
Wood Age Estimate
Estimated 40-70 years old based on the construction style of the shadow box and the dark, oxidized patina of the wood.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern on IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable in North America.
Workability
Excellent results with hand and machine tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam bending.
Notable Features
Features large conspicuous rays (ray fleck) and has a distinct tannic scent when freshly sanded. Contains high tannin content which can react with iron.
Finish Recommendations
Responds well to oil and wax finishes which emphasize the depth of the grain. Polyurethane is best for protecting the high-contact surfaces.
Identification Confidence
High. The prominent open grain, color, and specific application in a printers-style shadow box are classic indicators of American White Oak.