White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse, and uneven grain. The sample prominently displays quarter-sawn 'ray fleck' or medullary ray figure, which appears as golden-shimmering ribbons across the grain.
Color Description
Heartwood is light to medium brown, often with an olive cast; sapwood is light brown to white. This antique sample shows a deep amber/honey-toned oxidation from age and likely a tinted shellac or varnish finish.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; known for high decay resistance and rot resistance due to tyloses in the wood pores, commonly used in boatbuilding and barrels.
Common Uses
Furniture (especially Mission or Arts & Crafts style), cabinetry, flooring, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), and millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $12.00 per board foot for high-grade quarter-sawn lumber.
Wood Age Estimate
Approximately 80 to 110 years old based on the style of the curved glass cabinet, the visible patina of the finish, and the use of wide-flake quarter-sawn oak common in the early 20th century.
Sustainability Status
Sustainable; abundant in native ranges. Listed as Least Concern by the IUCN; FSC certification widely available.
Workability
Generally easy to work with machine and hand tools, though it has high shrinkage. Responds well to steam bending. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Features distinct medullary rays when quarter-sawn. Contains high tannin levels, which can react with iron to cause dark staining. Distinctive mildly acidic scent when freshly cut.
Finish Recommendations
Traditional shellac or lacquer is appropriate for this vintage piece. Oil-based polyurethanes or wiping oils enhance the ray fleck figure.
Identification Confidence
High; the prominent medullary ray flecking combined with the open-pore structure visible in the grain is a diagnostic characteristic of White Oak, specifically within the context of American antique furniture.