White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with a medium to large texture. The face grain shows long, vertical pores characteristic of rift-sawn or quarter-sawn stock.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood, often with an olive cast. Sapwood is nearly white to light brown. This sample shows significant oxidation and graying due to UV exposure and weathering.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the pores that make it nearly waterproof.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat building, barrels (cooperage), and heavy construction.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Vintage/Aged. The silver-gray patina and deep surface weathering suggest this wood has been exposed to the elements for 10-20 years.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally managed sustainably.
Workability
Works well with tools but has a high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam bending. Glues and finishes well, though it can react with iron-based fasteners to cause blue/black staining.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when freshly cut. Contains high tannin content. Notable for its ring-porous structure and tyloses which prevent liquid passage.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or polyurethane to highlight the grain. If reclaimed, a light sanding followed by a matte clear coat preserves the weathered character.
Identification Confidence
High. The visible long, open pores (vessel elements) combined with the characteristic weathered gray-brown coloration and tight grain structure are diagnostic of Quercus species, specifically the White Oak group.