White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Principally straight grain with a coarse, uneven texture. The sample shows prominent ray fleck (pith rays) characteristic of quarter-sawn white oak, providing a distinct medullary figure.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood, often with an olive cast. Sapwood is light cream. This sample shows deep ambering due to finish and oxidation; it will darken further to a deep golden-brown with age.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; heartwood is highly resistant to rot and decay due to tyloses in the pores that make it nearly water-tight.
Common Uses
Furniture (especially Arts and Crafts style), flooring, cabinetry, boat building, barrels (cooperage), and heavy construction.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on figure and width
Wood Age Estimate
The raw timber age is indeterminate, but the processed sample appears recently worked (fresh Forstner bit cuts) with an aged finish or stain, likely 5-20 years old as a salvaged piece.
Sustainability Status
Sustainable; listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. FSC certified material is widely available.
Workability
Generally works well with hand and machine tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam bending. Glues, stains, and finishes well, though large pores may require grain filler.
Notable Features
Distinctive oak scent when worked. High tannin content can cause dark staining when in contact with iron and moisture. Notable for large, prominent medullary rays.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based stains accentuate the ray fleck. Polyurethane or lacquer are excellent for durability. Wiping oils (like Danish oil) bring out the natural figure beautifully.
Identification Confidence
High; the visible medullary rays and ring-porous structure visible in the Forstner bit recesses are classic indicators of Quercus species, specifically the white oak group.