Likely oak, probably red oak; alternatives include white oak or oak veneer over a secondary wood.
Quercus rubra (most likely); Quercus alba is an alternative. · Hardwood; possibly veneered furniture.
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect- Type
- Hardwood; possibly veneered furniture.
- Origin
- Eastern and central North America; red oak is especially common in the northeastern, Appalachian, and Great Lakes regions.
- Hardness
- Red oak: about 1,290 lbf Janka—Hard. White oak is about 1,360 lbf.
- Durability
- Red oak is Slightly Durable outdoors; white oak is Moderately Durable. Neither is especially rot-resistant when continuously exposed to weather.
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Predominantly straight, open-pored grain with prominent cathedral figure characteristic of flat-sawn oak; no clear quarter-sawn ray fleck is visible.
Color & Appearance
Medium honey-brown to reddish brown with darker pores and subdued luster. The warm, oxidized surface may have darkened from age, finish, and light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
Red oak: about 1,290 lbf Janka—Hard. White oak is about 1,360 lbf.
Durability & Decay Resistance
Red oak is Slightly Durable outdoors; white oak is Moderately Durable. Neither is especially rot-resistant when continuously exposed to weather.
Value & Age
Common finished oak furniture stock is roughly $5–$12 per board foot retail, varying substantially by grade and region.
AI estimate for general guidance only — not a professional appraisal. Actual value depends on grade, dimensions, condition, and local market demand.
- Wood Age Estimate
- The furniture appears vintage, perhaps mid-20th century, but the wood itself cannot be dated from this photograph; visible wear and finish oxidation suggest decades of use.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinets, flooring, millwork, veneer, and interior trim.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and central North America; red oak is especially common in the northeastern, Appalachian, and Great Lakes regions.
Workability
Generally machines, sands, glues, and fastens well, though open pores require filling for a glass-smooth finish and planing can produce localized tearout.
Finish Recommendations
Clean gently, test compatibility, and use shellac, lacquer, or wiping varnish/polyurethane; pore filling is optional for a smoother surface. Avoid aggressive stripping without testing veneer thickness.
Notable Features
Open pores, strong cathedral figure, pronounced grain contrast, and a warm traditional furniture appearance; the hardware and construction may be more diagnostic than the wood alone.
