White Oak (Quarter-sawn)
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Central North America
- Hardness
- 1,360 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Durable to Very Durable; excellent natural resistance to decay, rot, and moisture due to closed tyloses structure.
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Quarter-sawn cut exhibiting prominent, classic medullary ray flecks (tiger oak figure) interspersed with fine, straight grain lines.
Color & Appearance
Medium to deep golden brown tone with amber highlights under a aged topcoat; natural heartwood ranges from light tan to medium brown, darkening with age and varnish application.
Hardness (Janka)
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable to Very Durable; excellent natural resistance to decay, rot, and moisture due to closed tyloses structure.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $8.00 to $14.00 per board foot for high-grade quarter-sawn stock
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated 50 to 100+ years old, based on the aged amber varnish finish, fine surface craze/scratches, and traditional quarter-sawn cut characteristic of vintage/antique furniture.
- Sustainability Status
- IUCN Least Concern, not CITES listed; widely available from sustainably managed forests in North America.
Common Uses
Fine antique furniture, Arts and Crafts / Mission style furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, hardwood flooring, and wine barrels.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America
Workability
Good overall workability with hand and machine tools, though high density can cause slight dulling of cutting edges; glues, screws, and sands well.
Finish Recommendations
Paste wood filler recommended to smooth open pores if desired; finishes exceptionally well with wiped oil finishes, shellac, clear lacquer, or polyurethane to accentuate ray flecks.
Notable Features
Distinctive ray fleck figure (medullary rays) exposed by quarter-sawing; high tannin content which reacts with iron to form dark stains; naturally ring-porous.
