White Oak (with pronounced crotch figure)
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1350 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Durable (good resistance to rot and decay, high tannin content protects against insects)
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Grain Pattern
Crotch figure featuring dramatic plume and flame-like swirling patterns, combined with distinct medullary rays visible as flecks.
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown heartwood with grayish-brown undertones and paler sapwood. Exhibits high contrast within the figure, moderate natural luster, and darkens to an amber hue over time with light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1350 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable (good resistance to rot and decay, high tannin content protects against insects)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 8.00 to 15.00+ USD per board foot due to the rare and decorative crotch figure
- Wood Age Estimate
- Freshly milled to recently seasoned rough-sawn lumber (0-5 years old)
- Sustainability Status
- Least concern, widely abundant, not listed on CITES appendices, readily available with FSC certification options
Common Uses
High-end furniture, architectural millwork, cabinetry, boat building, and specialty veneer
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Moderately challenging due to the swirling grain of the crotch section, which is prone to tearout during planing; glues, stains, and finishes well
Finish Recommendations
Water-based or oil-based polyurethanes, varnishes, or Danish oils to highlight the chatoyance and complex grain patterns without excessive ambering unless desired
Notable Features
High tannin content, distinctive heavy medullary rays, highly decorative flame-like grain pattern from the tree crotch, reactive with iron to cause staining
