White Oak (Quarter-sawn)
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Quarter-sawn grain showing prominent medullary rays (tiger stripes). Grain is straight and coarse with a distinct ray fleck figure typical of premium oak cuts.
Color Description
Heartwood is light to medium brown, often with a grayish cast in its raw state. This sample shows a deep amber to dark brown patina from aged finish. Sapwood is light cream to white.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Durable. Excellent resistance to rot and decay; widely used for exterior applications and boat building due to its closed cellular structure (tyloses).
Common Uses
Mission-style furniture, fine cabinetry, flooring, barrel coopering (wine/whiskey), boat building, and interior millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Current market retail for high-grade quarter-sawn White Oak is approximately $8.00 - $12.00 per board foot.
Wood Age Estimate
Estimated 80-120 years old based on the heavy oxidation, deep patina of the finish, and the specific 'Tiger Oak' aesthetic popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Excellent with hand and machine tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam bending. Pre-boring for screws is recommended to avoid splitting.
Notable Features
Tyloses in the vessels make it waterproof; distinct tannic odor when cut; reacts strongly (turns black) when in contact with iron and moisture.
Finish Recommendations
Traditional linseed oil or shellac to highlight ray flecks. Modern polyurethane or lacquer for durability. Responds well to fuming with ammonia to darken the color naturally.
Identification Confidence
High. The large, unmistakable medullary ray flecks combined with the visible open-pored ring-porous structure are definitive indicators of quarter-sawn White Oak.