White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with large, open pores. Shows earlywood and latewood bands consistent with ring-porous hardwoods.
Color Description
Light to medium brown with an olive cast. Sapwood is slightly lighter. The sample exhibits significant oxidation and patina consistent with aged oak.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; heartwood is highly resistant to decay and rot due to the presence of tyloses in pores.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), and interior millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Based on the greyish oxidation on the end grain and the deep yellow-brown patina, the sample appears to be at least 20-40 years old.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally sustainable with FSC certification available.
Workability
Generally easy to work with machine tools, though it has high shrinkage values. Responds well to steam bending. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic smell when wet. High tannin content can react with iron to cause blue-black staining. Contains tyloses which make it waterproof.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based stains, polyurethane, or shellac. Reactive finishes (iron acetate) can be used to ebonize the wood due to high tannins.
Identification Confidence
Medium. The ring-porous structure and characteristic 'wheat' color strongly suggest White Oak, though certain species of Ash or Red Oak can look similar without a microscopic view of the rays.