White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Flat-sawn cathedral grain with coarse, open pores and prominent medullary rays. Texture is coarse and uneven.
Color Description
Heartwood is light to medium brown, commonly with an olive cast. Sapwood is light tan to nearly white. It tends to darken slightly with age to a more golden brown.
Hardness Rating
1360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the heartwood pores which make it nearly water-tight.
Common Uses
Flooring, furniture, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), and interior trim.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
The wear patterns and oxidation suggest an age of 10-20 years since installation, with visible finish degradation in high-traffic areas.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available with FSC certification; very sustainable given its vast growth range in North America.
Workability
Strong and durable, but has a high shrinkage rate. Works well with machine tools. Responds well to steam bending. Glues and finishes well, though large pores may require filling for a smooth surface.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when worked; high tannin content can cause blue-black staining if in contact with iron and moisture.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or oil-based varnishes are typical for flooring applications shown. Penetrating oils bring out the grain pattern effectively.
Identification Confidence
High; the open-pored grain structure, color palette, and specific 'cathedral' arching characteristic of flat-sawn oak are clearly visible.