White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy grain with a coarse, uneven texture. The end grain shows prominent, large medullary rays and tyloses in the pores, typical of the white oak group.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood, often with an olive cast. Sapwood is light cream to light brown. In this weathered state, it exhibits a dark greyish-brown patina with visible horizontal checkering.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses that plug the vascular system, making it nearly liquid-tight.
Common Uses
Flooring, furniture, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), and outdoor construction/decking.
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 sample appears to be roughly 10-20 years old based on the deep oxidation, surface checkering, and accumulation of environmental residue.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Relatively easy to work with machine tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam bending. Glues and finishes well, though large pores can require filling.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when cut. High tannin content can cause blue-black staining when in contact with iron and moisture.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or film-forming finishes like polyurethane. For weathered pieces, a deck brightener followed by a UV-resistant oil-based sealer is recommended.
Identification Confidence
High; the presence of long medullary rays on the end grain combined with the color and characteristic weathering checks are diagnostic of the Quercus genus, specifically the white oak group.