Quarter-Sawn White Oak (Stained)
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Quarter-sawn with prominent medullary ray flakes (tiger stripes). Grain is straight to wavy with a coarse texture and large, conspicuous pores.
Color Description
Naturally light to medium brown; this sample shows a dark reddish-brown 'Mission' or 'Golden Oak' stain. Heartwood is light brown, sapwood is white/cream. Darkens slightly with age.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Durable. Highly resistant to rot and decay due to tyloses in the pores, making it suitable for water-contact applications like barrels.
Common Uses
Arts and Crafts style furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), and interior trim.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
8.00 to 14.00 USD per board foot for quarter-sawn select grade.
Wood Age Estimate
The patina and staining style suggest an antique piece, likely 50-100 years old, typical of early 20th-century American furniture.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Excellent results with machine and hand tools. Pores require filling for smooth finishes. Reacts with iron and water to produce blue-black stains due to high tannin content.
Notable Features
Distinctive medullary rays visible only in quarter-sawn cuts. High tannin content. Distinctive 'oaky' scent when freshly cut. Very heavy and strong.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based stains to highlight flakes, followed by polyurethane or lacquer. Traditionally finished with ammonia fuming to darken natural tannins.
Identification Confidence
High; the presence of large, vibrant medullary ray flakes combined with the coarse ring-porous grain structure is a definitive signature of quarter-sawn White Oak.