Likely White Oak; Red Oak is a possible alternative. — Quercus alba (likely); Quercus rubra is an alternative.

Likely White Oak; Red Oak is a possible alternative.

Quercus alba (likely); Quercus rubra is an alternative. · Hardwood

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Type
Hardwood
Origin
White oak is native to eastern and central North America.
Hardness
White Oak: about 1,360 lbf — Hard.
Durability
Durable; white oak heartwood resists decay and insects comparatively well, while sapwood is less resistant.

Got a wood sample like this?

Identify any wood from a photo, free.

Identify wood

Grain Pattern

Coarse, mostly straight grain with prominent rays and flecking suggestive of oak; appears flat-sawn, though the visible face alone cannot confirm the cut.

Color & Appearance

Light tan to medium brown with subtle variation; the exposed surface looks weathered and matte. Freshly surfaced oak is usually lighter, darkening with age and light exposure.

Hardness (Janka)

White Oak: about 1,360 lbf — Hard.

Durability & Decay Resistance

Durable; white oak heartwood resists decay and insects comparatively well, while sapwood is less resistant.

Value & Age

Estimated Market ValueNot an official valuation

Typical kiln-dried white oak lumber: roughly $5–$12 per board foot, varying by region, grade, and thickness.

AI estimate for general guidance only — not a professional appraisal. Actual value depends on grade, dimensions, condition, and local market demand.

Wood Age Estimate
Not reliably estimable from this image; surface weathering indicates exposure, not a specific age.

Common Uses

Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, barrels, trim, boatbuilding, and veneer.

Geographic Origin

White oak is native to eastern and central North America.

Workability

Machines and sands well, though its coarse grain can tear out during planing. Pre-drilling is helpful for fasteners; it generally glues and finishes well.

Finish Recommendations

Sand evenly and use oil, shellac, lacquer, or polyurethane; test first, as tannins can react with iron and cause dark stains.

Notable Features

Oak’s visible rays create flecking, especially in quarter-sawn stock; white oak’s closed tyloses contribute to its use in liquid-tight barrels.

Learn more about Likely White Oak; Red Oak is a possible alternative. in the Wood Encyclopedia
Identified October 10, 2026