White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Predominantly straight grain with a coarse, uneven texture. The sample shows a flat-sawn (plain-sawn) orientation with visible large, open earlywood pores and some cathedral patterning appearing in the blurred background.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with a yellowish-olive cast; sapwood is light tan to nearly white. Displays characteristic golden tones when finished, though this sample shows some surface oxidation (graying) and finish wear.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the pores which make the wood nearly waterproof.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), interior trim, and heavy construction.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears to be from a piece of furniture or flooring approximately 10 to 30 years old, evidenced by the slight ambering of the topcoat and visible surface abrasions.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Produces good results with hand and machine tools. It has moderately high shrinkage, so dimensional stability can be an issue. Can react with iron (especially when wet) and cause staining.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'oaky' scent when being worked; high tannin content; contains tyloses in heartwood pores which differentiate it from Red Oak.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well. Polyurethane is recommended for durability, though an oil-based finish will enhance the golden color. Fill grain if a glass-smooth surface is desired.
Identification Confidence
High; the visible open-pore structure, color, and grain movement are classic indicators of North American Oak, specifically White Oak based on the olive/tan hue.