White Oak (estimated)
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy grain with a coarse, uneven texture. The image shows hints of a flat-sawn or cathedral grain pattern common in structural lumber and flooring.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with an olive cast; sapwood is lighter white to light brown. Finishes often darken to a deep golden yellow; aging usually results in a warm amber patina.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Durable; excellent rot resistance and high concentration of tannic acids which protect against insects and decay.
Common Uses
Cabinetry, furniture, interior trim, flooring, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 – $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and widening.
Wood Age Estimate
Indeterminate; specimen appears to be modern milled lumber with signs of surface oxidation or light-induced darkening.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Produced good results with hand and machine tools. Has moderately high shrinkage values; requires pre-boring for screws. Reacts with iron (turning blue/black) when wet.
Notable Features
Distinctive tell-tale 'tannic' scent when worked; characterized by tyloses in the pores which make it waterproof and ideal for liquid-tight containers.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well, though large open pores may require grain filler for a glass-smooth surface. Polyurethane or oil-based finishes are common.
Identification Confidence
Low-Medium; the image is significantly out of focus, but the visible color palette, subtle grain lines, and general hue are consistent with domestic White Oak. It could also potentially be Red Oak (Quercus rubra) or a similar temperate hardwood like Ash.