White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with prominent, coarse texture. The sample shows a rift-sawn to quarter-sawn orientation, evidenced by the long, thin medullary rays and dark, open vessel lines that create a flecked or 'striated' appearance.
Color Description
Heartwood is light to medium brown, often with an olive cast. In this specific sample, it has been stained a darker 'Golden Oak' or medium brown finish. Naturally, it darkens slightly with age to a deep amber.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to the presence of tyloses in the pores, making it water-resistant. Highly resistant to insect attack.
Common Uses
Cabinetry, furniture (especially Arts and Crafts/Mission style), flooring, boat building, cooperage (barrels), and interior millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $12.00 per board foot (depending on cut and width)
Wood Age Estimate
30-50 years based on the patina, the specific style of the varnish sheen, and the depth of the grain oxidation under the finish.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; not listed on CITES or IUCN Red List. Widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Works well with both hand and machine tools. Responds well to steam bending. Due to high tannin content, it can react with iron fasteners (causing blue/black staining) and may cause mild tearout on interlocked grain.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'tannic' scent when freshly cut. Contains high amounts of tannins which protect the wood but react with steel. Pores are plugged with tyloses, which prevents the passage of liquids through the end grain.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer for durability; oil and wax are recommended for historical restoration to highlight the depth of the medullary rays.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of large, open longitudinal pores, prominent ray fleck, and the 'rift' orientation is characteristic of Quercus species, specifically White Oak given the heartwood hue.