White Oak

Botanical Name

Quercus alba

Other Common Names

Bur Oak, Chestnut Oak, Stave Oak

Region

Eastern United States and Southern Canada

The Tree

White Oak may be reach heights of 65-85 feet, with a dimeter of 4 feet. White Oak is the state tree of Connecticut, Illinois, and Maryland. Connecticut’s state quarter was minted with a picture and inscription of a famous White Oak tree, The Charter Oak.

Appearance

Heartwood is a light to medium brown, with a reddish cast. Nearly white/light brown sapwood is not always sharply defined from the heartwood. Quartersawn sections display prominent ray fleck patterns.(Red Oak tends to be slightly redder).

Properties

The grain is straight, with a course, uneven texture. White Oak is rated as durable and is commonly used in boatbuilding and tight cooperage applications.

Working Properties

Produces good results with hand and machine tools. It Can react with iron when it is wet and cause staining and discoloration. Reacts well to steam-bending. It glues, stains, and finishes well.

Uses

Cabinetry, furniture, interior trim, flooring, boatbuilding, barrels and veneer.

Availability

Abundant availability in a good range of widths and thickness(both flatsawn and quartersawn). Slightly more expensive than Red Oak.