White Oak

Quercus alba, spp.

White Oak, like Red Oak, grows broadly across the eastern half of the United States. Although in smaller quantities than Red Oak, White Oak is a ring porous species with a characteristic strong grain and rays that are longer and more pronounced than those in Red Oaks. The heartwood is light to medium tan; the sapwood is slightly contrasting creamy-white. White Oak typically grows more slowly than Red Oak, and produces lumber with a "softer" grain pattern. The pores in the heartwood are impervious to liquid, making White Oak suitable for cooperage.

Ask about our special Rustic White Oak grade!

General Information

Uses Availability Price
Furniture, cabinets, cooperage, windows and exterior doors, interior decoration including flooring, mouldings, and wall/ceiling paneling. Generally available in thicknesses 4/4 through 8/4. 10/4 and thicker available in more limited quantities. Moderate to valuable.

Relative Working Properties

Machining Resistance to splitting in nailing Resistance to splitting in screwing Gluing
Excellent Good Excellent Good

Physical Properties

Specific gravity (12% m.c.) Average shipping weight kilograms (kg) per cubic metre (m3) air dry Average volumetric shrinkage (oven dry % of green) Modulus of rupture (kilopascals) Modulus of elasticity (megapascals) Side hardness (newtons)
0.68 640 15.5 105000 12300 6000
Image