American white oak is the trade name for a variety of hardwood species from the Quercus genus. American white oak is a wood common throughout the eastern United States. The name 'white oak' includes numerous species, eight of which are commercially offered as timber.
American white oak is the trade name for a variety of hardwood species from the Quercus genus. American white oak is a wood common throughout the eastern United States. The name 'white oak' includes numerous species, eight of which are commercially offered as timber. Very similar in appearance and shade to the European oak, American white oak has light-colored sapwood and a light to dark brown heartwood. White oak is mostly straight grained with a medium to coarse texture, with longer rays and more figure than American red oak. It has large distinct growth rings, and some medullary rays may be present.
American white oak is used for a wide range of applications, including shipping and boat building, flooring, architectural joinery, exterior joinery, railways sleepers and wood bridges because of its strength and resistance to decay. It is also an excellent timber for top-quality furniture, interior woodwork and paneling. Due to its impermeability, the wood is suitable for vats and casks holding liquids such as wine and spirits.
American white oak is a hard, heavy timber, and has low stiffness and good overall strength, making it increasingly popular as a structural wood. It also has excellent steam bending qualities. White oak machines well and is easy to glue, nail and screw. It readily accepts stains and polishes to a good finish. The heartwood is vulnerable to lyctid borer attack and to termites.