Name |
White Oak (Quercus alba) |
Type |
Hardwood. |
Other Names |
Also known as eastern white oak, stave oak, ridge white oak, cucharillo, encino, and roble. |
Sources |
Grows in United States and Canada. Wood marketed as white oak may contain other white oak species but Quercus alba is primary species. |
Appearance |
Straight grained with a medium-coarse to coarse texture. Light tannish heartwood with narrow, nearly white sapwood. |
Physical Props |
Heavy, hard and strong with outstanding wear-resistance. Moderate stability in use. Steam-bends very well. Very durable heartwood – ideal for casks and barrels. |
Working Props |
Machines similarly to red oak but has greater tendency to chip and splinter. Turns well. Difficult to work by hand. Nails and screws satisfactorily although pre-drilling recommended. Glues satisfactorily. Stains and finishes well with no need to fill pores for smoothness. Contact with metal results in dark staining. |
Uses |
Uses include outdoor furniture, boats, cooperage, flooring, interior furniture – especially chairs and tables, turnery, baskets, trim, millwork, and veneers. |