White Oak - Rough Lumber

White Oak - Rough Lumber

Scientific Name: Quercus alba

Origin: United States (East)

Average Weight: 47.0 lbs/ft³ (755 kg/m³)

Common Uses: Cabinetry, furniture, interior trim, flooring, boatbuilding, barrels, and veneers.

Color/Appearance: Heartwood can range from light to dark brown with darker brown streaks. The color can sometimes have a gray, purple, or reddish cast. The sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Figured grain patterns such as curl and burl are also common.

Shrinkage:

• Radial: 5.6%
• Tangential: 10.5%
• Volumetric: 16.3%
• T/R Ratio: 1.9

Workability: Produces good results with both hand and machine tools. It has moderately high shrinkage values, which can lead to poor dimensional stability, especially in flat-sawn boards. It can react with iron (especially when wet), causing staining and discoloration. Glues, stains, and finishes well.

Responds well to steam bending.

Density: Janka Hardness: 1,350 lbf - For comparison: White Pine 420 lbf - Black Cherry 1,260 lbf