Durability:
Somewhat Durable

Workability:
Workable

Price Rating:
Expensive

Weight:
760 kg/m3

Typical Tree Height:
25-30m

Trunk Diameter:
0.9-1.2m

Length Ranges:
1.8-4.5m

Width Ranges:
100-300mm

Description:

American White Oak

The heartwood of American White oak can vary in colour from light tan or pale yellow-brown to dark or pale brown, and can even have a pinkish tint. American Oak usually has a straight but open grain and is fairly course in texture. An attractive Oak with multi uses. Normally used internally only

At Wooduchoose we offer American White Oak, or American Oak for most of our products. We recommend as; American Oak skirting board, American Oak architrave, American Oak cover fillets, American Oak mouldings. There are however many other products that this wood can be used for.

Further reading on Oak (American White) timber: If you would like to read a full profile specification on Oak (American White) timber, please visit our sister site, Any One wood, The online wood reference database. https://www.anyonewood.com/oak-american-white/

Material Type:
Hardwood

Also Called:
Arizona Oak, Roble, Stave Oak

Durability Notes:
American White Oak heartwood is resistant to decay, but the wood can be attacked by ambrosia beetles and other insects. It is resistant to preservative treatment. American Oak is not ideal for exterior use due to movement in service.

Seasoning:
The drying and seasoning of Oak (American White) is dependant on a number of factors; the speed in which it is processed after felling and logging, the method of drying and the specific kilns or location (if air dried). Generally the care taken by those processing the wood will have an impact on its drying and seasoning. As an overview; Oak (American White) - It is slow drying and challenging to season. End and surface checks, honeycombing, collapse, ring failure and iron staining can occur whilst drying. There is moderate movement of this wood in service. Please note that all wood is liable to move when in service plus there can be dimensional change. The extent of this will depend on; the stability of the species itself, the conditions it is exposed to, the coating, decoration and protection. You will find more information about the suitability of this wood, for any proposed application, by using our interactive system and the filters shown.

Properties:
White oak is a hard and heavy wood with medium crushing and bending strength and low stiffness. The wood has excellent steam-bending properties and has exceptional resistance to wear. It has tolerable blunting effect on cutting edges but generally works well, though this depends on the precise species used. Oak planes, turns, machines, sands, mortices, stains and polishes well. Pre-drilling is advised for nailing and screwing and it glues adequately. The tannin content can react with ferrous metals to cause iron staining. Not ideal for use externally as dimensional movement can be considerable when exposed to different conditions.

Typical Uses:
Furniture and cabinetmaking, joinery, office furniture, boatbuilding, trim, panelling, flooring, cooperage for wine and whisky, coffins, shingles, sleepers (railroad ties); also sliced for figured veneers and rotary-cut for plywood

Spiritual Properties:
'Mighty oaks from little acorns grow' goes the quote. This tree inspires us to be strong in body, mind and spirit. It is a sacred and revered tree representing endurance, power, protection and authority.

Moisture Content:
8-12% KD

Wood Worker's Thoughts:
Similar to it's European cousin but is often drier. Moves dramatically if exposed externally. Thicker sections 50mm upwards can have pocket splits and shakes which are not apparent until machining. But all in all a very attractive timber used for multiple applications. European Oak is the recommend option for external applications.

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