White Oak

Scientific Name: Quercus Alba

Other Common Names: Stave Oak, Ridge White Oak, Forked-Leaf White Oak, Fork-Leaf Oak

White Oak, a robust hardwood from the Eastern U.S., is valued for its durability and versatile beauty. Known for its tactile grain and distinctive ā€œfleckingā€ in rift-sawn pieces, it is a top choice for architectural elements and fine furniture. Over time, it develops a patina that underscores its long-lasting appeal and design versatility.

The wood’s varied hues, from light sapwood to medium brown heartwood, and ray fleck patterns, make each piece unique. White Oak is adaptable in its uses, from traditional furniture and flooring to modern designs and even outdoor settings, thanks to its moisture and decay resistance—qualities that also make it ideal for making whiskey barrels (staves).

Machining
Sanding
Finishing
Gluing
Fastening

Screwing/Nailing

Quick Fact:

White Oak is perfect for whiskey barrels and boat transoms thanks to its tyloses, structures inside the wood’s vessels, blocking them and making it watertight and resistant to rot.

What’s White Oak Used For?
  • Flooring
  • Cabinetry
  • Furniture
  • Millwork
  • Mine Timbers
  • Ships Caskets
  • Whiskey Barrels
Why White Oak?
  • Patina with age
  • Strong grain texture
  • Long-lasting hardness
  • Resists moisture
  • Uniform, versatile design
  • Timeless finish

NWH Appalachian is available as PEFC certified, FSC Mix Credit, FSC Controlled Wood or PEFC Controlled Sources.

How Does White Oak Compare To Other North American Hardwood Species?

Lumber
(12 % moisture content)
MachiningSandingFinishingGluingFastening/
Nailing/
Screwing
Weight
per bdft
Specific
Gravity
(Density)
Hardness
(Janka)
Bending
Strength
(MOR)
Bending
Stiffness
(MOE)
Dimensional
Movement
(Shrinkage)
R (%)
Dimensional
Movement
(Shrinkage)
T (%)
Alder101010972.45.415909,8001,3804.47.3
Ash9109863.56.611,32015,0001,7404.97.8
Basswood10109882.50.374108,7001,4606.69.3
Beech8810883.69.641,26014,9001,7205.511.9
Cherry10910973.07.5295012,3001,4903.77.1
Hickory377334.14.671,82013,7001,7304.98.9
Hard Maple9810943.73.641,45015,8001,8304.89.9
PC Maple9910952.74.5085010,7001,4503.77.1
Soft Maple8910953.19.5595013,4001,6404.08.2
Red Oak (Northern)10109973.64.631,22014,3801,7614.08.6
Oregon White Oak999884.34.721,64010,2001,0904.29.0
White Oak (Eastern)9109773.94.681,35014,3801,7624.48.8
Poplar9810962.81.4354010,1001,5804.68.2
Walnut989773.36.561,01014,6001,6805.57.8
Yellow Birch10810823.53.621,26016,6002,0107.39.5

Grades Available

Tailored for Appalachian hardwoods, NWH’s proprietary grades focus on structural integrity and dimensional consistency—helping you optimize yield, cutting efficiency, and overall value.
4 Grades Available
White Oak Prime is our highest yielding grade, yielding at a minimum 83-1/3% clear -face cuttings. M...
Applications
  • Cabinet Doors
  • Entry Doors
  • Furniture
  • Millwork
White Oak #1 Common is the high end of mid-grade lumber and is graded from the worst face for clear ...
Applications
  • Cabinets
  • Components
  • Furniture
Rustic White Oak is designed for rustic and distressed furniture, cabinetry and flooring application...
Applications
  • Rustic Cabinets
  • Furniture
  • Flooring
  • Millwork
  • Specialty Wood Products
White Oak #2A is designed to yield shorter cuttings, with the best face yielding a minimum of 50% cl...
Applications
  • Panels
  • Drawer Fronts
  • Picture Frames
  • Flooring
  • Toys
  • Table Legs