White Oak (Quercus alba)

 

Family - Fagaceae

 

Distribution - Canada and eastern USA

 

Other Names: Appalachian oak, Arizona white oak, Cucharillo, Encino negro, Mamecillo, Roble amarillo / colorado / encino, Roblecito, Southern oak, Stave oak.

 

Characteristics: American white oak varies in colour, ranging from pale yellow-brown to a pale reddish-brown, often with a pinkish tint. On quarter sawn surfaces a prominent and attractive silver-grain figure. The grain is generally straight, and the texture varies from course to medium coarse. White oak weighs about 770 Kg / m3 when dried.

 

Working qualities: Easy to work and can be finished smoothly if care is given. The timber can ben glued, stained and polished, and takes nails and screws well. White Oak is rated as being durable.

 

Uses: Heavy construction, flooring, furniture, pews and pulpits, doors, counters, boats, agricultural implements and veneer. White Oak cooperage barrels are the only satisfactory timber containers for beer, wine and alcoholic spirits.