White Oak

Specs

Common Names

White oak

Scientific Name

Quercus alba

Origin

Eastern United States

Appearance

Heartwood is a light to medium brown, commonly with an olive cast. Paler sapwood is not always sharply demarcated from the heartwood. Quartersawn sections display prominent ray fleck patterns (see images below). Red oak (Quercus rubra) tends to have a slightly redder cast (as opposed to olive), but color alone isn’t always a reliable method of determining the type of oak. Grain is straight, with a coarse, uneven texture.

Avg. Dried Weight

47 lbs/ft3 (755 kg/m3)

Janka Hardness

1350 lbf

Modulus of Rupture

14,830 lbf/in2 (102.3 MPa)

Elastic Modulus

1,762,000 lbf/in2 (12.15 GPa)

Crushing Strength

7,370 lbf/in2 (50.8 MPa)

Shrinkage

Radial: 5.6%, Tangential: 10.5%

Durability

Rated as very durable; frequently used in boatbuilding and tight cooperage applications.

Workability

Produces good results with hand and machine tools. Has moderately high shrinkage values, resulting in mediocre dimensional stability, especially in flatsawn boards. Can react with iron (particularly when wet) and cause staining and discoloration. Responds well to steam-bending. Glues, stains, and finishes well.