American White Oak
Durability: Durable
Colour: Medium
Sizes available: 25, 40, 50 mm
| Trade Name: | American White Oak |
| Botanical Species: | Quercus spp. |
| Other Names: | Chestnut Oak |
| Country of Origin: | U.S.A. |
| Air Dry Density: | 735kgs/m³ |
| Durability: | Durable |
| Strength: | SD5 |
| Seasoning: | The timber seasons fairly slowly with a tendency to check and split. |
| Characteristics: | ||
| • | American White Oak resembles European Oak, being a mixture of species. However it is more variable in colour, pale yellowish-brown to mid-brown. It varies also in quality according to the locality; thus Oak from Canada and the Northern USA is generally harder and heavier than that from the Southern States. | |
| • | The characteristic silver grain figure, due to the broad rays, is shown to advantage on quarter cut material. | |
| • | The grain is generally straight and the texture varies from coarse to medium coarse. | |
| Working Qualities: | ||
| • | Considering its density, the timber can be worked fairly readily, taking a smooth finish. | |
| • | The timber can be glued, stained and polished and takes nails and screws well. | |
| • | In common with other species of Oak, White Oak corrodes metals, particularly iron, steel and lead. | |
| • | Blue-black discolourations from the tannic acid in the wood are liable to develop when it is in contact with iron or iron compounds under damp conditions and PVA glues. | |
| • | Use of non-ferrous metals for fastening and fittings is recommended. | |
| Uses: | ||
| • | Because of its good all-round strength and resistance to decay, White Oak is used for a wide range of constructional work, including ship and boat building. | |
| • | It is traditional for high-grade furniture, interior woodwork and flooring. | |
| • | Because of its impermeability, the timber is suitable for vats and casks for holding liquids such as wine and spirits. | |
| Product Attributes: | ||
| • | Pale cream to yellowish brown sometimes with a pink tinge. | |
| • | Distinctive grain feature. | |
| • | Takes stain and polish well. | |
| • | Grain is generally straight with a medium to coarse texture. | |
| • | Machines and turns well. | |
| Product Limitations: | ||
| • | Random widths. | |
| • | Can corrode iron, steels and lead. | |
| • | American grading rules apply. | |
