White Oak

Strong, beautiful, easy to work, and economical — White Oak is as popular today as it was back in the American colonies. And not just for shipbuilding or as wine and whiskey barrels.

In fact, the species first entered the history books back in 1687, when Connecticut colonists hid their previously-granted Royal Charter in the cavity of a giant 800-year-old, White Oak tree to prevent the British from confiscating it. The ploy worked. The tree became known as the “Charter Oak.” And after King James II was overthrown, the Connecticut Charter was recovered and used to govern the colony/state until 1818.

Then, in the late 1700’s, White Oak joined the United States Navy — in the form of “Old Ironsides.” Literally. Along with other Oak lumber, White Oak was, in fact, used to build the USS Constitution, currently the world’s oldest ship of any type still afloat.

Fortunately, White Oak is as aesthetically pleasing as it is historic. A clean, elegant wood, it’s a greyish-brown tan color. And while the sapwood is paler, it’s not always clearly demarcated. White Oak’s grain is straight, with a coarse uneven texture. And when quarter cut, it displays prominent ray fleck patterns.

Delivering in every way you’d expect of a quality wood, White Oak is a popular choice for wood veneer, architectural plywood, cabinetry, flooring, boatbuilding, and barrels.