American White Oak
A classic American species found throughout the eastern and central United States. Typically reaching heights of up to one hundred feet, and known to live up to three hundred years in general, American White Oak has become an American classic.
Species
White Oak can reach heights up to one hundred feet when fully mature, which usually takes about twenty years. It has a broad leaf which is capable of beautiful color changes in the Fall.
White Oak is often cultivated as an ornamental tree on account of it's beauty and colorful foliage. It has a large tap root, and not often found in urban area on account of this, it can destroy sidewalks and streets.
Color
When our patrons aren't looking for a light wood, and they're not looking for a dark wood, we recommend White Oak. It's a nice neutral color, which fits in most environments. It stains easily and evenly, better than any other wood we're aware of.
Usage
White Oak fits almost every application you would ever need. It works great as flooring, stair treads, molding, siding, furniture/ cabinet lumber, butcher blocks, and live edge slabs.
It also works great in exterior applications. Architect Marlon Blackwell used White Oak for the facade on his award winning Keenan Tower House in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
White Oak is also used to make whiskey and wine barrels, and creates the mellow sound found in musical instruments such as the banjo.
Fun Facts
White Oak became the state tree of Illinois, after being voted in by school children. It is also the state tree of Connecticut and Maryland.
There is a White Oak tree in Wye Mills, Maryland called the Wye Oak, before being destroyed by a thunderstorm in 2002, it was estimated to be over 450 years old.
The Charter Oak in Connecticut can be found on a Connecticut stamp, a Connecticut half dollar, and the United States mint Connecticut state quarter.
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