AMERICAN WHITE OAK: H The most popular of North American species but as with all American hardwoods sapwood is classed as no defect as shown in sample H. Production: S/E, S/E PTW, DIM. Quercus alba/prinus/lyrata Family: Fagaceae Commercial names: White Oak, Overcup Oak (USA). Also marketed with regional names, e.g. Appalachian Oak, Northern and Southern Oak. Distribution: Eastern USA and South Eastern Canada. General Description: Varies in colour from pale yellow-brown to biscuit with a pinkish tint, similar to European Oak. Straight grain, with the characteristic silver grain on quartered material. Appalachian Oak is slow grown producing light weight, mild wood, but Southern States produce fast grown Oak with wide growth rings, and a harder, tougher timber. Medium to coarse texture. Weight averages 760 kg/m3 (47lb/ft3); specific gravity 0.76. Mechanical properties: The wood has medium bending and crushing strengths with low stiffness which makes it an excellent steam bending material. Seasoning: Dries relatively slowly with a tendency to check, split and honeycomb, and requires careful handling for air drying and kilning. There is medium movement in service. Working properties: Vary according to rate of growth. Slow grown oak being much easier to work with hand and machine tools. The timber takes nails and screws well, although pre-boring is advised; its gluing properties are variable; stains and polishes to a good finish. Durability: Logs are liable to severe insect attack. The heartwood is durable and extremely resistant to preservative treatment, and the sapwood is moderately resistant. Uses: Milder than European Oak to work and suitable for furniture and cabinetmaking, joinery, heavy construction, parquet and strip flooring, pews and pulpits, boat building, ladder rungs, agricultural implements, wagon bottoms, cooperage and coffins. Has now become one of the most popular timbers for use in shopfitting and high class joinery. JBT Comments: Traditionally used for interior applications but with the demand for non tropical hardwoods for exterior use. American White Oak is becoming increasingly popular for shop fronts, window frames and other exterior applications. It is not the most ideal timber for this application and should be prepared and treated with care. Our stocks of American White Oak originate in the Northern and Appalachian regions where slower grown trees are available giving a consistent colour and even grain. Please note that under N.H.L.A. rules, sapwood is not classed as a defect. We specify that we will only accept minimal sapwood from our shippers. All our stock and the vast majority of White Oak imported into the UK is plain sawn/crown cut. Rift and quarter sawn material is available to order in the thinner thicknesses. Glacial/Great Lakes American White Oak For customers who require a good even colour in American White Oak particularly for kitchen door production. We offer “Glacial” and “Great Lakes” American White Oak. Grown in Wisconsin and Northern Illinois which have long frigid winters and cool summers. The harsh climate results in the slowest growing, tightest grained timber available from the United States. The stock is normally available in 1 ins thickness and is reasonably sap free on one face only. To assist in selection for grade and colour the boards are hit and miss abrasive sanded on both faces down to 15/16” before grading. Available in random boards and dimensions. Certification: We have established a supply of American White Oak which is produced from well managed forests, independently certified in accordance with the rules of the Forest Stewardship Council A.C. All our Certified Timber is processed through our Chains of Custody which are audited by BM TRADA Certification. Grade: Export grade 80% FAS 20% FAS IF or better. No1 common available in 1in. Specification:Square edge; 8ft and longer. 5ins and wider allowing up to 10% 6ft/7ft and/or 4ins. The following are available in 1in thickness only. (1) Clear shorts, 4ft to 6ft long (allowing up to 10% 3ft long). 3ins and wider. (2) 10ft only stock ideal for mouldings. (3) 8ins and 10ins and wider stock - 8ft and longer. (4) No1 common, 6ft and longer 4ins and wider. Stockholdings: 2,000 cubic feet in kiln dried stock: 1in to 4ins thickness.