White Oak
Scientific name:
Quercus alba L.
Geographic origin:
North America.
- Sapwood: cream-colour.
- Heartwood: light brown.
- Fiber: straight.
- Grain: medium size.
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Capacity of being impregnated
- Sapwood: medium capacity of being impregnated.
- Heartwood: no capable of being impregnated.
Mechanical properties
- Resistance to static flexion 1,050 kg/cm2.
- Elasticity module 123,000 kg/cm2.
- Resistance to compression 513 kg/cm2.
Mechanization
- Sawing process: no difficulties, excepting hardness.
- Drying process: slow. Risk of collapse and cementation. Risk of crack formation and sagging.
- Planing process and other processes: those ones characteristic of its hardness.
- Gluing process: difficulties can arise from the use of alkaline glues and acid adhesives.
- Nailing and screwing process: easy.
- Finish: easy.
Physical properties
- Apparent density at 12% humidity 740 kg/m3 heavy wood.
- Dimensional stability
- - Volumetric contraction coefficient 0.43 % stable wood.
- - Relation between contractions 1.95% tendency to deformity.
- Hardness (Chaláis-Meudon) 5.1 hardwood .
Observations
American white oak is versatile and is used in fine furniture, hardwood floors, decorative panels and interior coverings. It is also popular in the manufacture of wine and whiskey barrels due to its ability to enhance the flavor of aged beverages.
