White Oak Quarter Sawn

Quarter sawn lumber is defined as wood where the annular growth rings intersect the face of the board at a 60 to 90 degree angle. When cutting this lumber at the sawmill, each log is sawed at a radial angle into four quarters, hence the name. Dramatic flecking is also present in red oak and white oak. 

Rift sawn wood can be manufactured either as a compliment to quarter sawn lumber or logs can be cut specifically as rift sawn. In rift sawn lumber the annual rings are typically between 30-60 degrees, with 45 degrees being optimum. Manufactured by milling perpendicular to the log’s growth rings producing a linear grain pattern with no flecking. This method produces the most waste, increasing the cost of this lumber. Rift sawn lumber is very dimensionally stable and has a unique linear appearance.

 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

White oak varies in color from light tan to pale yellow-brown with a pinkish tinge. It is similar to European oak. Straight grained with characteristic silver grain in quarter sawn wood. Medium to coarse texture. White Oak is somewhat more figured than Red Oak due to longer rays.

WORKING PROPERTIES

Pre-boring is advised, but takes nails and screws well. Gluing properties vary. Stains well and polishes to a good finish. Medium bending and crushing strength. Low stiffness makes it an excellent steam bending wood.

MAIN USES

Suitable for furniture, cabinetmaking, joinery, heavy construction, parquet and strip flooring, ladder rungs, plywood, veneers, paneling, railroad ties, shakes, shingles.