Appalachian Species & Grades

Other Common Names: Stave Oak, Ridge White Oak, Forked-Leaf White Oak and Fork-Leaf Oak White Oak is grown in both the Glacial and Appalachian regions. Strong, economical and rot-resistant, White Oak is very valuable to makers as an important source of wood for furniture, veneer, paneling, and flooring. The sapwood of White Oak is white to very light brown, while the heartwood is light to dark brown. It has more figure than Red Oak, with a distinctive open grain and coarse texture. Fast-grown oak, with wide rings, is stronger and heavier than slow-grown oak. White Oak is also used to make railroad ties, fence posts, mine timbers, ships, and caskets and whiskey barrels.