White Oak Species

White Oak

Quercus alba

One of our longest lived oak species in the Appalachian region, white oak is prized for wood working, wildlife benefits, and aesthetics. The wood is light brown in color and durable. Which make it suited for flooring, cabinets and other fine furniture.
The acorns of white oak trees are a favorite for wildlife and farm animals. Farmers use to let their hogs roam the local forest to fatten up on the sweet acorns before slaughter. Due to their low tannin levels people can also enjoy white oak acorns. 

Here is a great recipe for cold processing acorns into flour.

The wood cells of white oaks are plugged with a crystalline structure called tyloses. This cause the wood to be watertight, which is why white oak is used for whiskey/wine barrels and ship building.

Chestnut Oak

Quercus Montana

As a member of the white oak family, the wood of the chestnut oak is similar in color and texture to white oak. In the sawmill industry chestnut oak logs are sawn with white oak logs. However chestnut oak does not contain tyloses in its wood cells, therefore cannot be used in whiskey barrel production. This species is commonly sought after by mills who produce quarter sawn lumber, due to its larger ray cell size.
A log sitting on top of a pile of wood.
A group of logs with blue tape on them.
The logs are laying on the ground in a dirt area.
A close up image of a pile of logs.
A green leaf on the bark of a tree.

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