Distribution: The
geographical distribution of the White oaks, which include
White oak (Q. alba ), Chestnut oak (Q. prinus ), Chingkapin
oak (Q. muehlenbergii ), Swamp chestnut oak (Q. michauxii
), Swamp white oak (Q. bicolor), Bur oak (Q. macrocarpa ),
Post oak (Q. stellata ), California white oak (Q. lobata
), and Oregon white oak (Q. garryana ), in North America
is reported to include Ontario, Quebec, Alabama, Arkansas,
Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas,
Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan,
Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Great Smoky
Mountain National Park, Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, New Hampshire,
New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode
Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont,
Wisconsin, and West Virginia. It is usually found in pure
stands and prefers moist, well-drained upland and lowland
areas.
General Characteristics: The
mature tree usually attains a height of 80 to 100 feet
(34 to 30 m) and a diameter of 36 to 48 inches (90 to 120
cm). The heartwood is variable in color, and ranges
from light tan or pale yellow brown to pale or dark brown.
The wood may also have a pinkish tinge. Variations in color
and grain are reported to be considerable, but not as pronounced
as in red oak. The sapwood is whitish to light brown in
color, and is variable in width. The wood is medium to
coarse textured; the grain is described as open, with rays
that are longer than those in red oak. There are occasional
crotches, swirls and burls, and plainsawn boards have plumed
or flare-grained appearance. The grain pattern is tighter,
and figuring is usually lower in riftsawn lumber. Quartersawn
material often has a flake pattern which is sometimes referred
to as tiger rays or butterflies. There is no distinctive
odor or taste
Weight: Basic specific gravity
(ovendry weight/green volume) 0.68; air-dry density N/A.
Working Properties: The
wood has moderate blunting effect on cutting tools. Cutting
resistance is reported to be generally medium but is variable.
Cross-cutting and narrow-bandsawing are reported to be
satisfactory. Machining characteristics of white oak timbers
are reported to vary with species and rate of growth. Softer
timber from slow-growth trees are reported to be generally
easier to work. Planing properties are rated as good, but
a cutting angle of 20 degrees has been recommended. Turning
qualities are reported to be very good. The timber is reported
to be difficult to mould. The timber responds well to ordinary
tools to produce clean, bored holes. Mortising qualities
are reported to be very good. The wood has satisfactory
gluing qualities. Pre-boring is recommended in nailing
operations, since the wood is hard. Screwing qualities
are reported to be good. The material is reported to respond
well to sanding operations. Reaction between tannins and
liquid from some products, especially those with high water
content such as bleach and water-based finishes, may turn
the wood green or brown. White oak timbers are reported
to have exceptional steam bending qualities, and defect
free material is reported to bend to very small radius
of curvature. Proper precautions should be taken to prevent
chemical staining of steamed wood in contact with iron
or steel.
Durability: Heartwood resistance
to decay is reported to be high in white oaks. Logs are
reported to be susceptible to severe attack by ambrosia
beetles, and standing trees and logs are also readily attacked
by forest longhorn or Butrespid beetles.
Preservation: White oak
heartwood is reported to have exceptionally poor response
to treatment with preservatives. Sapwood has moderate resistance
to impregnation. High natural resistance to decay allows
the heartwood to be used outdoors without chemical protection.
|
