American White Oak Flooring

American White Oak resembles European Oak, being a mixture of species. However, it is more variable in colour, pale yellowish-brown to mid-brown, sometimes with a pinkish tint. It varies also in quality according to locality; thus Oak from Canada and the Northern USA is generally harder and heavier than that from the Southern States. The characteristic silver grain figure due to broad rays, is highlighted when quarter cut. The grain is generally straight and the texture varies from coarse to medium coarse.

Botanical Name: Quercus spp

Other Names :USA Oak, White Oak

Origin: North America

Seasoning: The timber seasons fairly slowly with a tendency to check and split.

Working Qualities: Considering its density, the timber can be worked fairly readily, taking a smooth finish. The timber can be glued, stained and polished and takes nails and screws well. In common with other species of Oak, White Oak corrodes metals, particularly iron, steel and lead. Blue-black discolorations from the tannic acid in the wood are liable to develop when it is in contact with iron or iron compounds under damp conditions and PVA glues. Use of non-ferrous metals for fastening and fittings is recommended.

Uses: Because of its good all-round strength and resistance to decay, White Oak is used for a wide range of constructional work, including ship and boat building. It is traditional for high-grade furniture, interior woodwork and flooring. Because of its impermeability, the timber is suitable for vats and casks for holding liquids such as wine and spirits.

Availability: Available ex-stock in Random Widths in 25, 40 and 50mm thicknesses.

Stocked: Yes

Grade Description: 

Prime A North American grade for a board to provide 83.3% (10/12ths) clear cuttings. This means that defects such as knots, splits and wane are permitted, but in small quantities. Suitable for furniture and joinery. 

Superior A North American grading rule higher than Prime, does not allow as many defects. The highest grade available. 

Comsels A Grade is lower than Prime and allows more defects with only 66.7% of the boards needing to provide clear cuttings. Suitable for carcass work. 

#2 Comsels The lowest grade, allows for 50% clear cuttings. Suitable only when knots or a rustic look are required 

For more info see the following downloads:

American Hardwood Export Council's (AHEC) Illustrated Grading Guidehttp://www.ahec.org/hardwoods/pdfs/IllustratedGradingGuide.pdf

National Hardwood Lumber Association of America's (NHLA) Grading Booklet - 166 Pageshttp://www.nhla.com/pdf/Rulebook.pdf

Installation by Freedom Flooring Ltd