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Oak

Domestic Species Focus: 2 Species of Oak

Last updated on May 23, 2017 by Sozo Staff Leave a Comment


Domestic hardwood lumber species such as Maple and Walnut are certainly part of our nation’s rich history. At the same time, one could argue that Oak is even more representative of our rich lumber heritage. Two specific species, White Oak and Red Oak, are still widely available today, making them both affordable hardwood options for interior and exterior use.

White Oak

White Oak

The White Oak tree grows quite tall, allowing it to produce strong lumber with straight, consistent grain. Its size allows it to be easily matched for wider panels, making it ideal for use in furniture and cabinetry. One characteristic unique to this species is its striking appearance when quartersawn. Quartersawn White Oak displays medullary rays while also providing an extremely high degree of stability.

As the species-of-choice during the Arts and Crafts era of American furniture during the 1900s, White Oak represents for many “the simple pleasures of traditional craftsmanship and artistry” and the “idealism, beauty and simplicity” that challenged the machines of the Industrial Revolution and all the lifestyle changes that era brought.

Today, applications for White Oak have expanded to include exterior applications, such as trim and garden structures, as well as timber frames in Japanese-style architecture. While White Oak boards may be unremarkable in appearance, their ability to take stain well and finish easily and beautifully allows the species to offer plenty of options to the creative craftsman.

Red Oak

Like White Oak and other North American Oak species, the Red Oak tree grows to be quite large, allowing it to yield plenty of wide, thick boards and making it quite an affordable option. Due to the Red Oak’s vast growth range, inconsistencies can occur; J. Gibson McIlvain avoids that issue by sourcing only from Northern, colder climates, which produce deep coloring and tight growth rings.

The sapwood of Red Oak is not suitable for use, but at the same time presence of sapwood isn’t often considered in grading. J. Gibson McIlvain takes care to downgrade Red Oak that includes sapwood, making sure each board meets the minimum grading category requirements once sapwood has been removed.

A strong species with open grain structure, it can cause dulling to cutting edges; as a result, extremely sharp tools are needed, or splintering will inevitably occur. While the grain combines with open pores, allowing Red Oak to be able to be finished well, sometimes pore filler is needed. The many pores available to capture the pigment allows Red Oak to stain well. Due to the tannins of Red Oak, this species can cause corrosion of steel fasteners, which in turn can cause staining of the wood. Water-based glues or steel clamps can also cause similar staining.

Because of the high availability and low cost of Red Oak, it is used for a variety of applications, including shelving, merchandising fixtures, and millwork.

Continue Reading About the Wood Industry

• The First Three Steps Toward Expert Millwork
• Understanding Factors Affecting Lumber Pricing

J. Gibson McIlvain Company

Since 1798, when Hugh McIlvain established a lumber business near Philadelphia, the McIlvain family has been immersed in the premium import and domestic lumber industry. With its headquarters located just outside of Baltimore, the J. Gibson McIlvain Company (www.mcilvain.com) is one of the largest U.S. importers of exotic woods.

As an active supporter of sustainable lumber practices, the J. Gibson McIlvain Company has provided fine lumber for notable projects throughout the world, including the White House, Capitol building, Supreme Court, and the Smithsonian museums.

Contact a representative at J. Gibson McIlvain today by calling (800) 638-9100.

Filed Under: Oak

All About Oak – Red, White, and Blue

Last updated on May 14, 2013 by Sozo Staff Leave a Comment

White Oak
White Oak

As an American company with roots dating back to our pre-nationhood days, J. Gibson McIlvain Lumber is proud to offer many domestic hardwoods in addition to our increasingly diverse selection of tropical hardwood species. While exotic hardwoods are certainly trending — particularly as decking species — many believe they pale in comparison to the a timeless beauty of Oak.

Red Oak

Because of its high availability, Red Oak is affordably priced, particularly for such a strong and hearty species. Its open grain structure allows it to bend easily, but sharp tools are needed to avoid issues with splintering. Part of the reason for Red Oak’s high level of availability is its massive size; however, its large growth range can also lead to inconsistencies among trees. This potential downside can be accommodated by sourcing Red Oak from Northern regions that produce slower-growing trees with tighter growth rings and richer coloring and stronger, more splinter-resistant boards.

The open pores and grain provide a unique challenge for woodworkers. While Red Oak finishes well, attaining a uniform surface can be difficult without a pore filler. At the same time, the species’ many pores allow the wood to capture pigment, providing an ideal surface for stain. Another challenge Red Oak provides is that, due to its high level of tannins, it can corrode steel fasteners, eventually causing staining of the wood. Water-based glues and steel fasteners also contribute to this unsightly situation, so they should be avoided, as well.

Common applications of Red Oak include millwork and many merchandising provisions in retail outlets.

Grading dried lumber
Grading dried lumber

White Oak

Like Red Oak, White Oak is a highly available and affordable domestic hardwood. Its strength and straight, consistent grain provides versatility and easy matching for wider panels. As a result, White Oak has long been a favorite species of cabinet and furniture makers.  One aspect of White Oak that sets it apart from other species is its medullary rays that are apparent in quartersawn boards. Highly stable, quartersawn White Oak enjoyed popularity as the prime species used in the domestic arts and crafts movement of the early 1900s.

Today’s market for White Oak is far from limited to furniture making. Due to the wood’s water resistance, today’s uses include exterior applications such as trim, general construction, and even garden structures and outdoor furniture. It is particularly popular for timber framing in Japanese architecture.

Despite White Oak’s relatively plain appearance, the fact that it finishes beautifully and takes stain well makes it a popular choice.

True Blue

j gibson mcilvain lumber companyBoth Red Oak and White Oak have been stricken by poor forestry stewardship in the past, but today’s North American Oak population is being managed responsibly. J. Gibson McIlvain Lumber continues to maintain a large inventory of Oak, just as we have for centuries in the American business.

J. Gibson McIlvain Company

Since 1798, when Hugh McIlvain established a lumber business near Philadelphia, the McIlvain family has been immersed in the premium import and domestic lumber industry. With its headquarters located just outside of Baltimore, the J. Gibson McIlvain Company (www.mcilvain.com) is one of the largest U.S. importers of exotic woods. As an active supporter of sustainable lumber practices, the J. Gibson McIlvain Company has provided fine lumber for notable projects throughout the world, including the White House, Capitol building, Supreme Court, and the Smithsonian museums.

To order oak, contact a lumber sales representative at J. Gibson McIlvain Company by calling toll free 800-638-9100.

Learn more about the lumber industry:

  • Lumber resource sustainability relies on us to keep buying wood
  • Choosing the best wood for your project is key to your success
  • J Gibson McIlvain’s custom architectural millwork services

Filed Under: Oak

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