White Oak is one of most versatile species in the wood industry and one of the most popular for using in cabinetry. You can get three very distinct looks from White Oak based on the milling process used to cut the log into boards: Plain-sawn, Rift-sawn and Quarter-sawn.
Strength and Durability
White Oak is a dense and hard wood so it is ideal for cabinetry that sees a lot of daily use, especially kitchens and bathrooms. White Oak resists dents, scratches, and wears much better than softer species like pine or alder. Because of its closed-cell structure, it’s rot- and moisture-resistant and less prone to warping or swelling with humidity changes. Quarter-sawn White Oak in particular is extremely stable and much less prone to cupping/warping/twisting than other woods or plain-sawn White Oak due to the way it is cut in relation to the direction of the grain.
Distinctive Grain and Appearance
The grain pattern of White Oak is straight and tight. It has occasional rays and flecks that create a classic, timeless look. This makes it very adaptable for using in both traditional and modern cabinetry designs.
- Rift-sawn or quarter-sawn White Oak, in particular, produces striking linear or flake patterns that many designers love for contemporary styles.
Color Variation
White Oak has one of the most dynamic color spectrums of all wood species. All three sawing varieties of White Oak tend to have color that can range from light tan, to reddish-brown to dark brown. Sometimes even on the same board. Because of the wide spectrum of colors represented within the White Oak species, color variation from one piece to another is to be expected and is considered normal, even with material that has all come from the same tree.
When incorporating plywood, solid wood and veneer, even more variation is to be expected. And variation from one sheet of plywood or veneered MDF to another is also to be expected. This is not a defect in White Oak; this is an accurate representation of material that comes from a White Oak tree.
Using a darker stain on White Oak tends to bring more uniformity in color.
View our New Oak Stain Colors
If you’d like to use White Oak for your next remodeling project, Keystone Wood Specialties offers sample color blocks and sample doors in the species and the stain color or a custom color of your choice. Contact our Customer Service team for your sample at 717.299.6288 or info@keystonewood.com.