Oak, American White

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		Oak, American White Botanical Name: Quercus spp Common Name(s): USA Oak, White Oak Origin: North America
OverviewBasic InfoTechnical General: 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 the broad rays, is shown to advantage on quarter cut material. The grain is generally straight and the texture varies from coarse to medium coarse. Seasoning: The timber seasons fairly slowly with a tendency to check and split. Working: 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 Grade: Prime A North American grade for a board to provide 83.3% (10/12ths) clear cuttings of either 3" x 7' or 4" x 5'. 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 lower than Prime that allows more defects, only 66.7% of the boards needs to provide clear cuttings of 3" x 2'. 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 Guide http://www.ahec.org/hardwoods/pdfs/IllustratedGradingGuide.pdf National Hardwood Lumber Association of America's (NHLA) Grading Booklet - 166 Pages http://www.nhla.com/pdf/Rulebook.pdf Stocked: Yes Price: Availability: Available ex-stock in Random Widths in 25, 40 and 50mm thicknesses. Supply - Resource Certification Primary Supplier(s): Cole Hardwoods, Baillie Lumber Durability - Durability Durability (In Ground) Durability (Above Ground): Moderately Durable Density Density Air Dried 640 kg/m² Shrinkage Shrinkage Radial 3.0 - 5.0 % (Green to 12% MC) Shrinkage Tangental: 5.0 - 8.0 % (Green to 12% MC) Stability Stability Kiln Dried Stable Stability Green: Prone to shrinkage Mechanical Properties Mechanical Links Janka Hardness: (Average) 6.0 kN Modulus of Rupture / Bending Strength: 105 MPa (N/mm² or MN/m²) Modulus of Elasticity / Stiffness: 12 GPa (GN/m²) Maximum Crushing Strength: 51 MPa (N/mm² or MN/m²) Strength Group Unseasoned: S6 Strength Group Seasoned: SD6 Moisture Meter Reading Corrections Moisture Meter Reading Corrections: Fire Indicies Ignitability Index: (NZ/AS 1530.3) Flame Spread Index: (NZ/AS 1530.3) Heat Evolved Index: (NZ/AS 1530.3) Smoke Developed Index: (NZ/AS 1530.3) Flame Spread Index: (ASTM E84) 100 Smoke Developed index: (ASTM E84) 100

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