White oak is found primarily throughout the eastern half of the United States and Canada. This tree usually only grows to heights of 100 feet, but the branches can spread to over 150 feet with the trunk reaching 4 to 5 feet in diameter. Sapwood from the white oak is white to light brown in color, while the heartwood is a rich light yellow to dark brown. White oak weighs 48 pounds per cubic foot.

White oak wears well and is resistant to exterior adversities. The U.S.S. Constitution, made with the wood of the white oak, was called "Old Ironsides" because cannonballs were rumored to bounce off the ship's strong white oak wood siding.

White oak wood is widely used for flooring, farm (non-motor) vehicles, mill products (sash, doors, trim, wainscoting, general millwork), furniture (especially desks and tables, chairs, frames for upholstered furniture), kitchen cabinets, fixtures, railroad cars, boxes, crates, and pallets. It produces some of the finest oak veneers and lumber useful for furniture, while being easy to work with and bending to desire.

The most valuable aspect of white oak comes from its cells, which contain a honeycomb like substance called tyloses. This makes white oak watertight and thus great for boat building and ideal in making whiskey barrels. You'll find it commonly on floors as well.

Experts recommend keeping cutting tools sharp. White oak requires pre-boring for nails and screws. Gluing results vary. White oak wood has high strength, low stiffness, and resistance to shock loads.