Native to North America and Europe, white oak has been used in ship building, fine furniture, millwork, and wine barrels. It has a creamy color, striking
graining, and beautiful quartersawn figure. It's beauty and stability have made it a staple of the furniture industry for centuries. White oak has been used by architectural designers, from the Victorian era's
Charles Eastlake to our own Frank Lloyd Wright, for millwork, furniture, and structure.
Additionally, its strength and weather resistance made it prized for ship building and cooperage. The white oak planking on the USS Constitution ( "Old Ironsides") withstood broadsides from 12" British cannon. As a testament to its durability, the USS Constitution is still an active duty US Navy ship. And, as any vintner can tell you, there is no substitute for white oak casks in the wine business.