Red Oak or White Oak: Which Is Easier to Mill?

Sawyers work with many different kinds of wood. And for every type of wood, there are advantages and disadvantages when it come to milling it. Such is the case for two particular kinds of wood: Red Oak and White Oak. They might come from the same species of tree, however, there are some major differences between the two. But is one type of Oak easier to mill than the other? Before we answer that question, let’s learn a little bit more about Oak.

Did you know that there are around 600 species of Oak? True oak trees belong to the Quercus genus, which is part of the beech family, Fagaceae. These plants originate in the Northern hemisphere and are commonly known for producing acorns. Oak trees are further separated into three subgenera, which include red oaks, white oaks, and black oaks. The wood from oak trees is known for its durability, distinctive grain, and resistance to warping.

Red Oak

Red Oak is considered one of the most widely distributed oak trees in North America. It is a hardy tree that is reddish or brownish in color. Many people prefer to plant Red Oak because it is a fast-growing tree. In fact, the Northern Red Oak grows up to 24 inches a year. These trees normally reach up 75 feet in height but have also been known to reach heights of 150 feet and a diameter of 4 feet.

The sapwood of Red Oak is almost white in color and is one to two inches thick. The heartwood is brown with a tinge of red. Red Oak has a straight grain with an uneven and course texture. The pores of Red Oak are very large and open. Because of these large pores, Red Oak has a higher moisture content and tends to shrink more. After it’s dried in the kiln, Red Oak can sometimes have the appearance of a honeycomb. This kind of wood also sometimes has an unpleasant odor.

Throughout history, Red Oak has been the wood of choice when it comes to making furniture, as well as interior trim and molding. One reason for this is that Red Oak is resistant to scratches, stains, and dust. Woodworkers like Red Oak because it stains easily. The open pores in Red Oak absorb more stain, which helps to bring out the grain pattern. This is especially true when a dark stain is applied. It is also a very resilient wood that can last for over a century. On the Janka scale, this hardwood has a rating of 1290, which creates the perfect balance of hardness and workability.

Besides furniture and interior trim, other common applications for Red Oak include:

• Lumber

• Railway ties

• Fenceposts

• Flooring

• Pallets & crates

• Caskets

• Firewood

As far as milling Red Oak, some sawyers prefer Southern Oak as it has a softer texture than Northern Oak.  Generally speaking, Red Oak is not as easy to cut as other kinds of wood. Because of its strong grain, sawyers need to pay close attention to the grain direction when cutting it. Red Oak is also known to dull blades quite quickly, which is why a carbide blade should be used.

White Oak

Due to its vast-spreading growth pattern and parallel, sturdy limbs the White Oak tree is considered one of the most impressive trees in North America. White Oaks primarily grow in the Eastern part of the United States, as well as Quebec and Ontario. White Oak grows between 11 and 14 inches a year. While it takes a long time become fully mature, the White Oak tree can reach heights of up to 145 feet.

The sapwood of white oak is whitish or light brown and the heartwood is usually light to mid brown, although it can also be dark brown. White Oak is straight-grained and has a medium to course texture. The pores of White Oak are blocked by vascular growths called tyloses. These growths make White Oak watertight, which is why it’s used in the construction of boats and other kinds of sea vessels. White Oak smells much nicer than Red Oak, and some say it has a vanilla-like scent.

Because White Oak is moisture resistant and does not decay, it’s often the lumber of choice for outdoor furniture and also the interior finishing for houses. One of the most popular reasons people choose White Oak is that quarter sawn wood produces a striking pattern called ray fleck. On the Janka scale, White Oak has a rating of 1360, which means it’s a bit harder than Red Oak.

Besides outdoor furniture and seafaring vessels, other common applications for White Oak include:

• Musical instruments

• Barrels for the aging of wine and whiskey

• Cabinetry

• Hardwood flooring

• Veneers

• Church furniture

• Fences

When it comes to milling White Oak, sawyers need to be careful so as not to splinter or break it.  White Oak, too, can dull blades quickly, which means sawyers may need to sharpen their blades more often when working with it.

Red Oak or White Oak?

Many sawyers prefer to work with Red Oak over White Oak, simply because Red Oak mills nicer. Since White Oak is a bit harder, so when a sawyer hits knots in the wood, it will deflect the blade more so than with Red Oak. That being said, some sawyers like the fact that they can typically get more money for White Oak, sometimes almost twice as much.

Every sawyer though, has their own preferences for what kind of wood they like to work with. So what is the answer to the question, “Is Red Oak or White Oak easier to mill?” Many sawyers might agree that the answer is Red Oak.