American White Oak, Latin name Quercus alba, is a popular American hardwood with Furniture Manufacturers across the world. As well as the more recently fashionable use as hardwood flooring, American Oak has been used for centuries for manufacture of cabinets, doors, panelling, kitchen and bedroom furniture, as well as more traditional uses for ship building, barrels and casks. Its popularity is well deserved: the grain is mostly straight and regular, giving an even effect through out the piece, as well as being easy to work for furniture makers, and its light colour enables it to be stained to the ideal tone for the furniture required.

Being a hard, heavy wood it is perhaps surprising that American Oak is low in stiffness and can be bent into shapes desired, most often by steam bending. This quality previously made the timber ideal for ship building, but today this is more used for architectural uses as well as luxury staircases.

American White Oak grows mainly in the Eastern United States of American and Canada, although can grow commercially as far West as Texas and Minnesota. The tree reaches a height of around sixty to eighty-five feet (twenty to twenty five meters), but the trees true size is its in branch spread which can grow as wide as it is height. Having a light grey bark gives it the name White Oak, along with the light brown timber.

One special property of White Oak, not found in its red cousin, is being impervious to water. This has made the timber ideal for shipbuilding and wine barrels, and now makes it useful for outdoor furniture. This is due to cellular structures named tyloses that make a structure without gaps for water to pass through.

Furniture manufactures mostly buy American White Oak as a square edged, rough sawn board which has been kiln dried before being exported from North America. It is sold usually in thicknesses of 1” to 3”, although thicknesses greater than this are available, and is available in a wide variety of widths and lengths.  Widths are usually 4” to 9”, although 10” and wider is available at higher prices, while lengths can be as long as 14’ but 8’, 10’ and 12’ is more common.
Timber products made from American White Oak are also used: panels made from staves of American White Oak are sometimes used by furniture manufacturers, particularly for cabinets and doors, while blanks, often two part but matched grain, are used for staircase spindles and newels.

Furniture styles made from oak include dark stained regal designs, designed to emulate royal courts, to light unstained designs which give a natural feel. Table and chair sets are popular, as well as full-oak kitchens, beds and bedroom chests and wardrobes.

The only negative qualities associated with American White Oak are its reactions to non-galvanised ferrous metals, such as iron, can stain and corrode the timber. It is recommended that an alternative metal such as stainless steal or brass is used. The timber also is not ideal for gluing, although this is not impossible.

You’re ready to take that step and put some fresh color on the walls. With all the different choices available, which color will you choose? What shades? Well, before you make that final decision, consider how colors can actually change your space and the overall mood of your room.

Red Red is the color of love. It is known to stimulate a faster heartbeat, increase blood pressure, and energy. Designers usually use red as an accent color. A red wall or red furniture will defiantly get attention. Red also increases the appetite, which makes it a good choice in dining rooms.  

Black Black is the color of authority and power. It also makes a great accent color against white. When used against white, it becomes a very stylish and timeless combination. Black and white accent pieces are extremely popular.  

White White symbolizes purity and innocence. It is one of the most used colors in decorating. This light and neutral hue goes with virtually anything. White is a great color for bedding or drapes when trying to achieve a peaceful, tranquil space.  

Blue One of the most popular colors, blue represents peace. This tranquil color causes the body to produce calming chemicals. People are usually more productive in rooms painted in blues. Blue is a perfect choice for a bedroom or a home office.  

Green Green is another relaxing color. The different shades of green can be used many ways. Lighter shades of green are great for bedrooms, living rooms, and great rooms.   Dark greens are more masculine, and are popular in professional offices. Hospitals usually use green to help relax patients. Mid tone greens are great for kitchens.    

Purple Purple represents luxury, wealth, and sophistication. Dining rooms, bedrooms, and libraries work well with this color. Lighter shades of purple are great for children’s rooms, and play areas.  

Yellow Yellow gains attention and is considered an optimistic color. It also enhances concentration. It is a very warm and welcoming color. Babies tend to cry more in yellow rooms, so it not wise to use this color in a nursery.  

Orange Orange tends to warm the room in a friendly way. There are many shades of orange, and can be used in many rooms. Burnt orange is extremely popular for living rooms, while lighter tones are great for bathrooms.  

Brown Brown is known to be reliable, and one of the more popular earth tones. It is a great accent with just about any color, but is especially nice with blues. Light browns are a symbol of genuineness. Most men enjoy browns, so consider this when decorating his favorite space.