White Oak is similar in colour and appearance to European oak. The sapwood of American White Oak is light coloured and the heartwood is light to dark brown. White Oak is mostly straight grained with a medium to coarse texture, with longer rays than red oak it therefore has more figure.

White Oak machines well, nails and screws well although pre-boring is advised. As it reacts with iron, galvanised nails are recomended. It's adhesive properties are variable, but it stains and polishes to a good finish. The wood dries slowly and care is needed to avoid checking. Due to it's high shrinkage, it can be susceptable to movement in performance.

White Oak has many well known uses in furniture, flooring, joinery, doors and mouldings.