Why is white oak so expensive right now?

The inventory is low, the demand is at an all-time high and so are the prices. Many are surprised to learn that the availability of white oak is not the issue— as many as 5.2 billion white oak trees cover 235,000 square miles in the United States.

Why is there a white oak shortage?

There's a high demand for white oak lumber that is putting pressure on sawmills and logging crews all over the country. The reasons are numerous: foreign consumption and the current building boom, as well as a growing consumption of bourbon worldwide.

Is there a white oak shortage?

Impending American White Oak Shortage Threatens Bourbon Barrel Production, Study Says. American white oak, the resource commonly used for making whiskey and bourbon casks, may run short if action isn't taken soon, research shows.

Is white oak wood expensive?

White oak is still the best all-around hardwood and remains in reasonably good supply. It is a valuable, rather expensive wood, but is usually less expensive than cherry and walnut.

Which is more expensive red oak or white oak?

Both are affordable, but Red Oak is less expensive

The popularity of both Red Oak and White Oak are due in part to their affordability. And while prices fluctuate, Red Oak tends to be less costly on the whole.

Why That White Oak is More Expensive Than Red Oak?

Is white oak hard to get?

But why is it so hard to find? From our perspective here are a few potential reasons. Logging - This year, for most of the northeast, the winter season has been unusually warm in most of the regions where White Oak grows. Because of this it has made these forests increasingly muddy and difficult to log.

Where do white oaks grow best?

White oak has the ability to grow on all upland aspects and slope positions within its range except extremely dry, shallow-soil ridges; poorly drained flats; and wet bottom land. It grows best on north and east-facing lower slopes and coves and grows well on moderately dry slopes and ridges with shallow soils.

Is hardwood expensive right now?

Despite an initial decline in prices in the new year, lumber prices have surged throughout February and are currently sitting at $1,272 per thousand board feet, prices not seen since summer 2021.

Are we going to run out of wood?

Timber is a 100% renewable resource. We know this because trees grow from Earth. However, this doesn't necessarily mean its use is 100% sustainable.

Where is white oak harvested?

Quercus alba, the white oak, is one of the preeminent hardwoods of eastern and central North America. It is a long-lived oak, native to eastern and central North America and found from Minnesota, Ontario, Quebec, and southern Maine south as far as northern Florida and eastern Texas.

Are all bourbon barrels white oak?

The Quercus Family Tree

Quercus alba, also known as white oak or American oak, dominates the whiskey industry thanks to the mandated use of new charred oak barrels for bourbon aging. Contrary to popular belief, there is no legal mandate to use white oak, however its abundance has made it the de facto choice.

Are lumber prices going down?

Two years after Covid-19 caused global shutdowns, the cost of lumber finally seems to be decreasing toward pre-pandemic levels.

How big is a 10 year old white oak tree?

White Oak Tree 10 Year Height

The white oak begins its first portion of life a bit more gently; following the red oak closely, a white oak tree will be 10 to 15 feet tall after 10 years of growth.

Should I plant a white oak tree?

White oak trees can be started from acorns sown in the fall and heavily mulched. Young seedlings can also be planted in the spring. White oak trees have a deep taproot, however, so transplanting after a certain age can be very difficult. White oak tree growing conditions are relatively forgiving.

Is white oak modern?

Classic and versatile, oak could be the ideal choice for you. With the right species and finish, oak can take on a traditional look or be the perfect foundation for a sleek, modern kitchen. As you search for the perfect oak cabinets to complete your project, don't forget to explore the possibility of white oak.

What is white oak best for?

Unlike red oak, white oak resists moisture and decay, making it ideal for outdoor furniture and boats.

Is white oak a good wood?

The white oaks are one of the strongest native hardwoods. Bending strength (MOR) averages 13,000 psi. Hardness averages 1360 pounds.

Is white oak more expensive than Maple?

Oak is generally slightly more expensive than Maple, the cost of the floored depends on the width and length of the floorboards, the grade of the lumber and several other factors.

What wood is similar to white oak?

Available in both sustainably sourced fresh-sawn, or storied reclaimed, Ash is a great alternative to white oak in nearly every application. “When folks are looking for a change from Oak, I often steer them to Ash,” said Rob D'Alessandro of New Energy Works fine woodworking group.

What is better white oak or red oak?

Hardness. The durability of any flooring is dependent on the overall hardness of the wood. According to the Janka scale, White Oak is slightly harder at 1360, compared to Red Oak's score of 1290.