Birdseye and curly patterns are available. The combination of its hardness, strength, toughness, and stiffness are unmatched by any other hardwood. Takes a stain and paint very well. We suggest using sanding sealer. Usually the grade is excellent and average width is wider than most domestic hardwoods.
Excellent exterior uses.
Like White Oak, it is offered in Quartered and Rift grains also. Due to porous nature it will soak up stains but also offers a wide variety of finish tones. Broad grains give this a pronounced appearance. This is a very reasonably priced hardwood that is often substituted for Hard Maple in moulding, trim, furniture applications due to price. Holds paint well, dark stains are preferred over light ones due to the heartwood repelling absorption to some degree.