White oak was once the most valuable of all species in the American wood products industry. Today Douglas fir, a softwood, holds that honor, but white oak remains the most important hardwood. Historically and currently, it is the first choice when water resistant wood is needed. It was, and still is, used for keels, planking and bent parts in ships and boats. Oak kegs and barrels were, and still are, prized in this country's spirits production, for the aging and storage of wine, bourbon and whiskey.
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. It is sold as veneer and as lumber in the full range of grades and thicknesses. White oak makes up into the most desirable and durable hardwood flooring. The growing conditions of trees determine the various characteristics of the wood they produce. White oak is a prime example.