Good Faith

Timber Buyers

Can I sell white oak trees and logs?

Absolutely. White oak timber is highly valuable and easy to sell because demand for it is strong, and is likely to remain so for years to come. 

Sawmills value white oak due to its strength, durability, and resistance to moisture and decay, making it ideal for barrels, furniture, and flooring. It is especially prized in the cooperage industry for wine and whiskey barrels, as its tight grain prevents leaks and enhances flavor.

White oak’s fine grain and light color make it a popular choice for cabinetry, millwork, and high-quality veneers.

Its versatility, availability in mature forms, and wide range of uses across the Midwest contribute to its consistently high market value.

The top two markets driving the demand for white oak are veneer and barrel staves.

White oak veneer

White oak veneer is a thin, high-quality layer of wood sliced or peeled from white oak logs, prized for its aesthetic appeal and versatility. It features a straight, fine grain with a smooth texture and ranges in color from pale cream to light brown, often with a slight golden or grayish hue. The veneer is frequently used in furniture, cabinetry, paneling, and architectural applications where a sophisticated, natural wood finish is desired.

Key advantages of white oak veneer include:

Durability and Strength: Despite its thinness, it retains white oak’s inherent strength, making it long-lasting.

Versatile Aesthetics: White oak can be quarter-sawn for a distinctive ray fleck pattern, enhancing its decorative value.

Cost-Effective: Veneer offers the luxurious appearance of solid wood at a fraction of the cost.

Environmentally Friendly: It maximizes the use of logs, reducing waste compared to solid wood production.

White oak veneer is a staple in both modern and traditional design due to its timeless elegance and practical benefits.

White Oak Barrel Staves

White oak is the premier choice for barrel staves in wine and whiskey production due to its unique combination of physical and chemical properties. Its tight grain and high density make it resistant to leaks, even under pressure, while its natural resistance to rot and decay ensures long-term durability. The wood’s tyloses—small structures that block its pores—further enhance its impermeability, making it ideal for liquid storage.

Chemically, white oak contributes desirable flavors and aromas to aging beverages. When toasted, its compounds release vanillin, lactones, and tannins, which impart notes of vanilla, caramel, spice, and a smooth mouthfeel. These qualities enhance the complexity and character of wines and spirits. The wood also allows controlled oxygen exchange, crucial for aging, without compromising the integrity of the liquid.

This unique combination of functionality and flavor contribution makes white oak indispensable for cooperage and integral to the beverage industry.

One of the premier barrel-making firms in the country is Speyside Bourbon Cooperage who have cooperage in facility in Jackson, Ohio and a stave mill in Waverly

We recommend you watch this video which demonstrates their oak barrel-making process and explains the physical and chemical properties of white oak that make it so valuable. 

Ready to learn what your white oak trees are  really  worth?

Never take a logger's word for it. Reach out to us for an independent evaluation and a free consultation with no obligation. We'll show you how to sell your timber to good faith buyers – and get the highest price for it

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