White Oak Logs for Sale
Buy and sell premium White Oak logs in Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia. The most sought-after hardwood for bourbon barrels, flooring, and fine furniture.
Why White Oak Commands Premium Prices
White Oak (Quercus alba) is the premier hardwood species in the Appalachian region. Its tight grain and natural water resistance make it uniquely suited for bourbon barrel production - a use that has driven White Oak prices to historic highs in recent years.
Kentucky and the surrounding states sit at the heart of White Oak country. The region's climate and soil produce trees with exceptional grain quality that bourbon distilleries and furniture makers seek out specifically.
Beyond barrels, White Oak is prized for flooring, cabinetry, boat building, and outdoor furniture. Its durability and distinctive grain pattern make it a favorite for projects that need to last generations.
Bourbon Barrels
Stave bolts for Kentucky distilleries
Flooring
Hardwood floors that last 100+ years
Furniture
Fine furniture and cabinetry
Boat Building
Marine-grade water resistance
White Oak Log Types
- Veneer Logs: The highest grade. Large diameter, clear faces, minimal defects. Used for high-end furniture and architectural panels.
- Stave Bolts: Cut specifically for bourbon barrel production. Must meet strict specifications for grain and defect limits.
- Sawlogs: Standard grade logs for lumber production. Used for flooring, furniture components, and general millwork.
- Tie Logs: Lower grade logs used for railroad ties, mine timbers, and similar industrial applications.
- Pallet Logs: Economy grade for pallet and crate production.
White Oak Grading & Pricing
White Oak log prices vary significantly based on grade, diameter, and current market demand. Here's a general guide:
| Grade | Min. Diameter | Typical Use | Price Range* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Veneer | 18"+ | Furniture, panels | $800-2,000+/MBF |
| Stave | 15"+ | Bourbon barrels | $600-1,200/MBF |
| Prime | 14"+ | Flooring, furniture | $400-700/MBF |
| #1 | 12"+ | General lumber | $300-500/MBF |
| #2/Tie | 10"+ | Ties, industrial | $150-300/MBF |
Selling White Oak on JMLogMarket
If you have White Oak to sell, JMLogMarket makes it easy to reach buyers:
- Post for free. No listing fees, no commissions on sales.
- Include photos. Buyers want to see the log ends and any defects.
- Note the scale. Specify Doyle, Scribner, or by the ton.
- List the diameter. Larger diameter logs command higher prices.
- Describe the status. Roadside, on the landing, or still standing.
Good photos and accurate descriptions help your logs sell faster. Buyers in our region are actively looking for quality White Oak.
Frequently Asked Questions About White Oak Logs
What are White Oak logs worth in 2026?
White Oak log prices vary by grade and region. Veneer-grade White Oak logs typically sell for $800–$2,000+ per MBF (Doyle scale), stave bolts for bourbon barrels bring $600–$1,200+ per MBF, and sawlog-grade White Oak ranges from $400–$700 per MBF. Prices depend on diameter, length, defects, and local market conditions. Check current listings on JMLogMarket for real-time asking prices in your area.
Why is White Oak used for bourbon barrels?
White Oak (Quercus alba) has tyloses — tiny growths that block the wood’s pores — making it naturally watertight. This is essential for holding liquid without leaking. Federal law requires bourbon to be aged in new charred oak barrels, and White Oak’s tight grain, strength, and flavor compounds (vanillin and tannins) make it the only commercially viable species for cooperage. This barrel demand is a major driver of White Oak’s premium pricing.
What diameter does a White Oak log need to be for veneer grade?
Veneer-grade White Oak logs typically need a minimum diameter of 18 inches (inside bark at the small end) with a straight, defect-free face of at least 8 feet. The highest prices go to logs 20 inches and above with clear, tight grain and no knots, splits, or stain on the veneer face. Stave bolt specifications vary by cooperage but generally require 19+ inch diameter.
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