Post oak, another species in the white oak group, is the same density as white oak, but is about 10 percent weaker and 20 percent more bendable. The hardness is the same in both.

Post oak’s popularity has put it in high demand, but some wood suppliers may try to pass off white oak, live oak, and even red oak as post oak. Here’s how to tell the difference.

White oak went into the exterior hull and parts of the keel. Live oak, which, unlike the white oak, is short and gnarled was used in the skeleton (from “Wood that Went to War” Wood Magazine).

Overcup oak is a medium-sized deciduous oak that is valued as a "white oak" wood. Commercial overcup oak varies extremely with every site, fire damage, and degree of insect and decay defect.

Oak wood, whether red or white, is one of the most popular choices for hardwood flooring. Floor installer Maria Ramos says that "At least 70% of the floors we put in are oak," per Good Housekeeping.

Red oak is on the low end at about $4.50 to $6 per board foot, while white oak costs veer toward $11 to $17.30, depending on the sawing method. It also cuts smoothly and is easy to work with.

Answer by Laurence Shanet: Oak (especially American white oak) is far and away the most common type of wood used for making whiskey. However, it is not the only type used.

How a coalition is making sure future generations have access to a key part of bourbon making – white oak trees. Kentucky Edition is available to stream on pbs.org and the free PBS App ...