Post oak; Quercus stellata

[DanL]

Good morning folks.

I performed a search on post oak sawing and the resultant lumber. I turned up hundreds of posts on "posts", 'Oaks", Posts about posts, Post about oaks and even a few posts about post oaks and their lumber.  

Among my standing log inventory (my little forest), I have many posts oaks that are as old or older than I (63) with varying diameters and heights.

Before I cut one down just to find out the good or bad qualities of post oak (other than firewood), I am hoping there are some experienced folks on this board that can inform me as to whether or not it is worth sawing into lumber. I am in need of several 4"x6"x14' Ceiling Joists for a project and thought the straightness and very low taper of the post oaks might work for what I need.

My dad told me stories of my grandfather using the post oak heartwood for fence posts circa 1911. Some of the posts are still present in the fence but the in-ground parts have rotted. However, I do not wish to use them as fence posts.

Please educate me.

Respectfully,
Dan

[Southside]

I didn't get a chance to measure anything but Saturday I was at a facility that built a pavilion and I noticed that all of the rafters were made from Post Oak logs.  They were basically sawn on two sides and really in most cases a 1/4 log.  I was surprised at how straight they remained and these were in the 20' length.  Diameter was probably 16"-20" when it was a log.  It looked great and with 2x4 purlins on the top the roof was dead flat straight.  

Friday had you asked me if that would work I would have said no.  

[Patrick NC]

I've cut a good bit of post oak for trailer decking. From what I understand it's as good as any other white oak except for staves. They say it gives the whiskey a funny taste.

[Ben Cut-wright]

Live edge, book-matched, Post Oak. 

[Andries]

Ben, that's beautiful! 
Book matched like that would make a great table or desktop. 
The trick might be to keep track of them as a pair, as they're drying for a year - or thats been my problem.

[KenMac]

I've cut a good bit of post oak for trailer decking. From what I understand it's as good as any other white oak except for staves. They say it gives the whiskey a funny taste.

I have also sawn quite a lot of post oak for trailer decking, bridge runners, and fence boards. My understanding is that it is the closest oak to true white oak in durability and weather resistance. I like it very much.

[booman]

I agree, post oak is very similar to white oak and is good for trailer floors.

[KenMac]

Since you actually asked about ceining joists, I apologize for going down the wrong road. I don't know why it wouldn't work for joists, but I would understand that predrilling would be necessary if joists are dry. That post oak is HARD.

[Oakbit]

Post Oak is in the white oak group, and accordingly has tyloses that block the pores/xylem (of the heartwood, not when it's still sapwood), which makes it very decay resistant and useful for outdoor applications.

[kelLOGg]

I have sawn and sold it. No sawing or negative feedback from customers.

[DanL]

Thanks everyone for the good information. I will probably saw some post oak to see how it turns out.

Thanks again,
Dan