My son's recent trip from central NYS included 15 bf of 4/4 S2S white oak in his truck. Planning to make tool totes for my son and grandson.

I've never used white oak before, but have used red oak many years ago. My foggy memory recalls using a paste filler to fill/seal the pores of the red oak. It didn't seen to affect the rest of the finishing at all. Not sure, but the finish was probably poly. I haven't seen any mention of a filler in many years.

So, is that still a thing?

Is this product (or similar) still available?

Is it good to use on white oak as well?

Plus, any finishing tips for white oak would be appreciated.

TIA, Jim

White oak is a closed pore wood and will need very little if any filler. Because of this pore structure stain does not go deep into the wood. This structure also make white oak very good for outdoor use. as to finishing it is just like red but will not take the stain as well. It is fairly easy to get a even stain. THe only stain I have used is a oil stain so cannot testify to other types.

Here are a couple pieces I have used white oak for.