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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/wood-white-oak-tyloses

White oak heartwood suits liquid-tight barrels because its pores are plugged with what?

Tyloses.

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  1. Resin
  2. Silica
  3. Tyloses ✔

Why: Tyloses are froth-like cells that plug the pores in white oak heartwood and make it impenetrable to liquids. Red oak has open pores and lacks tyloses, so it is unsuitable for tight barrels unless lined.

Huh, didn't know that: The handbook says the open pores of red oak make it unsuitable for tight cooperage unless the barrels are lined with sealer or plastic.

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References

Answer: Tyloses. Tyloses are froth-like cells that plug the pores in white oak heartwood and make it impenetrable to liquids. Red oak has open pores and lacks tyloses, so it is unsuitable for tight barrels unless lined.

  1. Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material, FPL-GTR-282 (USDA Forest Products Laboratory, 2021) research.fs.usda.gov/treesearch/62200
    Heartwood pores are usually plugged with tyloses, which tend to make the wood impenetrable to liquids.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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