If that happened on a regular basis there wouldn't be a sole using oak. I could see that happening with non-kiln dried planks if the ends are not properly sealed. The ends dry out faster than the rest of the plank and it would split or warp. Thats why if you ever buy raw sawn lumber the ends are usually painted to keep the plank from splitting as it dries out. I bought dry kiln oak and it looks fine, thought its still in the box. I believe Southern Yellow Pine is the original wood used in most old trucks.
