European Oak is one of the most durable and versatile species. Its natural tannin content enhances its durability. After fresh-sawing, as a process of drying, tannin can create patches of dark brown on the sawn face (which disappear when planed) or lighter variation as the tannin ‘migrates’. The quarter-sawn boards have an interesting medullary ray visible on the surface, which is not only more stable but also aesthetically pleasing.
Oak takes a long time to dry and is generally kiln dried in only 20 - 80mm thickness boards. The exception being 100 x 100mm squares which we stock with a 30mm diameter lengthwise drilled-core which facilitates kilning.
| Machinability varies form well to with moderate difficulty | |
| Good for nailing and screwing, pre-boring recommended | |
| Glues well | |
| Stains, waxes and polishes well | |
| Bends well when steamed | |
| Oak dries very slowly with a marked tendency to split and check | |
| Considerable risk of honeycombing if the drying is forced | |
| Subject to a large shrinkage and moderate movement in performance |
| High strength properties | |
| Medium bending and crushing strength | |
| Low stiffness and shock resistance |
| Durable |
| Construction | |
| Furniture | |
| Flooring | |
| Architectural Joinery | |
| Exterior Joinery | |
| Mouldings | |
| doors | |
| Kitchen cabinets | |
| Panelling | |
| Railway sleepers | |
| Timber bridges | |
| Barrel staves | |
| Coffins and caskets |
