A variety of hardwood called oak wood is derived from the oak trees native to the northern hemisphere. There are over 600 deciduous and evergreen species of oak. The majority, or about 90 species, are located in North America. Even though oak trees have been used as a source of hardwood timber for thousands of years, it might take up to 150 years for an oak tree’s wood to be suitable for construction. Oak wood is still used today to make furniture, flooring, household items, wine barrels and firewood.
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Know about: veneer wood
Oak wood: Quick facts
- Oak is one of the oldest and most prevalent trees on the globe. They have been around much longer than humans have.
- Officially, oak is among the world’s toughest woods. Due to its superior robustness compared to Scots pine, the Romans gave the wood the name “robur,” which is Latin for “strong.” One of the reasons why solid oak is used to make coffins and burial caskets for prominent names is its durability.
- You might not be aware that professional drums are made of oak wood.
Oak wood: Properties and qualities
Oak wood is incredibly sturdy, tough, and long-lasting. Due to its robust constitution and high stability, which must prepare the tree for its prolonged lifespan, it has an appealing light colour with a noticeable grain and is resistant to fungus attack. Even though oak trees have a relatively long lifespan, all oak items have been acquired sustainably, frequently using wood from naturally fallen trees. The oak is ideal for collections that call for long-lasting materials, such as kitchen accessories and chopping boards, as well as in the lighting designs to offer an appealing natural appearance.
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Oak wood: Appearance
Almost any colour may be seen in natural oak wood, from light beige to brown and red. Although red oak tends to be rosier and white oak tends to look more beige-to-brown, it’s not always simple to distinguish between the various types of oak based solely on colour. Oak trees and their branches can have a variety of colours. The sapwood, the layer closest to the bark that distributes the tree’s nutrients, and the heartwood, the interior part of the tree, typically exhibit a notable colour difference.
When a natural finish or oil is applied, the contrasts and differences of this exquisite material stand out, forming a stunning natural feature without the need for elaborate embellishment. Depending on the polish, oak wood either feels smooth or hard.
Additionally, you’ll notice that oak furniture exhibits some colour variation over time, with white wood typically developing an amber tone.
Oak wood: Types
The following are some of the popular oak wood species:
- Red Oak
- White Oak
- Chestnut Oak
- Scarlet Oak
- European Oak
- Bur Oak
- Willow Oak
- Pin Oak
The two oak species that are most frequently employed are red oak and white oak.
Oak wood: Change of colours over time
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Oak wood may gradually darken and acquire more amber tones. This occurs as a result of exposure to oxygen and UV light, making it a mostly unpreventable process. The majority of people won’t even notice the change in oak furniture because the colour shift is so subtle. If they buy a set piece by piece or try to add a new item years later, hoping to find a match, they might eventually catch on. It’s often preferable to get a whole set all at once for this reason.
Oak wood: Uses
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One of the best types and highest quality wood is oak wood, which is frequently used in interior furnishings for sturdy and durable wall and floor coverings. Houses are built of oak wood, which is used in the building sector. Oak wood is regarded for its durability, workability, and natural beauty, making it ideal for flooring, cabinets, and furniture. White oak has traditionally been used to make items like wine barrels and boats since it has some water resistance. Most frequently, oak barrels are used to age liquors.
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Oak wood maintenance
An oak piece’s maintenance will mostly depend on how it has been finished or what steps have been taken to seal the wood. Additionally, commercial cleaning and polishing products should be avoided because they frequently harm the finish. Items made of oak wood should be hand washed rather than allowed to soak in water. Your oak goods should be frequently oiled with a food-safe mineral oil or Danish oil to retain their beauty and sturdiness. Consult the care instructions on your oak wood product for optimal results.
Oak wood doesn’t need particular care because it is incredibly durable and waterproof. Protective coverings on the patio or in the garden are essentially useless. But you can use a particular wood oil used for occasional cleaning.
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FAQs
Is Oak wood eco-friendly?
Due to its durability, which prevents it from ending up in landfills, and biodegradability, oak wood is typically a favourable option in terms of environmental friendliness.
Is oak considered a hard or softwood?
Oak is a hardwood. Whether the wood was sourced from a gymnosperm or dicot tree determines this. Since leafy trees primarily belong to the dicot group, they are all hardwoods. Others, like pine and fir, belong to the gymnosperm group, which is why they are referred to as softwoods.
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