Oak is commonly used to
describe the two most common Northern European botanical variants: holm and
pedunculate oak. Their properties are however so similar that their wood is
simply known as oak wood. Oak grows commonly throughout Europe and Asia Minor,
with the exception of the very northern and southern areas. Oak is particularly
widespread in France. It is one of the most important European trees
altogether.
Oaks can often be
several hundred years old and can reach a height of up to 50 metres, though 20m
to 40m is more common. Oak grows rapidly in height but its body is not as
extensive as other kinds of trees.
Oak wood can be differentiated between sapwood and heartwood: the thin sapwood
is grey-white in colour, the heartwood is coloured yellow-brown to mid-brown
and darkens considerably with time. The springwood can easily be identified by
its larger pore structure. When cut longitudinally the vertical pores have a
grooved structure.
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Density
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0.69 g/cm3
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Properties
Oak wood is hard and heavy, but nonetheless elastic. The heartwood is very
resilient, and durable even under water.
Usage
Oak wood dries slowly. This means that artificial drying should be undertaken
with care to avoid cracking and warping. Oak shrinkage is negligible and
stability is good.
It can be worked easily with most tools and machinery, it can be split easily
and is well suited for use as a veneer. Nails and screw-fixings are
straightforward. Surface finishing is generally not a problem. Its high tannic
acid content can lead to coloration when in contact with iron due to chemical
reactions.
Dimensions
Oak is available as round or sawn timber, or as a veneer.
Applications
- Construction
- Furniture and interior furnishing
- Barrels and tubs
- Floor boarding and parquet
- Hydraulic engineering, Bridge building
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