The coarse, open-grained and tan-coloured timber from the revered oak tree has more than 200 different species but perhaps even more rich, cultural associations. Its particular Englishness is captured in this quote by British furniture writer Aidan Walker:
‘There is no tree more closely associated with the history and patriotic fervour of a nation, no tree considered to have served a nation so well and so consistently as the oak for Britain’.
Unlike any other material family, only a wood can generate this level of affection. Like so many materials, its qualities have echoes in the English language – from the Latin name Quercus robur, we take the word robust – and as such oak is metaphorically and practically and strong material.
It comes as no surprise that oak even enters our sensorial palette, going beyond its appearance to evoke tastes and aromas: it is used to make wine and whiskey casks, with the tannic acid in the wood fibres imparting a distinctive flavour. This application is also a testament to the air- and liquid tight properties of oak. It is also used for smoking cheese and ham. Beyond these qualities, oak is characterized by its crushing strength, toughness, density and, like yew, ash, birch, elm, walnut and hickory, is very good for steam bending.
Image: Campo Arata tables, Paolo Pallucco
Key features
•720 kg/m3 (41 lbs/ft3)
•Course texture
•Straight grained
•Good workability
•Good finishing
•Rich grain
•Good water resistance
Temperate climates of the northern hemisphere of Europe, Asia Minor, North Africa and Eastern USA.
Cost
Oak is around the middle of the price spectrum for hardwoods.
Sustainability issues
Oakwoods have diminished greatly in the UK over the last few hundred years, but the Forestry Commission is now actively promoting woodland planting with native tree species. A fungal disease known as ‘sudden oak death’ exists in Europe, and although the disease affects many other species including rhododendron, viburnum, beech, sweet chestnut and holm oak, at present native oaks appear to be relatively resistant to it. However, it may pose a threat to oaks in the future – particularly if the trees become stressed by climate change. Another, more worrying effect known as ‘acute oak decline’ has recently been identified in the UK which kills native oaks and its causes have yet to be understood.
Production
As with all timbers, and indeed natural materials, the harvesting and the cutting of the material can yield different end results in terms of performance and aesthetic. The quarter cutting of oak, for example, gives a distinctive pattern of broad rays. It can be easily sliced for veneers, can be readily carved and is excellent for steam bending. When cutting, oak can blunt tools quickly but it takes various finishes such as waxing, dying and polishing very well.
Typical applications
Beyond its use for smoking ham or in wine and whiskey barrels, it is used for wood-ash glazes for ceramics and the tanning of leather. It is one of the most widely used hardwoods for general purposes. Good quality oak is used for a range of furniture, flooring, boat building, liquor barrels, frames in buildings, doors, panelling, church pews and ecclesiastical sculptures, and carving.
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–Extremely versatile –Easy to work –Strong and hard issues –Takes finishes well –Good water resistance –Distinctive patterns |
–Coarse texture –Some sustainability |