OAK (Quercus robur , Q. petraea)
Growing area
Europe.
General description
Oak has a yellowish to dark brown colour. The sapwood is white and clearly defined. The species is ring porous which gives the wood a special look when crowncut. Even more special when finished. If quartersawn, it shows flakes, caused by going through the rays. Quality, weight and hardness vary according to growing area. The best areas are formerly Yugo Slavia (Slavonia) the Spessart in Germany and some areas in France like Tronçois. Oak is easy to work with but requires careful attention when drying. At high temperatures there is a risk for white spots. A special treatment is smoking. The tanin produces a special reaction with ammonia which gives the wood a deep dark brown colour.
Main uses
Stairs, furniture, carpentry, flooring, joinery, railway sleepers, waterworks and wine barrels. Oak has an almost unlimited number of applications.
Remark
Oak contains a lot of tanin, which give the species the typical acid odour. Contact with iron results in black spots if the wood is not correctly dried.
More information needed?
Contact Worldwood B.V.
0031 (0) 10 5212155 / sales@worldwood.com
