Oak timber is an exceedingly durable and beautiful European hardwood which offers countless scope for building applications including both interiors and exteriors, and is a firm favourite here at Stafford Joinery. Let’s delve into this beautiful wood and explore its origins and uses…

What is European Oak?

Known by various names such as European oak, English oak, Common oak and Quercus robur, which is the Latin word for strength. Not to be confused with American oak, European oak is native to the majority of the European continent, and also parts of Asia, with  Britain actually possessing more ancient Oak trees than the rest of Europe combined.

The tree can reach a height of 18m to 30m or a little more depending upon growth conditions which also affect the length of the bole. When drawn up in forests at the expense of their branches, this may be 1 5m or so in length, but in open situations, the tree branches much lower down.

European Oak colour

European Oak is renowned for its light to medium brown heartwood and pale yellow sapwood. Its grain pattern is typically straight, though it can occasionally exhibit a wavy or interlocked grain.

Conditions of growth accordingly govern the character of the wood to a great extent; for example, in slowly grown wood the proportion of dense late-wood is reduced in each annual growth-ring, thus tending to make the wood soft and light in weight. The growth conditions in the various countries which export oak, vary considerably.

European Oak is prized for its workability, it can be easily sawn, planed, and shaped and it also accepts finishes, stains, and polishes exceptionally well, making it a favourite among craftsmen and furniture makers.

What is it used for?

European Oak is the perfect wood for basically any household woodworking project because of its durability. Not only is it hard, but it also is more rot-resistant than most other woods. It can be used for a wide range of applications, including flooring, cabinetry, furniture, veneer, and decorative items such as panelling and mouldings.

Its durability and resistance to decay also make it a popular choice for outdoor construction, such as decking and timber framing.

This wood can also be a superior choice and sourced because of its greater size availability, for example in flooring projects where a wide plank or longer length board may be preferred, and it also takes natural oil finishes very well and, as mentioned, is quite resistant to expansion and contraction.

For further information on European Oak, please contact us here.

Pictured above: English oak bead and butt ledged doors, character grade.