What is Oak Wood Used For?

Scientifically known as ‘Quercus’ which roughly translates to mean ‘beautiful tree’, the mighty oak tree is often known as the king of English trees given the global craze for oak wood.

One of the trees that are most in-demand the world over, oak wood symbolizes strength, resistance, morale, and knowledge. Ancient history and Greek mythology have often linked the oak tree to Zeus, the God of Thunder. Seen as a warehouse of towering strength, oak trees grow slowly at their own pace. Oak trees have been known to live well over three hundred years which also represents the longevity of the tree. 

Characteristics of Oak Wood

Oak wood is extremely strong, durable, dense and due to the presence of tannin, can resist fungal or attacks by wood-eating termites easily. This reduces the possibilities of decaying and rotting making it one of the best and toughest species of wood to work with when it comes to woodworking projects. Apart from these properties, Oak wood is extremely flexible and malleable making it the perfect choice of woods for carving complex and intricate projects. However, it can sometimes be tricky to work with due to the nature and direction of the wood grain which requires that the wood be treated in a particular manner. 

Species of Oak Wood

The world over, there are over six hundred species of oak wood that vary in colour, texture, durability, defined grain, and strength. The timber sourced from the oak trees dries extremely slowly and can be polished, stained, glued, or waxed depending on the purpose of the timber. Lumber from oak trees has a very distinct wood grain and is available in a wide variety of colours making it easily identifiable. Natural hues are seen in the oak wood range from light beige all the way to red. Leading Indian timber solutions merchants like Faith Lumber stock and advise their expansive range of customers on the species of oak wood that best suited for their purpose and budget with choices ranging from European White Oak, Live or Southern Live Oak, Chestnut Oak, English Oak, American Red Oak, American White Oak, among many others. 

Uses of Oak Wood

• Timber: The most common use of oak wood is woodworking or furniture making given its inherent properties of strength, durability, and aesthetic beauty. Since its discovery thousands of years ago, its popularity has only increased and it is the most popular choice of wood in cabinetry, furniture making, like tables, chairs, doors, flooring, etc., and in-home design and decoration projects. 

• Apart from home improvement and woodworking projects, oak wood is used for any commercial purposes like building fence posts, architecture, and shipbuilding as well. Strong barrels that are used in the maturation process of sherry, wines, Scotch whiskey, Bourbon whiskey, and Irish whiskey are also most commonly made from oak wood. 

• Medicinal uses: Ancient cultures have used the bark of oak trees to make medicine to treat common ailments like a cough and cold, fever, diarrhea, and bronchitis. The bark can be applied directly on human skin by adding water to it to form a compress that helps to reduce inflammation in the mouth, throat, and skin and to manage chilblains.  

• Other uses: Before the discovery and production of wheat, the fruit or acorns were used to make bread flour. Due to the presence of tannin in oak wood, the bark was one of the key ingredients used for thousands of years in the tanning of leather. The mighty oak tree with its huge leafy canopies provides a great deal of shade and sanctuary, not to mention food for many different animals like birds, insects, deer, badgers, squirrels, raccoons, and bears. 

Chances are that everywhere you look, you will see something or the other made of oak wood. Oak trees form an important part of a complex ecosystem that also includes humans. One of the most loved trees and sought-after lumber, the oak tree is associated with luxury and opulence and thus, can be easily found in several types of artistic creations.