Oak Wood Information

  • Home

Oak is one of the most popular woods used in furniture and flooring in the world. Oak is highly durable, easy to work with, and looks great with a clear, natural finish.

Oak wood comes in a number of hues, but its grain pattern is quite unique, which makes it one of the easier species to recognize. It has a long history of use around the home dating back to pre-colonial times and remains every bit as popular today. While this makes it a mainstay in traditional design, its versatility means that it can also make a modern piece come to life.

Colour

White oak tends to be a light beige through brown, while red oak has pinkish and reddish hues instead.

Source

Oak Tree (Quercus L.)

Hardness

White Oak 1360 on Janka scale; Red Oak 1290 Janka

Common Uses

Furniture, cabinets, flooring, wine caskets, boats, barrels, kitchenware

 

One of the reasons why oak can take on so many different looks is that there is not a single type of oak tree. There are actually more than 60 varieties growing across the United States alone. When it comes to furniture making and other uses around the home, the most common species are red and white oak. Both are stunning choices and work well in busy homes because of their durability.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oak Wood

If you’re not sure about whether oak wood is the right choice for your home, you can learn more about what sets it apart from other choices and how to care for it below.

Resistance of Furniture Hardwoods to Denting and Scratching (Janka Values)

  • Home

Wood Type

Resistance

Black Locust

1,700 lbf (7,600 N)

Sugar Maple

1,450 lbf (6,400 N)

White Oak

1,360 lbf (6,000 N)

Ash

1,320 lbf (5,900 N)

Red Oak

1,290 lbf (5,700 N)

Black Walnut

1,010 lbf (4,500 N)

Black Cherry

950 lbf (4,200 N)

Alder

590 lbf (2,600 N)

Chestnut

540 lbf (2,400 N)

 

Have more questions? Get in touch
Contact Us