European White Oak

Botanical Name
Quercus robur, Ouercus petraea 

Origin
UK & Europe

Working Properties
There is a moderate to severe blunting effect on cutters, which should be kept sharp. Quartered stock requires a 20-degree or moulding angle. The wood takes waxing, liming, fuming, and polishing treatments very well.

Durability
The heartwood is durable and extremely resistant to preservative treatment, but the sapwood is permeable. The acidic nature of oak will affect metals in direct contact and cause corrosion. Non-ferrous or galvanised metals should be used.

Uses
The preponderance of tyloses in the pores of 'White Oaks' resist the passage of liquids and renders the wood ideal for the cooperage of cognac, wine and beers. For furniture, cabinet making, boat building, dock and harbour work, sea defences, railway wagons, ladder rungs, sills, thresholds, and for all purposes of exposure in contact with the ground. High-class journey, coffins, ecclesiastical work such as pews, rood screens, pulpits and carvings. flooring, vehicle board bearers and floors in trucks. Beams are produced from selected logs for restoration work in old buildings.

Seasoning
Dries slowly and care is needed.

Working Qualities
In general, Oak finishes well from the planer or moulder although in some cases a reduction of cutting angle to 20º may be required. The timber can be stained, polished, waxed and glued satisfactorily, Pre-boring when screwing or nailing near edges is recommended. It takes liming and fuming treatments well.

Uses
An ideal timber for many uses in boatbuilding. It is also used for high-class joinery, furniture, coffins, and ecclesiastical works such as pews, rood screens, pulpits and flooring.

Durability In Ground Perishable/Non Durable
Durability Above Ground Durable 

Density Air Dry 690 kg/m3 

Shrinkage Radial 5 %
Shrinkage Tangental 8 %

Janka Hardness 5.5 kN
Modulus of Rupture 97 MPa
Modulus of Elasticity 10 GPa
Max Crush Strength 52 MPa
Strength Group unseasoned SD5