Oak wood - properties and characteristics

Oak wood is one of the most popular and valued materials in the world. After all, it is hard, durable wood, resistant to weather conditions, fungi and insects. Oak wood also has beautiful, varied rings and rich colors that vary depending on the species, age and processing method. What exactly are the properties of this tree and what are the characteristics of oak? Will it also be used in construction and interior design? Let's check it.

Oak wood – what should we know about it?

Oak wood comes from trees belonging to the Quercus genus, which includes over 600 species growing on all continents except Antarctica. Most of them are located in North America. In Poland (e.g. in the Białowieża Forest) there are several species of oaks, the most frequently used are the pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) and the sessile oak (Quercus petraea). Both varieties, i.e. pedunculate oaks and sessile oaks, have similar physical and mechanical properties, but differ slightly in appearance. English oak has lighter wood with a warm tone, while sessile oak has a darker color with a cool tone. English oak also has more visible grain and knots, which gives it a more rustic character. Oak wood is narrow-grained, hard wood, with a cross-section, high density and resistance to bending, compression and tension. It also has good abrasion and impact resistance. Moreover, it has a low shrinkage and swelling coefficient, which means that it does not significantly change its dimensions under the influence of moisture and temperature. Oak is also characterized by high biological resistance to fungi, insects and bacteria. This is due to the presence of tannins in the wood, i.e. tannins that inhibit the processes of rotting and decay.

Advantages and disadvantages of oak wood

Oak wood has many advantages that make it a universal and timeless material that will also work well in your home or garden. Here are some of them:

• Furniture and other objects made of oak wood are durable and resistant to mechanical and biological damage.
• Oak has a beautiful appearance and rich colors that emphasize the natural character of the interior.
• Oak wood is easy to process and maintain. They can be cut, milled, glued, varnished, oiled or waxed.
• This type of wood is friendly to health and the environment. Contains no harmful chemicals or allergens. It is a renewable and biodegradable material.

However, it is worth adding here that oak wood, like other varieties, also has several disadvantages that should be taken into account when choosing it. Here are the most important ones:

• Oak wood is expensive compared to other types of wood.
• Oak is very heavy and therefore requires strong support and fastening.
• Oak wood may slightly change color under the influence of light and moisture. It may also react with some metals, causing discoloration or corrosion.
• Such wood may be difficult to combine with other materials, e.g. plastic or glass.

House made of oak wood - the use of oak in construction

Oak wood is a material that works well in both traditional and modern construction. We can use them both outside and inside buildings. It is ideal for roof structures, ceilings, beams, columns and load-bearing walls. Why? It is wood with high strength and stability, which ensures the safety and durability of the building. Oak wood is also perfect for floors, stairs, window sills and moldings. Thanks to its high resistance to abrasion and impact, it gives interiors warmth and elegance while maintaining durability properties. Oak is perfect for furniture, doors and window frames. It is a wood with a beautiful structure and color that suits many styles and arrangements. Finally, we cannot fail to mention that oak wood is excellent for terraces, pergolas, gazebos and fences. All this is due to its high resistance to weather conditions. The whole creates a cozy and natural outdoor space.

Wood surface preservation

Oak wood is a very hard wood, which is also easy to maintain and care for. Depending on the type and method of finishing the wood surface, appropriate cleaning and protection agents and methods should be used. Below we present some simple maintenance rules that will ensure a long-lasting beautiful appearance of the wood surface:

• Oak wood items should be vacuumed or swept regularly to remove embedded dust and dirt.
• Oak surfaces should be cleaned with a damp cloth or mop with a mild detergent or a special wood preparation. Do not use products containing alcohol, solvents, chlorine or ammonia.
• Oak wood should also be protected from excessive moisture and high temperatures. Therefore, do not place hot dishes, damp glasses or potted flowers on wood. It is also not advisable to expose the wood to direct sunlight.
• Oak wood should be renewed every few years by re-varnishing, oiling or waxing. This process will preserve the original color and shine of the wood and increase its resistance to damage.

As we can see, oak wood is a material with many advantages and possibilities of use in construction and interior design. It is a durable, resistant and beautiful wood that can be used both for furniture production and as floorboards. Suitable for both traditional, rustic and modern styles. Please remember that oak wood requires proper maintenance and care to serve for many years. So if we are looking for a material that has excellent durability, high quality, unique character and will be used in the home, oak wood will be an excellent choice.