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All About Oak Wood: Properties, Comparisons and FAQs
Prized for its strength and beauty, oak wood has been a highly sought-after material for centuries. It’s no surprise that it remains a popular choice for furniture and flooring today. Its versatility has made it a go-to option for architects, interior designers, and homeowners who appreciate its natural beauty and longevity.
In this article, we'll delve deeper into the characteristics of oak wood, look at the differences between red oak and white oak, and learn how to maintain oak wood furniture. We’ll also compare oak to other popular wood types, and answer some frequently answered questions.
- What is Oak Wood?
- Red Oak vs White Oak Wood
- How to Maintain Oak Wood Furniture
- Oak Wood vs Other Wood Types: Walnut and Teak
- FAQs About Oak Wood
What is Oak Wood?
Oak wood is a hardwood that’s prized for its strength and durability. It’s one of the most common tree species in the Northern Hemisphere and has been used for centuries in construction.
While there are more than 600 species of oak trees, we’ll be focusing on red oak and white oak as they’re more commonly used for furniture and flooring.
Red Oak vs White Oak Wood
Though they fall under the same family, there are some differences between these 2 species of oak:
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*The Janka scale measures how resistant a piece of wood is to wear and tear. A higher rating indicates a greater level of hardness and durability in the wood.
Red Oak Wood
Whether you're looking for a rustic or modern feel, red oak's beautiful reddish-pink tones and distinct wavy grain pattern make it a versatile choice for a variety of interior design projects.
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White Oak Wood
White oak is incredibly water and insect-resistant, making it perfect for both indoor and outdoor furniture. Whether you're looking for a classic or contemporary look, white oak will fit the bill with its beige hues and subtle, uniform grain.
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How to Maintain Oak Wood Furniture
Just like all the other types of furniture wood, you have to maintain your oak wood furniture to keep it in tip-top condition. Here are some tips to ensure it stays that way for a long time!
Keep Out of Sunlight
This tip is more so for oak wood furniture that’s made for indoor use. Try to keep it away from direct sunlight to prevent the colour from fading.
If the temperature’s too high, it might even cause the fibres in the wood to shrink, resulting in warping and splitting.
Wax Regularly
By waxing the surface every 6 – 9 months, you can nourish and protect the oak wood from the effects of regular use.
Tip!
Test the wax first on an inconspicuous spot. Apply a little on the underside of your table or behind a cabinet before waxing the entire surface!
Use Gentle Cleaning Agents
Wiping down your oak wood furniture after every use, especially high-use furniture like dining tables, and cleaning up spills immediately are a must to preserve the longevity of the wood.
On top of that, using gentle cleaning agents can help to prolong the life of your furniture. Disinfect the surface with gentle cleaning products made specifically for wood furniture, or create a natural cleaner using a 1:3 solution of vinegar to water.
As a rule of thumb, use just enough cleaning solution to make the cloth damp before wiping. Ensure that it’s not dripping wet so that excess liquid doesn’t seep into the wood.
Oak Wood vs Other Wood Types: Walnut and Teak
Walnut wood and teak wood are very popular alternatives among homeowners for wood furniture. Read on to see how they compare to oak wood and find out which is best suited for you.
| Oak Wood | Walnut Wood | Teak Wood | |
| Colour | Varies from light olive to reddish brown | Ranges from light to dark brown; fades to yellow gradually | Consistent shade of golden brown |
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Hardness |
1,290 – 1,360 lbf | 1,010 lbf | 1,000 – 1,155 lbf |
| Grain | Close grains | Tight grains | Close grains |
| Durability | Extremely durable | Very durable | Extremely durable |
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FAQs About Oak Wood
What is oak wood used for?
Oak is a versatile wood used for a wide variety of applications. It’s a classic choice for hardwood flooring, beams and frames, as well as an assortment of furniture like tables and chairs. It can also be used to build cabinets for leather shoes or sturdy cupboards to store valuable things like jewelry and authentic trading cards.
Oak wood is also used heavily for wine barrels as it imparts a unique flavour to the wine, and is resistant to rotting.
How long does oak wood furniture last?
The lifespan of oak wood furniture depends on various factors such as the quality of the wood, the construction techniques used, and the care and maintenance it receives.
Generally speaking, well-made oak wood furniture that’s properly cared for can last for generations. With regular cleaning and polishing, oak wood can maintain its beauty and durability for many years.
However, it's important to avoid exposing the furniture to extreme temperatures or humidity levels, as this can cause warping, splitting, or cracking.
How to identify oak wood?
Since oak wood varies in colour, it’s not the most accurate way to determine the type of wood.
A better way would be to feel the grain of the wood. As oak is generally rougher, any smooth-feeling wood most likely isn’t oak. Additionally, a dead giveaway that a piece of wood is from the oak tree is when it has ray flakes – these are small dark horizontal lines, which are especially visible when the wood is quartersawn.
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