Oak was mainly a tree native to the Northern Hemisphere. It was a tree loved by people living in Northern Ireland, so it was engraved on the coat of arms of County Londonderry in Northern Ireland. The ancient Greeks also believed that the oak tree was sacred to Zeus, the king of the gods. The monks gathered early under the tree to appease their gods.
The Royal Oak and Charter Oak in the United Kingdom play an important historical and cultural role and have not been tampered with for over 100 years.
Ash was used by the British people to generate Scandinavian inspiration made from a mixture of ash and a sugar substance known as exudate. British people believed that ash leaves would soon repel snakes. Whether these historical beliefs and myths were true about these kinds of trees is a topic of endless debate.
We have already discussed the structural uses of different grades of oak, but they are also suitable for much smaller projects. But is oak a good tree for making furniture? Oak has been used to make furniture, especially in the United Kingdom, for thousands of years and is popular all over the world.
Oak is always a popular choice in the United Kingdom, Europe, and the United States as it is mainly available like natural wood. However, since the turn of the century, its use has been increasing year by year in places like the Far East. Traditionally used in places where conifers such as pine are easy to find, oak is rapidly becoming a competitor.
With this in mind, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of using oak in furniture manufacturing, and why oak continues to be a popular material.
Benefits of using oak for furniture manufacturing
1.Usability
Since oak trees can grow up to 40 feet in height, the yield of each tree is very high compared to other species. In addition, oak cultivation is closely monitored by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Program for the Endorsement of Forests (PEFC). This ensures that logging is managed responsibly and that post-harvest oak replanting is maintained.
As a result, there is no shortage of oak and it is available in large quantities in various lengths.
Large oak planks for furniture making are readily available. This facilitates construction and guarantees a long, uninterrupted line to the final product. As a result, oak is the perfect wood for dining room tables, kitchen countertops, and similar large parts. It is always worthwhile to ensure that your hardwood dealer is FSC and PEFC certified. This is not only the mark of a reputable dealer but also guarantees a higher quality product.
2.Appearance
One of the main features that attract consumers to oak is its unique golden color. Oak has long been used in traditional woodwork and is pleasing to many. But it can also complement a more modern design scheme with its clean edges and subtle wood grain. For older buildings, the appearance of oak furniture complements the older accessories and adds continuity to the environment.
Waney Edged Oak, bound with bark and color variations, has the potential to produce very rare oak furniture and definitely creates a piece of conversation. Something like a swaying coffee table becomes an impressive eye-catcher in the living room, breaking the straight, hard edges that exist. Shiny oak looks different from other woods and can turn simple and functional items into attractive feature pieces. Green oak and oven-dried oak are suitable for upholstery and have a unique look. It can be further improved by dyeing or applying oil to bring out the grain. It needs to be reapplied to furniture that is used from time to time, but it’s a simple and easy process.
3.Durability
As a hardwood, oak has natural strength and longevity and can withstand more abuse than other types of wood. Compared to other hardwoods like mahogany, it is very strong and durable. Simply press the pine cabinet with your fingernail, leaving an indelible dent and a lighter appearance. In contrast, oak can withstand most impacts and prolonged wear without changing its appearance.
This makes oak the perfect wood for furniture is commonly used in family areas and public dining rooms that are often used on an ongoing basis. Air-dried oak is ideal for outdoor furniture such as dining furniture and garden benches in the Bry area. The drying process makes it impermeable to most external environmental factors, and as a result, its appearance does not change over time. It does not absorb moisture and curvature and is resistant to insects and fungi, even if it is not actively toxic. It also reduces the need for treatment and maintenance by the owner. Green oak or oven-dried oak is more suitable for interior furniture.
4.Longevity
Due to its durability, there is almost no need to replace oak furniture. This is one of the reasons why it has become so popular over time. In traditional oak carpentry, its longevity was one of the main factors widely used. Oak was used in furniture at all levels of society, from the luxurious and decorative furniture of the House of Lords to the milk chairs of the most humble peasants. The reason is simple: oak furniture lasts a long time and is still part of its appeal. The money invested in using oak for furniture is offset by the life of the final product. Well-made oak cabinets have been available for centuries, and many examples from hundreds of years ago are still in use. It also makes oak an environmentally friendly option by reducing waste and conserving resources.
Disadvantages of using oak to make furniture
Material cost
Oak can be expensive to buy, but it’s very good points offset it. Oak is a slow-growing wood compared to many other kinds of wood, so it takes a long time to mature when it is cut down and ready for use as wood. Due to the slow production, the cost is naturally high. However, the above advantages justify more than a higher price. Most important is the durability and longevity of the oak. As mentioned above, oak furniture rarely needs to be repaired, processed or replaced. These factors are worth considering carefully before choosing a cheaper wood type. In the long run, a larger initial investment in good materials will pay off.
Hard work
As a slow-growing hardwood, oak is naturally hard and densely structured. Green oak is softer than dry, but this can make the task relatively difficult compared to other woods. If you use the wrong type, it will be difficult to start the lathe and the blades can quickly become dull. Again, it’s worth taking the time to review this and plan ahead to make sure you’re using the right tools. This is unlikely to be a major issue for professional carpenters, as they already have the tools and equipment they need. But for hobby furniture makers, it’s easy to fix with a small amount of research and the purchase of suitable tools for the job. The final product justifies the cost, and in many cases, the satisfaction of overcoming the challenge is in itself a reward.
