oak

Description: Depending on origin, the heartwood varies from light tan to biscuit or deep brown, with distinct alternating bands of early wood and latewood .The grain is usually straight, but irregular or cross grain can occur. The texture is coarse, and rays and growth rights show an attractive figure when quarter sawn. Fungal attack in the growing tree results in brown oak. The wood is fairly hard, heavy and dense, with high crushing and bending strength, low stiffness and resistance to shock loads.

Uses: Furniture and cabinetmaking, boats and harbor work, truck bodies, quality joinery including church pews and pulpits, coffins, flooring including parquet, office furniture and kitchen cabinets. Also cooperage for wines, cognac and beer; Sliced for decorative veneers; and rotary-cut for plywood.