English Oak
Quercus robur · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia.
- Hardness
- 1,120 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Durable. Very resistant to decay and rot; good resistance to moisture but susceptible to various wood-boring insects.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular grain; coarse, uneven texture. Quarter-sawn boards show large, prominent medullary ray fleck patterns; cathedral patterns common in flat-sawn cuts.
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown heartwood, sometimes with a reddish cast. Sapwood is yellowish-white. Tends to darken to a deep golden brown with age and light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1,120 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable. Very resistant to decay and rot; good resistance to moisture but susceptible to various wood-boring insects.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- Approximately $12.00 - $18.00 per board foot for high-quality European lumber.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Living specimen tree estimate: 15-25 years based on trunk diameter and bark texture development.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed in CITES Appendices; IUCN Red List Category: Least Concern. Generally widely available and sustainable.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, heavy timber construction, boat building, cooperage (barrels), and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia.
Workability
Good results with hand and machine tools. Responds well to steam bending. Reacts with iron (rusting/discoloration) due to high tannin content; can cause blunting of cutting edges.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well. Natural oil or polyurethane is recommended to highlight the grain and medullary rays. Fuming with ammonia is a traditional technique used to darken the wood.
Notable Features
High tannin content provides natural rot resistance but causes dark staining when in contact with iron metals. Slightly acidic scent when wet.
