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English Oak

Quercus robur

Also known as: Pedunculate Oak, European Oak, French Oak

Technical Spec Sheet

2026-07-14

English Oak wood grain

Reference grain swatch

Janka Hardness
1,120 lbf (4,982 N)
Avg. Dried Weight
720 kg/m³ (45 lb/ft³)
Specific Gravity
0.72
Type
Hardwood
Grain
Straight grain with prominent rays, creating dramatic figure when quartersawn
Texture
Coarse
Durability
Very durable, excellent resistance to decay and insect attack
Region
Europe
Sustainability
Sustainable — Sustainable with proper management, widely cultivated

Overview

English Oak is one of Europe's most iconic and historically significant hardwoods, the foundation of centuries of European furniture making, shipbuilding, and architecture. Renowned for its strength, durability, and distinctive grain figure, it has been the timber of choice for everything from medieval cathedrals to the mighty warships of the Royal Navy, embodying cultural heritage across the continent.

The heartwood is light to medium brown with an olive cast, featuring a coarse texture and prominent medullary rays that create spectacular figure when quartersawn. Density averages 720 kg/m³ when dried with a Janka hardness of 1,120 lbf. The wood is notably strong, stiff, and durable with high tannin content.

Workshop Notes

Blunting Effect

Moderate to high - high silica content and tannins can dull tools

Gluing

Good, though acidic nature can affect some adhesives

Finishing

Good - high tannin content reacts with iron-based stains, can create distinctive coloring

Steam Bending

Good steam bending characteristics

Scent

Distinctive, slightly acidic aroma when fresh, pleasant when seasoned

Assessment

Strengths

  • Excellent durability
  • Very strong and stiff
  • Beautiful figure when quartersawn
  • Historic significance

Weaknesses

  • High tannin content corrodes metal fasteners
  • Can be difficult to work
  • Prone to movement during drying

Common Uses

Furniture · Timber framing · Boat building · Flooring · Wine and whiskey barrels · Veneer · Historic restoration