History of Oak
Oak wood is one the most valued and desired types of wood for flooring and furniture, but there are many forms of oak wood out there on the market. It is of the upmost importance to be well informed about the different types, uses and properties on offer. A carefully chosen piece of oak furniture can last for several generations.
Not only this, oak is also one of the densest materials nature has to offer. It has a density of around 0.75 grams per cubic centimeter in comparison to pinewood which has a density of 0.43 grams per cubic centimeter.
Oak has been valued very highly since the Middle Ages for both. Its power and durability, as well as its highly attractive natural marking. For years, it has been used in the construction of both garden and house furniture. The pieces it produces last virtually forever and it can still be admired in museums and palaces to this day, even if it was made many centuries ago. This is helped massively by its water resistant quality.
This entire aside, the exceptional beauty of the product is without dispute the main appeal of oak furniture. It reflects charm, class and style, which cannot be compared to any other type of wood. It creates a unique feel in any room, whether bedroom, kitchen or otherwise. It is available in light and dark tones as well as different patterns that mean that you can combine it with your existing decor, making it extremely functional in any setting.
Just because your piece of oak furniture has an extreme level of durability doesn't mean you can be lazy. You need to care for your product to keep it looking its utmost, majestic best. Interior oak should be conditioned either with oil or wax in order to protect it from infestations, stains and from cracking. Initially, you should be conditioning your product every couple of months at the start then after a few years, less frequently, maybe twice a year. Apply the wax, I would recommend beeswax, in the direction of the grains and remove it once its dried. Also, ensure that you keep your furniture clean but avoid using harsh chemical cleansers at all costs. Oak is a natural material and should be treated as such, so use all natural, oil based cleaners only. Another tip is to keep your oak furniture out of direct sunlight because the sun can dry it out excessively, causing it to crack and lose its color. It’s just as important to keep it away from radiators and other heating devices.
Oak wood has one disadvantage and that is the price. Due to oak trees maturing very slowly, they tend to be relatively expensive.
Just because your piece of oak furniture has an extreme level of durability doesn't mean you can be lazy. You need to care for your product to keep it looking its utmost, majestic best. Interior oak should be conditioned either with oil or wax in order to protect it from infestations, stains and from cracking. Initially, you should be conditioning your product every couple of months at the start then after a few years, less frequently, maybe twice a year. Apply the wax, I would recommend beeswax, in the direction of the grains and remove it once its dried. Also, ensure that you keep your furniture clean but avoid using harsh chemical cleansers at all costs. Oak is a natural material and should be treated as such, so use all natural, oil based cleaners only. Another tip is to keep your oak furniture out of direct sunlight because the sun can dry it out excessively, causing it to crack and lose its color. It’s just as important to keep it away from radiators and other heating devices.
Oak wood has one disadvantage and that is the price. Due to oak trees maturing very slowly, they tend to be relatively expensive.
Oak is one of the most popular woods used in furniture and flooring in the US. It’s often found in traditional, craftsman, and mission style furniture and is the wood of choice for the Amish, as well as famed furniture designers Gustav Stickle and Frank Lloyd Wright. Oak is highly durable, easy to work with, and looks great stained or with a clear, natural finish. It’s also one of the most efficient woods to burn due to the high BTU content.
Amelia Executive Table
A piece of natural oak wood can take on virtually any hue; from light beige through brown and red. While white oak tends to look more beige-to-brown and red oak looks rosier, it’s not always easy to tell the difference between the various types of oak based on color alone. Moreover, the same oak tree can have different colors throughout, and both red and white oak stain well, meaning a piece can look as dark as walnut or even brighten a whole room when stained a vibrant hue.
You’ll also note that oak pieces will change color somewhat as the years pass, with white oak tending to pick up an amber hue.
Oak wood may darken slightly over time, taking on more amber tones. This happens due to exposure to oxygen and UV light, making it a largely unavoidable process. When it comes to oak furniture, most people won’t even realize the change is happening, as the color change is fairly sub. They may catch on if they purchase a set one piece at a time or try to add in a new piece years down the road hoping for a match. For this reason, it’s generally better to purchase a full set all at once.