Ahmazing Information About Wood
Oak Oak includes several species with the two most prominent being Red Oak and White Oak. Red Oak Quercus rubra - grown in the Eastern US Red Oak is the wood seen most often in contemporary oak furniture and cabinetry. Red Oak is a heavy wood with very open and porous grain structure. It is usually light colored with a pinkish tint and dark brown grain lines. Red Oak is a strong wood and is quite durable, which is one of the reasons it is so popular for furniture and cabinets. The other reason it is popular is that it is also one of the least expensive hardwoods available today. White Oak Quercus spp (covers about 8 species used commercially) - grown in the Eastern US White Oak is generally beige to brown in color with a distinctive grain pattern with rays going across the grain (rays show promonently in quartersawn lumber). If you have seen traditional mission furniture, much was constructed using quartersawn White Oak. White Oak is stronger, more dense, and slightly more expensive than Red Oak, particularly when quartersawn. The grain of White Oak is moderately coarse and while tighter than Red Oak, still is relatively open. White Oak finishes nicely and gives a solid traditional look to furniture where it is used.