Oak Quercus spp.
Appearance
Oak has a sapwood that is lighter in color than the heartwood which is a light tan, yellow, or even brown. It is generally straight grained, but can be irregular or crossed. It exhibits a characteristic silver grained figure when quarter-sawn due to broad rays and a fairly coarse texture.
Where it Grows
Oak has more than 200 species and grows primarily in the Mid to East US, Europe, and East Asia. It can reach heights of 100 ft and trunk diameters of 4-6 ft.
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Properties
The weight of most oak is around 4 lbs per board foot and dries very slowly with a tendency to split and check.
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Uses
Oak is one of the most popular structural timbers and is used in furniture, flooring, boat and dock work. It is also a popular choice for casks and barrels.
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