You’ve probably heard of oak, but how do you choose between different types? There are several kinds, including English oak, Pin oak, and Water elm. To help you decide which is the best choice for your home, we’ve put together a quick guide to these four varieties. Read on to learn more about how they differ. The first type is incredibly strong. As oak ages, its strength increases.
White oak
White oak has a high tannic acid content, making it a difficult wood to turn. For this reason, a careful carver should avoid putting excessive pressure on the wood. If it is to be turned, it should be fed at an angle of about 15 degrees. Wood with straight grain should be fed at a 90-degree angle, while wood with figured or twisted grain should be fed at a 15-degree angle. Shallow cuts of 1/16 inch are necessary for detail work. Use a 40-tooth blade for cross-cutting.
Pin oak
Pin Oak is a native tree and its heartwood is typically lighter than the sapwood. Its drooping catkins are green and yellow, and its fruit is a nut about half an inch in diameter and a light brown to dark brown or black color. Pin oak grows in zones four to seven, but can also be grown in other areas. Pin oak is susceptible to anthracnose disease, which causes scorched young leaves. A fungicide can prevent anthracnose by preventing the disease from taking hold.
Water oak
If you have water oak ceiling beams in your home, you may wonder how to restore them. Water oak is a type of oak that can be dry if exposed to sunlight. While it is closely related to willow oak, there are some differences between the two. For example, water oak’s leaves are wider and more oval in shape, while its trunk is straight and usually 50 to 80 feet long. Water oak can reach 2 to 3 feet in diameter, and is easily damaged by fire. It is also not good for finished lumber because it cracks excessively when dried, so it’s best used for rough construction or support beams.
English oak
English oak has great structural and aesthetic properties. Because of its natural resistance to decay, it is a popular choice for boatbuilding. This wood can be shaped and worked with both hand and machine tools, but can be prone to discoloration when wet. Steam-bending and finishing can improve its properties. It does have a distinctive smell, but few people experience severe reactions. Common reactions include skin irritation and asthma-like symptoms.
Live oak
Oak is a very hard wood that can take up to 150 years to mature. It is therefore more expensive than other timbers, with prices reaching PS800 per cubic metre. This is particularly true of English and European oak, which are both dense and strong. However, oak is notoriously difficult to work, requiring years of experience and skilled craftsmanship. It also tends to warp and shrink if it has been left in the kiln for too long.