What is oak wood used for? Oaks are an important hardwood for many uses, including furniture, flooring, and building materials. The bark from cork oak is used to make wine stoppers; this species grows in Mediterranean countries such as Spain and Portugal. Acorns are used as flour and coffee, and white oak is used in medical preparations. There are 36 species of oak in the world, primarily in Mexico, the USA, and China. Unfortunately, some of these trees are becoming extinct, mainly because of climate change, deforestation, and invasive species.
White oak
While many people associate oak with acoustics, it is also a popular material for making furniture. This hardwood has a wide range of uses and is often used in furniture and flooring. Additionally, white oak is resistant to water and has been used for boats and wine barrels. Mission style furniture is generally made of oak, but maple and cherry are also popular choices. Although most products feature oak, photos will often show furniture made of these materials.
Red oak
The beautiful red color of red oak wood makes it an attractive material for making furniture. The wood’s low carbon footprint makes it an environmentally friendly option. In addition to being naturally renewable, red oak wood can be recycled into biomass pellets or by-products. These by-products can offset carbon emissions generated during harvesting. However, the process of harvesting and processing red oak wood for furniture is not entirely eco-friendly. It involves cutting down trees, turning them into lumber in sawmills, and drying them. There are several ways to reduce the carbon footprint of red oak wood for furniture. Air-drying requires no energy, while kiln-drying consumes additional energy and causes more carbon emissions.
Chestnut oak
Although the timber from chestnut oak is used very infrequently, it is used for flooring, fence posts, furniture, and planking. The large acorns are edible and are a key part of the diet of many animals. Before the 20th century, the chestnut oak’s bark was heavily used in the tanning process. Until recent years, this wood was largely discarded and considered inferior to Q. alba.
English oak
The use of English oak wood is not limited to furniture or other building materials. The species is an important food source for many creatures, including birds, deer, and other animals. The acorns from the English oak tree are a staple in the diet of many mammals, including deer. Insects and fungi feed on decaying leaf litter, which provides a natural food source for many other animals. In ancient times, oak trees were sacred to a number of gods, including Zeus, Jupiter, and the Celtic Dagda. People have also prized the timber from oak trees for over 9,000 years, using it for everything from food to medicine.
Scotch oak
The fervor for Scotch whiskey continues to grow, and Scotch distilleries continue to make new whiskies. The oak used for maturing whisky helps the spirit develop its unique character. This wood is also a major consideration in policy-making; without oak maturation, Scotch whisky is not legally considered whisky. In fact, some distilleries claim that up to two-thirds of a whisky’s flavour profile is a result of the maturation process.