English Brown Oak
Other Names: European Oak, White Oak, English Brown Oak


Wood Description

The heartwood is a pale yellow-brown or “biscuit” color, that may range to light tan or deep brown in color. It is usually straight grained, but cross-grained material can occur in slow growing trees. English Oak displays conspicuous growth rings and has a coarse texture. The sapwood is easily distinguished from the heartwood, though similar in color. Like many other Oaks, broad rays, distinctive growth rings and a silvery grain produce an attractive figure when quarter-sawn. English “Brown” Oak took on its color from the beef-steak fungus. The color cannot be reproduced with stains, and is considered highly desirable.

Region

This species occurs in Great Britain, France, Poland and other areas of Europe, as well as in Canada, including New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Quebec.

Working Properties

Depending on whether the Oak is from a slow growing or quickly growing area, it ranges from fairly easy to moderately difficult to work. It produces a moderate to severe blunting effect on tools. It has good gluing properties, and pre-boring is recommended for nailing and screwing. English Oak responds well to liming, waxing and polishing.

Main Uses

English Oak is used in furniture, joinery and flooring. Its resistance to the passage of liquids make it an ideal material for whiskey, cognac and sherry casks. English Oak stained by the beef-steak fungus, often called Brown Oak, is extremely desirable and is converted into decorative veneers for use in furniture and paneling.

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