The oak tree has always been a sought-after option in it’s native UK, Europe and America mostly because of its popularity as an indigenous timber. But, since the turn of the century, its popularity has grown every year in areas like the east. In the past soft woods like pine were utilized in these locations because they were more easily available, however oak is fast becoming a competitor.
In this regard in mind, we’ll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the use of oak wood in furniture manufacturing and the reason for its continuing popularity as a wood material.
The advantages of using oak in Furniture Designing and Making
1. Accessibility
Because oak trees can attain at up to forty feet tall The yield of wood from each one is superior against other kinds of. Furthermore the cultivation of oak is monitored closely through the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) as well as its Programme for the Endorsement of Forestry Certification (PEFC).
They ensure that logging is managed properly and replanting after harvesting is kept. This means that oak is always in supply and can be obtained in huge quantities and in a range of lengths.
Large oak furniture boards making can be easily obtained. This eases construction and provides long, undisturbed lines for the final product. In the end, oak is the ideal material for tables for dining, kitchen work surfaces and similar pieces.
It is essential to verify whether the wood merchants that you are using have FSC or PEFC certificates. This isn’t just an indicator of a trustworthy retailer, but also guarantees an item of higher quality.
2. Appearance
One of the most important characteristics that attracts consumers to oak is its unique golden color. Since oak has been used for many years for traditional joints, it is an enticing and familiarity for many. But, it is also able to blend with more contemporary design styles due to its smooth edges and gentle grain. In older homes the appearance of furniture made from oak complements older fixtures, providing an impression of continuity the surroundings.
The waney edged oak, along with its connected bark and varying shades could result in unique furniture that is certain to be some conversation. A piece of furniture like an edged table with a waney is a striking centerpiece for an area of living that breaks up the stark straight edges that are present.
Pippy oak is also an appearance that is unlike other type of timber, and it can turn an otherwise functional, plain object into a striking design element. The green oak and the kiln dried oak can be used for furniture in the interior and possess distinctive looks. The look can be further improved by staining or the application of oils that highlight your grain in the wood. Although these must be applied periodically to furniture that gets many uses This is an straightforward process.
3. Durability
As a wood it has natural strength and endurance and can withstand many abuses as compared to other hardwoods. In comparison to other hardwoods like mahogany, oak is extremely sturdy and durable. Pressing a piece pine furniture with your finger leaves a permanent scratch and ruin its look.
However, oak can endure the most damage and wear and tear with no changes in appearance. This makes it the best furniture material for well frequented family spaces or dining areas in public in which it is likely to see many hours of usage.
For furniture outside like dining chairs for a barbecue or garden benches, oak that has been air dried is the best choice. The process of drying renders it unaffected by most outdoor elements and, as a result, its appearance won’t alter over time. It won’t be able to absorb moisture and warp, and is impervious, if not poisonous in any way to fungus or insects. This reduces the requirement for maintenance or treatment for the owner. For furniture for indoor use woods like kiln dried or green oak are better choices.
Buy your next oak bench at therusticcompany.com.
4. Longevity
Due to its longevity, furniture made from oak is not often required replacing. This is among the main reasons that oak furniture has been popular throughout the years. The traditional carpentry of oak the longevity of the wood was among the major reasons for its wide use. The furniture made of oak was used in all levels of society from the lavish, decorative furniture of the House of Lords to the most humble of peasants’ milking stool.
The reason behind this is quite simple. Furniture made of oak lasts for a long time and it remains a part of the reason why it is so popular. The money spent on oak furniture is paid back with the longevity of the final product. A properly constructed piece of furniture made from oak can last for centuries , and many examples dating back to hundreds of years have been used. It also makes it an eco-friendly choice, decreasing waste and conserving resources.
Drawbacks Of Oak Use In Furniture Making
1. Cost of materials
The cost of oak can be high to purchase, however it is compensated for by the many advantages it has. Because oak is a slow-growing wood , compared to other species and takes a lengthy time to reach its maturity at which point it is ready to be felled and used to make lumber. Since it is slow to make, this will naturally increase the cost. But, the advantages highlighted above are more than enough to justify the cost increase.
Most notable is the longevity and durability of oak wood. As we have mentioned it is a rare case for furniture made from oak to require to be fixed, treated or replaced. It is important to consider these elements prior to choosing an inferior wood. In the end the investment you make with a better material pays its own way.
2. It is difficult to work with
As a hardwood that grows slowly it has a tough, dense structure. This makes it hard to handle in comparison to other species, however the green oak is more soft than dried. It can be difficult to turn lathes and may cause blades to be blunted rapidly if the wrong type are employed. Also, it’s worthwhile to take the time to think about this, and plan ahead to make sure the right tools are utilized.
Professional joiners are likely to be less of a challenge as they’ll have the required tools and equipment already. For novice furniture makers, however with just a little bit of research and purchase of the right equipment for the job it is easy to fix the issue. The final product will be worth the expense, and sometimes the satisfaction of overcoming the obstacles is a reward in and of itself.