OAK
pa nou chang - ds 224 - fall 2020
Oak wood is generally straight-grained and has an uneven texture. It does not just come from one type of oak tree. In the United States there are over sixty different types of oak trees. Therefore, oak can have many different kinds of hues and looks to them. Over time oak wood may darken to a more amber tone due to the exposure to oxygen and UV light. It is highly durable, rot-resistant, easy-to-work and economical. It is most commonly used for furniture (often in traditional craftsman and mission style), cabinets, flooring, wine caskets, boats, barrels, veneer and kitchenware.
Oak trees species are not a threat. Oak wood is durable and biodegradable so it is kept out of landfills and is eco-friendly. To avoid transporting invasive species, deforestation and minimizing carbon footprint, the source of oak wood usually comes from oak trees that are sustainably-grown locally. Oak wood does not affect indoor air quality unless it is burned. Although severe reactions are uncommon, it has been reported that eye and skin irritation and asthma-like symptoms can occur when frequently exposed to the fine particles and sawdusts of oak wood.
Wallcovering that is oak with bamboo weaving pattern
Oak wood has many layers of finishes. It starts with a ground color of water-based dye. Unlike alcohol-based dyes, the water base dyes do not bleed back out of the oak’s pores. A barrier coat of dewaxed shellac is applied next, to seal in the dye. Over the sealed dye a glaze, second layer of color, is applied. Then another coat of shellac is used to seal in the glaze. On top of all these layers of finishes is a topcoat. By adding a protective topcoat, it adds depth and durability to the wood. Topcoats are typically oil-based or water-based varnish or lacquer. To maintain oak wood furniture, avoid placing it next to an air vent or air conditioner, near any damp walls, or basement since it can warp as well as exposing it to too much sunlight. If there is a spill on oak wood, the best way is to clean it with a damp cloth right away! Make sure to wipe in the direction of the grain to avoid pushing water deeper into the wood. Another alternative is to use a mixture of olive oil and vinegar to clean. The olive oil moisturizes the surface while the vinegar has gentle cleaning properties.
-
National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA)
-
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
-
International Wood Products Association (IWPA)
Wood panel oak cane webbing as interior wallpaper
-
ASTM D3201 / D3201M - 13 is the Standard Test Method for Hygroscopic Properties of Fire-Retardant Wood and Wood-Based Products
-
ASTM D7469 - 16 is the Standard Test Methods for End-Joints in Structural Wood Products
-
ASTM D3345 - 17 is the Standard Test Method for Laboratory Evaluation of Solid Wood for Resistance to Termites
The wall, floor and ceiling in this kitchen interior utilizes
FSC-certified American white oak
Oak wood as a flooring that have a unique parquet called biscuit
Simple oak wood chair
Studios, Vermont Woods. “Oak Wood.” Oak Wood: Color, Grain, & Characteristics - Vermont Woods Studios, vermontwoodsstudios.com/content/oak-wood.
“White Oak.” The Wood Database, www.wood-database.com/white-oak/.
Editors, American Woodworker, and American Woodworker Editors We are delighted to share some of the best AW content here on the PW website. “Tips & Techniques for Fantastic Oak Finishes.” Popular Woodworking Magazine, Popular Woodworking Magazine, 9 Apr. 2015, www.popularwoodworking.com/projects/tips-techniques-for-fantastic-oak-finishes/.
Person. “How to Clean Oak Furniture and Remove Stains.” House Of Oak - Oak Furniture, 20 Jan. 2020, www.houseofoak.co.uk/blog/post/how-to-clean-oak-furniture.
“Miles & May Furniture Works.” Miles & May, milesandmay.com/collections/place/products/may-credenza.
“MRV-27 WoodPanel Cane Webbing.” NLXL Official, nlxl.com/products/mrv-27-woodpanel-oak-cane-webbing-wallpaper-by-mr-mrs-vintage?_pos=1.