Quercus spp.
European White Oak
Also known as: French Oak, English Oak, Rovere, Quercia, Chene
Timber GrainAbout this Timber
General Description
European Oak heartwood is light tan to biscuit colour and usually straight grained but irregular or cross-grained material can occur. Characteristic silver grain figure on quartered surfaces due to broad rays.
Working Properties
How This Timber Works
There is moderate to severe blunting on cutters. The wood takes waxing, liming, fuming and polishing treatments very well.
Mechanical Properties
Oak has a very good steam bending classification, but is liable to blue stain if in contact with iron compounds.
Technical Data
Technical Specifications
*Air Dry Density (kg/m³) is an average indication only and actual values may vary. Refer to strength, shrinkage and durability classification tables for full details.
Reference Tables
Timber Classification Tables
Standard NZ classification tables for strength groupings, shrinkage and durability. This species is highlighted in each table.
| Strength Group | Modulus of Rupture | Modulus of Elasticity | Max Crushing Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | 103 | 16300 | 52 |
| S2 | 76 | 14200 | 43 |
| S3 | 73 | 12400 | 36 |
| S4 | 62 | 10700 | 31 |
| S5 | 52 | 9100 | 26 |
| S6 | 43 | 7900 | 22 |
| S7 | 36 | 6900 | 18 |
| Strength Group | Modulus of Rupture | Modulus of Elasticity | Max Crushing Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| SD1 | 150 | 21500 | 80 |
| SD2 | 130 | 18500 | 70 |
| SD3 | 110 | 16000 | 61 |
| SD4 | 94 | 14000 | 54 |
| SD5 | 78 | 12500 | 47 |
| SD6 | 65 | 10500 | 41 |
| SD7 | 55 | 9100 | 36 |
| SD8 | 45 | 7900 | 30 |
| Description of Shrinkage | Tangential | Radial |
|---|---|---|
| Very Low | 0 – 3.5 | 0 – 2 |
| Low | 3.5 – 5.0 | 2 – 3 |
| Medium | 5.0 – 6.5 | 3 – 4 |
| High | 6.5 – 8.0 | 4 – 5 |
| Very High | > 8.0 | > 5 |
| Grade of Durability | Fully Protected | Above Ground, Exposed | In-Ground, Exposed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very Durable | > 50 | > 40 | > 25 |
| Durable | > 50 | 15 – 40 | 15 – 25 |
| Moderately Durable | > 50 | 7 – 15 | 5 – 15 |
| Non-Durable | > 50 | 0 – 7 | 0 – 5 |
Applications
Main Uses
Stock & Sizes
Availability
Sawn 225x25mm, ex 225x25mm T&G strip flooring. 25mm, 40mm and 50mm thicknesses in random widths.
Quality Standard



