Timber Species European White Oak

Quercus spp.

European White Oak

Also known as: French Oak, English Oak, Rovere, Quercia, Chene

Region of Origin: Central Europe
FurnitureCabinetmakingInterior JoineryFlooringWine Barrel Staves & Caskets
Density
720 kg/m³
Durability
Durable
Janka
5.9 kN
Strength Group
SD5
European White Oak timber grainTimber Grain

About 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

Density
720kg/m³
Air dry density (avg)
Durability Class
Durable
Strength Group
SD5
Structural classification
Janka Hardness
5.9kN
Surface hardness rating
MOR — Modulus of Rupture
105
Seasoned MPa
MOE — Modulus of Elasticity
13.3
Seasoned GPa
Shrinkage — Green to 12% Moisture Content
9.7%
Tangential
4.5%
Radial
Dimensional change from green timber to 12% moisture content

*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.

Minimum Values for Strength Groups
Unseasoned Timber  |  Units: MPa = 145 lb/sq.inch
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
Minimum Values for Strength Groups
Seasoned Timber  |  Units: MPa = 145 lb/sq.inch
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
Shrinkage Classifications
Shrinkage from Green to Oven-dry (12% MC) – % before reconditioning
Description of Shrinkage Tangential Radial
Very Low0 – 3.50 – 2
Low3.5 – 5.02 – 3
Medium5.0 – 6.53 – 4
High6.5 – 8.04 – 5
Very High> 8.0> 5
Durability Classifications
Approximate service life (years)
Grade of Durability Fully Protected Above Ground, Exposed In-Ground, Exposed
Very Durable> 50> 40> 25
Durable> 5015 – 4015 – 25
Moderately Durable> 507 – 155 – 15
Non-Durable> 500 – 70 – 5
This species – Strength Group
SD5
Highlighted in the strength tables above
This species – Durability
Durable
Highlighted in the durability table above

Applications

Main Uses

Furniture Cabinetmaking Interior Joinery Flooring Wine Barrel Staves & Caskets

Stock & Sizes

Availability

Sawn 225x25mm, ex 225x25mm T&G strip flooring. 25mm, 40mm and 50mm thicknesses in random widths.

Quality Standard

Grading

Grade Prime (FAS), Light Feature