It has always been a sought-after option in it’s native UK, Europe and America mostly because of its popularity as an indigenous timber. Since the turn of the century, its popularity has grown each year in places like the east. In the past soft woods such as pine were utilized in these locations because they were easier to find, however, oak is quickly becoming a competitor.
In this regard in mind, we’ll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the use of oak wood in furniture production and the motives for its continuing popularity as a building material.
The advantages of using oak in Furniture Designing and Making
1. Accessibility
Since oak trees can reach at up to forty feet tall and yields a huge amount of timber, the timber yield of each tree is impressive compared against other kinds of. Additionally the cultivation of oak is monitored closely through the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) as well as The Programme for the Endorsement of Forestry Certification (PEFC).
They ensure that logging is managed properly and the replanting of oak after harvesting is kept. This means that oak is never short of availability and can be found in huge quantities and in a range of lengths.
Large oak pieces for furniture manufacturing are readily available. This eases construction and provides long, undisturbed lines for the final product. This is why oak is the most suitable material for tables for dining, kitchen work surfaces and similar pieces.
It is essential to verify whether the wood merchants you choose to use are certified by PEFC and FSC. FSC as well as PEFC accreditation. This isn’t just an indication of a reliable retailer, but also guarantees the highest quality of product.
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2. Appearance
One of the primary reasons that people choose oak is its unique golden color. Since oak has been used for many years for traditional joints, it’s an enticing and familiarity for many. But, it is also able to be a great addition to modern designs due to its smooth edges and delicate grain. In older homes the appearance of oak furniture is a great match with older fixtures, creating the impression of continuity to the surroundings.
The waney edged oak, along with its connected bark and the variations in color will result in unusual furniture, and will surely create an interesting conversation. A piece like the waney edged coffee table is an attractive centerpiece for the living space and break up the monotonous straight edges that are present.
Pippy oak has an aesthetic that is unique to other type of timber, and it can turn an ordinary, functional object into a striking accent piece. Kiln dried and green oak can be used for furniture in the interior and possess distinctive looks. It can further be improved by staining or the application of oils to show your grain in the wood. Although these must be applied periodically to furniture that is subject to lots of use it is an procedure.
3. Durability
As a wood oak is a wood with natural strength and endurance and is able to withstand many abuses as compared to other hardwoods. In comparison to other hardwoods like mahogany, it’s extremely sturdy and durable. Just pressing a piece of pine furniture with your finger will leave a permanent mark and ruin its look.
However, oak can endure the most damage and wear and tear with no changes in appearance. This makes oak the ideal furniture option for frequented family spaces or in dining spaces that are 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 drying process makes it inert to the majority of environmental elements that can be found in outdoor areas and consequently its appearance won’t change with time. It is not able to take in moisture or warp, and is impervious, if not poisonous in any way to fungus or insects. It also eliminates the need for maintenance or treatment for the owner. For furniture for indoor use woods like kiln dried or green oak work best.
4. Longevity
Because of its long-lasting nature, furniture made of oak will not require replacing. This is among the main reasons why it has gained popularity throughout the years. The traditional carpentry of oak its durability was one of the primary reasons for its widespread usage. The furniture made of oak was used in every level of society, from the lavish, decorative furniture of the House of Lords to the humblest milking stool for a peasant.
The reason behind this is that oak furniture is durable, and it remains a part of the reason why it is so popular. The money you invest in oak furniture is compensated with the longevity of the finished product. A quality piece of furniture made from oak can endure for centuries, and a number of pieces from centuries back are still being used. It also makes it an eco-friendly choice, cutting down on waste and conserving resources.
Drawbacks Of Oak Use In Furniture Making
1. Cost of materials
It can be costly to purchase, but it is compensated for by the many advantages it has. Since oak is a slow-growing wood , compared to other species that are available, it takes a long time to mature, at which point it is ready to be felled and used to make lumber. Because it takes a long time to make, this will naturally increase the cost. But, the advantages highlighted above are more than enough to justify the cost increase.
The most notable of these is the endurance and long-term durability of oak wood. As we have mentioned the furniture made of oak will not need to be fixed, treated or replaced. It is important to consider these elements prior to choosing the cheapest type of 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 that is naturally strong, hard, and dense structure. This makes it challenging to use when compared to other woods, but it is more flexible than dried. It isn’t easy to turn lathes, and may cause blades to be blunted rapidly if the wrong type are employed. It is also worth taking the time to think about this, and plan ahead to ensure that the correct tools are employed.
Professional joiners are likely to be less of a problem since they’ll have the required equipment and tools in their arsenal already. For those who are not experts at making furniture with just a little bit of study and the purchase of the right equipment for the job it is easy to fix the issue. The final product will be worth the expense and the satisfaction of overcoming the obstacles is a reward in and of itself.