Oak

At Shropshire Building Supplies we import Slavonian Oak through processing mills in Italy. Slavonian oak is a type of wood which originates in the Balkans. These mighty oaks grow in the forested area which stretches over the border region of Serbia, Croatia and Bosnia, along the banks of the River Sava. This region has optimal climatic conditions to obtain the exceptional quality and beautiful structure of the oak wood. Growth is slow and even. The ground water level is good, the wind amount is favorable and the height above sea levels encourages optimal growth. All this contributes to the characteristics which we appreciate so much : beautiful warm appearance, straight and smooth grain, an even tint and malleability. The wood is also resistant against the effects of varying humidity (shrinkage or expansion) which ensures there is no danger of splits.The above-named characteristics mean that Slavonian oak is one of the very top woods. There are obvious advantages over Polish or French oak. Polish oak is somewhat tighter and harder which renders it liable to splits, French oak on the other hand is forested in regions relatively close to the sea and is therefore softer and with a less even structure.However, we should avoid any misunderstanding. These nuances do not affect the high quality of European oak wood in general.

European Oak

Reaches a height of 18 to 30m (60–100ft), varying according soil and locality. Diameter of bole about 1.2 to 1.8m (4–6ft), occasionally more. Forms a straight, clear bole, sometimes up to 15m (50ft) in length, when grown under forest conditions, but carries lower branches when grown in the open. Occurs in pure stands, and in mixed woods where it is often the dominant species.

Colour

Yellowish brown. A yellow stain (golden oak) caused by a harmless surface mould is sometimes noticeable during drying, but is not permanent.

Sapwood

Light in colour, usually 25 to 50mm (1–2in) wide, distinct from heartwood.

Grain

Generally straight, but varying with growth conditions. The characteristic ornamental silver grain, due to the broad rays, is seen in quarter-sawn material.

Weight

Variable according to origin and character of growth. Timber of slow growth from Central Europe, such as Slavonian oak, averages about 670kg/m3 (42lb/ft3) and home-grown timber, which is usually of more vigorous growth, about 720kg/m3 (45lb/ft3) at 12% moisture content.

Use(s)

Heavy structural use, Claddin, Exterior Joinery, Interior Joinery, Furniture, Flooring etc…

 

Corrosive properties

A somewhat acidic timber which tends to promote corrosion of metals, especially iron and steel, in contact with it under damp conditions.

Chemical staining

Blue-black stains, formed by reaction of iron with the tannin in oak, are liable to appear on the timber when it is in contact with iron or iron compounds in presence of moisture.

Working Qualities

Medium to difficult – The working and machining properties of oak vary with the mild to tough material which either machines easily or with moderate difficulty.
These basic properties are concerned with growth conditions, but they may be
exaggerated by indifferent drying methods which allow plain-sawn boards to cup,
or severe case-hardening to develop, causing excessive wastage in planning and
molding, cupped stock in resawing, and a greater degree of blunting of cutting
edges.

Drying

Dries very slowly with marked tendency to split and check, particularly in the early stages of drying. In air drying thin piling sticks should be used and some end protection is advisable. In kiln drying there is a considerable risk of honeycombing developing later in the process if drying is forced, and distortion may be appreciable. A yellow stain sometimes develops during the drying process but gradually fades in service.

Staining and polishing

Good

Preservative treatment

Extremely resistant.

 

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