TDUK member W.L West is a family-owned sawmill & timber merchant in West Sussex that specialises in Oak wood. Here, they explore why Oak is so popular and its top 10 uses in the UK.
European Oak is incredibly versatile, making it a preferred choice for a wide range of applications, used both internally and externally. Some of the main uses for oak wood span thousands of years, and to this day we still use oak for flooring, building structures, wine barrels and furniture. Other parts of the Oak Tree, like its leaves, were used in medicine, while its acorns have been used in cooking.
European Oak is a clear favourite among other hardwoods, and below is our pick for the top 10 uses for oak as a material.
Oak furniture: Oak has a natural resistance to decay, low moisture absorption and the ability to withstand wear and tear, making it a sturdy furniture choice and allowing for it to last for centuries with minimal maintenance. Unlike many other hardwoods, oak can be used for both indoor and outdoor furniture, often the choice for premium items. Oak’s golden-honey colour and attractive grain makes it even more appealing, suiting a wide range of tastes and styles.
Timber frames: Timber-framed buildings have been an integral part of the British landscape since the medieval period. Oak beams are usually the chosen wood for timber frames due to their density, strength and resistance to decay. Fresh sawn ‘green’ oak is predominantly used for construction as it is easy to work with and will tighten joints as it matures. Air-dried oak is the preferred option for projects when it is critical to minimise any shrinkage and movement, making it ideal for restoration projects where elements of an existing timber frame need to be replaced, or for items such as floor joists where stability is crucial.
Smoking food: Smoking meat and fish is another of the top 10 uses for oak, being the quintessential go-to for smoked foods! Its strong flavour enhances the natural tastes and texture without being overpowering, making oak the best hardwood for cooking or smoking salmon, beef, pork and lamb.
Pergolas and gazebos: A beautiful oak pergola or gazebo will enhance any property and last for decades. Fresh sawn (green) oak is an ideal choice as it’s strong, sturdy, durable and water-resistant, requiring minimal maintenance over the years and can be left to age gracefully to a soft silvery-grey.
Decorative accents: While you might not live in an oak-framed property, both period and contemporary buildings often incorporate decorative features made from oak. From mantelpieces and fireplace beams, to kitchen worktops, architrave, skirting and panelling, oak is a predominant choice due to its attractive light colour, strength, durability and stability. W.L West has a guide to Painting Green or Air-Dried Oak Wood available on its website.
Cladding: Although oak cladding is generally more expensive than softwoods like Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir, its longevity makes it a worthwhile investment. External oak cladding is dense, heavy, and can withstand harsh weather conditions, requiring minimal maintenance like cleaning or oiling. Oak shakes, hand-split for a unique appearance, are a sustainable and attractive option for cladding and roofing.
Whiskey and wine barrels: Whiskey and wine barrels are a perfect use for oak due to the flavours it imparts to the liquid contents and its storage properties. It’s both watertight and slightly porous, providing a controlled environment for ageing wine and whiskey. The wood allows oxygen to permeate slowly, helping the liquid to evolve and mature over time, imparting tannins, colour and unique flavours, to complement the wine or whiskey’s flavour profile.
Oak Doors: Aesthetic appeal and its many practical properties make doors another excellent use for oak. With minimal shrinkage and a robust, hard-wearing nature allow oak to be used for both internal and external applications. Oak doors maintain their beauty for decades, and the wood’s versatility means it can add rustic charm or a touch of contemporary sophistication depending on the design.
Carving: The strength, durability and well-defined grain make carvings another great use for oak. Sculptures are preferred over intricate work, and different species of oak offer a variety of hues and depths of colour, with red and white oak being particularly popular. However, due to how hard it is, it can be difficult to work with and may not be a good choice for beginners.
Oak Flooring: A solid oak floor is a stunning addition to any home. It’s incredibly hard-wearing, easy to maintain and clean, more hygienic than carpet, and compatible with underfloor heating. The soft golden tones of oak flooring create a warm atmosphere, making it suitable as a feature in a period country cottage and modern city apartments. Very few materials can rival oak, explaining its everlasting popularity. W.L West specialises in creating bespoke flooring for any project.
