Oak wood is very solid and particularly hard, durable and heavy (bulk density: 0.65 - 0.69 kg/dm³). The heartwood has a brownish colour that darkens considerably over time. The surrounding sapwood is more of a yellowish white colour. After it has become completely dry you will notice only a tiny amount of shrinkage, which of course is a positive attribute when working with or employing this wood for a project. Oak wood turns well, can be worked on nicely with sharp tools and takes well to gluing. Its remarkable toughness makes it very suitable for steam bending. The surface of this wood lends itself to staining, liming and smoking. It also takes well to wax or paint. When coming into contact with metal parts that contain iron, oak may indeed discolour. Conversely, oak can itself corrode metal surfaces because of its high acid content. Be apprised that the lighter sapwood is not especially resistant to weathering. Oak wood is most often found being used in furniture and interior constructions as in parquet, for windows or in ship construction. It is used both in solid form or as a veneer.
