The history of oak is one that is bound-up in tradition, folklore and legend. Widely regarded as the king of trees in Britain and Ireland, for centuries it has been held in high esteem throughout the major cultures of Europe. Generally, oak is thought of as particularly English, but in fact, it has a wide distribution across mainland Europe. While its presence has been reported to be more abundant in France, Poland, Yugoslavia, and the Baltic countries, it is believed to be the most common forest tree in Great Britain, especially in Wales. To the west of the UK, it has naturalised locally in south-eastern Canada and the north-eastern United States.
The oak is a slowly maturing tree which grows up to between 60 and 100 feet (18 to 30m) in total with a trunk diameter of 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8m), with some of the most mature British trees being over 1000 years old. Renowned for its endurance, steadfastness, and longevity, the oak's huge size encourages its use in architecture as it is capable of producing long lengths and wide boards. Favoured for such strength and durability, its presence as a major building material can still be seen in the distinctively timbered Tudor houses, and artists chose it for its even grained, honey-coloured splendour when carved and turned. Beyond expected uses, during the Industrial Revolution the bark was valued by the leather tanning industry for its high tannin content, with large amounts sent from managed oak woodlands in the north west of Scotland to Glasgow for this purpose. The bark would also yield a brown dye, and oak galls gave the strong black dye from which ink was made.
Oak has distinctive sapwood which is a slightly lighter, yellowish brown or light tan to deep brown colour than the hartwood. The grain is usually straight, but diversity is not uncommon. Depending on growth conditions, knotty, pippy, burr, figured, irregular and cross grains may also be found, and if there are broad medullary rays within the wood, there will be a silver grain figure on quarter sawn surfaces. Central European oak trees are reported to grow slowly and relatively evenly, producing wood of uniform colour and straight grain, while wood from northern Europe is typically harder and tougher. European oak trees that have been stained brown by the beef-steak fungus become the popular but expensive Brown oak. This is usually converted into highly decorative veneers which have naturally stained attractively varied colours that are said to be impossible to match with any artificial process.
Oak timber is particularly valued for its qualities of hardness and toughness. Some woods demonstrate a greater hardness or toughness alone, but none possesses both to the same degree. English oak hartwood, said to be naturally resistant to decay, has been in great demand throughout history because of its high quality of strength and durability, especially for the construction of barrels and houses, and also for ship-building where using a timber that possessed elasticity and strength were particularly advantageous. Examples of its durability and steadfastness can be seen everywhere, particularly in the half-timbering of stately homes and in the magnificent hammer-beamed roofs of ancient churches, that have grown more attractive and gained character as the timber has weathered and aged.
Historically, oak was also a favourite for cabinet-making and wood turning, and until the arrival of walnut and mahogany to Britain, it was the prime timber for the production of furniture. From this point on, it was only seen to return to favour from time to time, most notably during the Arts and Crafts movement (1880-1910). During this period, there was a re-emergent desire for quality, handmade furniture and goods, the majority of which were made from oak. It was also used for hardwearing flooring, mainly as parquet or rustic-style boards. Today, oak is still in great demand for construction and restoration, as well as in furniture, flooring and interior design. Retaining a deserved reputation for quality and strength, it is often the choice of bespoke furniture designers and craftsmen, as well as the discerning consumer. With an ability to last centuries, it is the legacy of the generations of craftsmen that have been inspired by its unique magnificence and beauty.
