Oak

Oak is a tree belonging to the genus Quercus (Latin for ‘oak tree’) which has some 600 species within it.

Oak is prized because of its great strength, hardness and resistance to fungal and insect attack due to its high tannin content. It is very durable and easy to maintain. It has an attractive grain particularly when it’s quartersawn.

It is because of this durability that oak items dating back centuries can still be seen in museums and historical buildings. It has been highly prized since the early middle ages for everything from ships (Henry VIII built his fleet from oak) to fine furniture to interiors such as panelling. Examples of the latter can be seen in places like the House of Commons in the Palace of Westminster in London.