Oak

White Oak is a slow-growing wood that takes between 150 – 200 years to reach maturity. There are over 500 species of oaks in the genus Quercus, with both species indigenous to Britain as well as species that are imported. Oak is a strong durable wood and can resist woodworm better than elm. Pale in colour, with distinctive medullary rays, Oak tends to darken with age and polish into a deep rich brown. Until the late 17th century, oak was the main timber of English furniture, used extensively used in the solid, for the carcass and drawer linings of cabinet furniture. Oak was popular to use in the Georgian era and made a revival in the late Victorian era and during the Arts and Crafts movement.