Oak is a slow growing tree, taking between 150 – 200 years to reach maturity. It’s a very classic wood, and there are around 400 species of oak trees, so it’s no surprise that oak furniture comes in a huge selection of different shades. It often has a tight grain which results in producing beautiful natural effects on the furniture.

Oak can be divided into two main groups which are red oak and white oak; white oak being considered as superior because the grain has a finer texture. Both red and white oak can be found in the Northern Hemisphere, with white oak more notably found in North Africa, Europe, Asia and North America (with several types present in California)

Within these main groups, there is an incredibly broad range of particular species of oak. However, red and white oak are very much distinguishable from each other; whether looking at the leaves, acorns or wood itself. With white oak trees, the acorn cap is always hairless and the trees have leaves which are rounded at the tip. In red oak, the acorn cap has hairs and the leaves have pointed tips.
But there are similarities too- both types of oak are dense and easily split when the wood is fresh.  And of course, both are wonderful for use in furniture for the home.

Visit our furniture ranges page to find the perfect type of oak for your home.