Oak’s qualities – hardness, strength and an open grain to name but three – make this wood perfect for furniture-making. Indeed, oak furniture is amongst the finest you can buy.

Oak can be roughly divided into two groups: red and white oaks. The best way to distinguish between red and white oak is by checking the grain of the woods.

The white group comprises beautiful woods that feature a finer texture, have more resistance to moisture and greater durability.

However, red oak – an American wood – is also a popular choice for oak furniture. The distinctive colour will enable anyone to identify the wood, while a unique hue makes red oak popular for warm-looking interior pieces. Red oak also features a more decorative grain than white oak, which is an asset that homeowners may deem more suitable for prominent home pieces.

The manner in which oak trees grow – even if they are of the same type – can greatly influence the wood they produce, which can affect oak furniture. Oak wood from trees that develop at a slow and even pace are more durable and less likely to shrink or swell in humid conditions. By contrast, oak trees which grow on low-lying land and in a warm and humid environment tend to produce wood with a more coarse structure.