This infographic highlights the key wood properties of premium European oak that contribute to the longevity and performance of solid oak tables. It summarizes measurable traits—density, hardness, strength, stiffness, dimensional stability, and typical indoor-use moisture guidelines—with sources from reputable wood science references.
Key takeaways
- Dense, durable European oak with average dried density ≈675–770 kg/m³ at 8–12% moisture content.
- Hardness: Janka ~1120 lbf (≈4,980 N), classified as a hard, durable hardwood.
- Strong bending strength: ≈97 MPa (≈14,100 psi) modulus of rupture for European white oak.
- Stiffness: ≈10.6–12.5 GPa (modulus of elasticity).
- Moderate shrinkage and good dimensional stability when properly dried (Radial ≈4.7%, Tangential ≈8.4%, Volumetric ≈13%; T/R ≈1.8).
- Indoor humidity movement: ≈2% between 60–30% RH and ≈3.3% between 90–60% RH (tangential movement is greater).
- Durability class: Heartwood typically Durability Class 2 – “durable” (some sources list 2–3).
- Recommended indoor furniture moisture: ≈8–12% moisture content for kiln-dried oak used in interior furniture.
Sources
- Material Hub / Wood Database; AdvantageLumber (European white oak)
- Gilardi Legnami (European oak)
- e-woodproducts (European oak technical specs)