Oak

A hardwood extensively used in furniture making during the 17th century and earlier. It was later replaced to a great extent by other woods, mostly because of a reduction in the scale in which furniture was built.

Oak is characterised by a coarse grain with prominent markings, which make it unsuited to fine-scaled delicately detailed work. During the last century it was used extensively in large buildings and churches. In recent years there has been some revival of its use for kitchen and cabinet work.