What’s the number one wood type used in American-made solid wood furniture? You guessed it—Oak.
At DutchCrafters, oak wood remains one of the most popular choices among our customers, and for good reason. From its durability to its distinctive grain pattern, oak is a timeless choice for handcrafted furniture.
Why Choose Oak Wood?
Oak offers a unique combination of qualities that make it ideal for furniture:
- Attractive natural colors
- Prominent, eye-catching grain patterns
- Affordability and availability
- Strength and long-term durability
You’ll often find oak wood featured in Traditional, Country Farmhouse, and Mission-Style furniture. But with the right finish, oak can easily suit a more contemporary look, too.
Red Oak vs. White Oak: What’s the Difference?
There are over 600 species of oak trees globally, but in furniture-making, two types matter most: Red Oak and White Oak.
Color:
- Red Oak: Light brown with a pinkish hue
- White Oak: Light beige to olive-brown, with a slightly darker, earthier tone
Despite the names, red oak is actually lighter in color than white oak.
Stain Appearance:
- Red Oak takes mid-to-dark stains well, often producing a rich and warm finish.
- White Oak stains slightly more muted, with a more even and understated grain.
Grain Pattern:
- Red Oak: Wavy, open, and slightly coarse
- White Oak: Straighter, tighter, and smoother
Understanding Sawing Techniques: Plain-Sawn vs. Quarter-Sawn
The way oak is cut has a big impact on how its grain appears and how the wood performs.
Plain-Sawn Oak:
- The most common method for cutting oak lumber
- Cut parallel to the log, showcasing arched, looped grain patterns
- Affordable and widely used
- If not otherwise noted, most oak furniture is plain-sawn red oak
Quarter-Sawn Oak:
- Log is cut into quarters, then each quarter is cut at a 90-degree angle to the rings
- Produces a speckled, ribbon-like grain with wavy ripples
- More stable and resistant to warping or cupping
- Favored for Mission-style furniture
- Typically made from Quarter-Sawn White Oak
Recap: Choosing Your Oak
- Oak is the most popular choice for solid wood American-made furniture.
- Plain-Sawn Red Oak is affordable and features bold, looped grain.
- Plain-Sawn White Oak offers smoother grain and slightly darker, less pink tones.
- Quarter-Sawn White Oak offers enhanced durability and a unique grain, perfect for Mission-style pieces.
Start Customizing Your Oak Furniture
Ready to choose the perfect oak for your space? At DutchCrafters, we offer a wide range of handcrafted oak wood furniture in both plain-sawn red oak and quarter-sawn white oak options and select products in plain-sawn white oak. From stains to styles, explore endless ways to make your next piece your own.
Which oak style do you prefer?