San Francisco Antiques - Urban Chateau - Our glossary of Antique Terminology

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| MAIN GLOSSARY | GLOSSARY OF wood |
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

OAK
A strong, straight reliable timber with straight, raised grain. Perhaps the best of furniture woods, oak was found in Britain and other parts of Europe, especially in the Baltic region. This timber was cultivated for ornament and prized as the major source of hardwood lumber. The wood is durable, tough, and attractively grained, it was used for ships, bridges, wagons, houses, fences and furniture ? wherever durability was important. A symbol of strength, the oak has been revered for both historical and mythological associations. It was the favorite of Jove and Thor and especially sacred to the druids. St. Louis administered justice under an oak, and the Charter Oak is legendary in America. This prolific tree was plentiful in Europe until the end of the 17th Century. The oaks are commonly divided into two groups, the black (or red) and the white. Lumber-yielding species of chestnut (genus Castanea) are included in the white oak group when the term is used as a timber classification. Recognizable by its straight, raised grain, oak needs to be seasoned for a long time.

OUK
A wood from Central and West Africa, with blood red heartwood that turns a dark purple brown. Used mostly in America. Andaman from the Andaman Islands was called rosewood in the 18th century. Rich crimson to brick red, with dark streaks. Princes wood was often found in 17th century inventories as a substitute for walnut, with light brown color and dark streaks. Found in the West Indies.

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