The name ‘bog oak’ stands for old wood, oak wood that has been stored in bogs or under water for decades, sometimes centuries. Often found by chance, these “rediscovered” trunks are harvested and utilized in the timber industry. Bog oak is botanically identical to the well-known native oak species, such as the English oak (Quercus robur) and the sessile oak (Quercus petraea). Their volume is limited.
Sapwood and heartwood brown to black due to water storage. Otherwise anatomical features as in the species described above: coarse pores, arranged in so-called half-rings. Strikingly broad medullary rays, which are particularly visible on radial sections. Decorative wood with striking striped or veined pattern, the wood is discolored by the aging process but not chemically degraded. Often cracked.
Medium-weight wood. The specific weight is given as approx. 0.72 t/m3 at a wood moisture content of 12%. The shrinkage of sap-fresh wood to u=12% is specified as 4.0% radial and 7.5% tangential. The dimensional stability of oak is good, a wood traditionally used for dimensionally stable work. Oak is easy to work with all tools; smooth surfaces are produced.
The modulus of elasticity is 13,000 N/mm2. The Brinell hardness is given as 34.
The heartwood of oak is classified in resistance class 2, but the durability of bog oak is not important as the wood is only used indoors.
Decorative wood, turnery, veneers
Informationsdienst Holz (1998) Native timber species and their use
WAGENFüHR (1996) Wood atlas
Note: according to the latest findings, but excluding any liability
