Oak has been used in homes and furniture for centuries. But why choose oak over other types of wood?
The answer comes down to durability, character, and the way oak ages over time. Solid, dependable, and full of natural grain, oak is a material that tends to wear in rather than wear out.
In our workshop it sits at the centre of almost everything we make—from staved boards to live-edge slabs cut straight from the boule. For furniture designed to be used every day, we think there is no better material.
Why Choose Oak?
Oak is one of the most popular woods used in furniture because it is strong, durable, and naturally attractive. As a hardwood, oak resists wear and damage better than many softer timbers, making it ideal for furniture, shelving, and interior joinery.
Another reason many people choose oak is its natural character. The grain patterns, rays and subtle variations in colour mean every piece of oak furniture is unique. When properly kiln-dried and finished with natural oils, oak can remain stable and beautiful for decades.
Benefits of Oak Furniture
Oak has remained one of the most popular materials for furniture and interior joinery for generations. There are a few simple reasons for that.
Durability
Oak is a dense hardwood that stands up well to everyday use. Properly made oak furniture can last decades and often improves with age.
Character
Every oak board has its own grain pattern, medullary rays and natural features. No two pieces ever look exactly the same.
Strength
Because oak is so strong, it works particularly well for table tops, floating shelves, and work surfaces where stability matters.
Timeless appearance
Unlike many materials that go in and out of fashion, oak has a look that works in both traditional and modern interiors.
Where It Started
Oak Guys began in a small workshop in Sway, on the edge of the New Forest.
Back then we worked with whatever timber we could get our hands on. Most pieces were shaped using a large bandsaw, a planer, and a collection of well-used tools that had clearly lived a few lives before reaching us.
Those early days involved plenty of trial and error. We spent a lot of time learning how oak behaves—how it moves, how it cuts, and how to get the best out of each board.
(Our first workshop in Sway)
Sourcing Our Oak
As the business developed, we started sourcing timber more carefully.
We travelled across England and over to France to visit sawmills, meet suppliers face-to-face, and choose boards ourselves. These trips often meant long days on the road, loading trucks with oak boards and driving them back across the Channel.
Twenty-four hours, nine hundred miles, and a lot of coffee later, we would return with a full load of timber ready for the workshop.
There is something important about knowing exactly where your wood comes from.
(Visiting sawmills in France)
(A truck loaded with wood returning from our trip)
The Workshop Today
Today the workshop is based in Christchurch near Bournemouth.
The space has grown since the early days, but our approach has stayed the same. Everything is still made in-house using solid oak, shaped and finished by hand.
We focus on making simple, durable pieces that people can genuinely live with - desks for home offices, chunky shelves for kitchens, dining tables that stand up to daily life, and chopping boards that improve with use.
No flat packs.
No mass production.
Just solid oak and proper joinery.
Many of our pieces begin life as solid oak boards, carefully machined and finished in the workshop before being turned into shelves, tables or other furniture.
Why We Use Kiln-Dried Oak
Another common question we get is why we work almost exclusively with kiln-dried oak.
Because wood is a natural material, it needs to go through a drying process before it becomes stable enough for indoor furniture.
Here’s a quick look at how that process works.
Green Oak — Fresh from the Tree
Green oak is timber that has been freshly cut and still contains a large amount of moisture—often between 60–80%.
Because of this high moisture content, green oak is heavy and constantly changing as it dries.
Green oak is commonly used for:
-
Timber-framed buildings
-
External cladding
-
Landscaping projects such as sleepers or fence posts
Air-Dried Oak — More Stable
After sawing, boards are stacked outside under cover with spacers between them so air can circulate. This process usually takes around one year per inch of thickness.
Air-dried oak typically reaches a moisture content of 20–30%.
This makes it suitable for:
-
External joinery
-
Garden furniture
-
Restoration work
-
Structural beams or mantel pieces
Kiln-Dried Oak — Ready for Furniture
For interior furniture, oak needs to be even more stable.
After air-drying, boards can be placed in a kiln where temperature and humidity are carefully controlled. Over three to six weeks, the moisture content is gradually reduced to around 8–12%.
This is the ideal level for indoor furniture and joinery.
Everything we make—from tables to chopping boards—is produced using properly kiln-dried oak so the finished piece remains stable for many years.
Working With Oak
Beyond moisture content, oak has its own character.
Every board is different. Some pieces show strong grain patterns, others have pippy knots or distinctive medullary rays running across the surface.
English oak tends to have a slightly warmer tone, while French oak often has a lighter colour and straighter grain. Part of the craft is learning how to work with these natural variations rather than trying to hide them.
Instead of covering the timber with heavy stains or thick lacquers, we prefer natural wax oils. These soak into the wood, protect the surface, and bring out the depth of the grain without masking it.
The result is a finish that still looks and feels like real wood.
Built to Last
Over the years we have made everything from solid desks and floating shelves to large dining tables designed for everyday use.
Every piece starts the same way: with a carefully selected oak board and the intention to create something that will last.
Because when you start with good timber and treat it properly, oak furniture does not just last for years.
It lasts for generations.
See all of our oak products here
Frequently Asked Questions About Oak
Is oak good for furniture?
Yes. Oak is one of the most durable hardwoods used in furniture making. Its strength, density and natural grain make it ideal for tables, shelving, and other pieces that need to stand up to everyday use.
Is oak better than pine for furniture?
Oak is generally stronger and more durable than pine. Pine is a softer wood that dents and marks more easily, while oak’s density makes it more suitable for long-lasting furniture and work surfaces.
Why is oak furniture more expensive?
Oak furniture typically costs more because oak is a slow-growing hardwood and requires careful drying and machining. When properly kiln-dried and worked into furniture, it produces pieces that can last for decades.
(Current workshop)
From the Workshop
This blog is where we’ll keep sharing more from behind the scenes builds to tips on caring for oak to stories from customers.
If you’ve made it this far, thanks for reading. Whether you're someone curious about handmade products or just here for a bit of inspiration, welcome to the workshop.
Rob Gibb
Founder – Oak Guys
If you're interested in the materials we use, you can explore our solid oak boards here.