European Oak Rough-Sawn Lumber, Thickness 50 mm (8/4"), 1C

We offer wholesale batches of kiln-dried lumber: by the pallet or container.

Partnering with WoodWay Expert gives you:

• A wide selection of lumber from our stock program
• Material sourcing for projects of varying complexity
• Quality control inspection of lumber before shipping
• Stable supply

Oak Wood: Key Characteristics

European oak (Quercus robur) is a valuable hardwood species common in the temperate zones of Europe. Understanding the technical and aesthetic properties of solid oak is essential for working with the material effectively and creating high-quality, practical products.

Technical Parameters of Oak Wood

• The average density of solid oak in its dry state is approximately 690-750 kg/m³. On the Janka hardness scale, the rating is 1120 lbf, and on the Brinell scale, it is 3.7. This indicates high resistance to wear, impacts, and scratches.
• Oak wood has moderate toughness and flexibility. The species is not as pliable as, for example, ash, but it can also be bent after special steam treatment. This property allows curved furniture and decor elements.

Visual and Aesthetic Characteristics of Solid Oak

• The sapwood has a light yellow or nearly white hue. The heartwood color varies from pale yellow to light brown. Over time, when exposed to light, solid oak acquires darker shades.
• The oak texture is distinct and coarse. The wood usually has straight grains. Wavy patterns and knots may be present. Interlocked grain is not typical for oak.

How to Process Oak

Working with hardwood requires experience. The species is suitable for various types of processing: sawing, milling, and drilling. Thanks to its dense structure, the material holds fasteners well, ensuring the reliability of constructions.

Oak glues without a problem, but to achieve maximum joint strength, it is recommended to use special adhesives for hardwoods. The wood readily accepts stains, oils, and varnishes. This allows craftsmen to highlight the natural grain or give the material a desired shade.

Features of Grade 2 Oak Kiln-dried Lumber

Grade 2 kiln-dried lumber is a strong and stable product that has visual characteristics distinguishing it from higher grades.

Key characteristics of Grade 2 kiln-dried lumber:

• Dry, loose knots with a diameter of up to 5 mm are allowed. The number of knots per linear meter is not strictly regulated. However, they should not be located close to each other or to the edges of the board, so as not to reduce the strength of the lumber.
• Surface cracks up to 100 mm (3.94″) long, which do not affect the structural integrity of the board, may be present.
• Noticeable color differences between various areas are allowed.

What is Oak Kiln-dried Lumber?

Kiln-dried lumber is a type of timber with the bark and wane removed from its sides. High-quality logs are chosen to produce kiln-dried lumber. The raw material is sawn into boards, considering the grain direction and the required thickness and length. Then, the blanks are run through machines to remove remaining bark and create straight edges. The wood’s moisture content is brought to an optimal 8-12% in drying kilns. The dry lumber is then sorted by grade, evaluating its color, grain structure, and the number and type of knots, among other factors.

How Does Kiln Drying of Boards Work?

Our stock program includes kiln-dried lumber. Kiln drying wood is a high-tech and controlled process. Unlike air drying, this method is much faster and guarantees a stable and uniformly dried material with an optimal woodworking moisture content of 8-12%.

The main stages of drying wood in special kilns:

1. Loading the Lumber. Boards are stacked in special drying kilns. Gaps are left between the rows for free air circulation.
2. Preparation (Steaming). In the initial stage, the wood may be treated with steam. This procedure is mainly used for hardwoods like oak or beech. Steam treatment opens up the pores and evens out the moisture content, reducing the risk of cracks and internal stresses.
3. Main Drying. The kilns are equipped with a heating and ventilation system. The temperature and humidity inside the kiln are computer-controlled and change according to a pre-set program depending on the wood species, board thickness, and initial moisture level.
4. Control. Moisture meters and sensors continuously monitor the condition of the wood. Drying continues until the material reaches the optimal working moisture content of 8-12%.
5. Final Conditioning and Cooling. To relieve internal stresses, dry wood is treated with steam. The boards are then gradually cooled to a temperature close to the ambient temperature (approximately 35–45 °C) to prevent condensation.

Kiln-dried lumber is an ideal choice for manufacturing furniture, doors, and other interior elements. Wood with a woodworking moisture content is stable, strong, and ready for further processing.

Advantages of Oak Kiln-dried Lumber

1. Versatility. The material is suitable for both mass production of furniture and individual craft projects.
2. Stability. Kiln drying results in uniformly dried and stable solid boards, ready for further mechanical processing.
3. Reduced Waste and Economic Benefit. High-quality primary processing of the lumber reduces waste and increases the raw material utilization rate. This means you only pay for the usable volume of material, which is especially important in mass production.
4. Optimized Production Processes. Lumber with pre-processed sides shortens cutting time and optimizes production processes. Kiln-dried lumber is easily planed, milled, sanded, stained, varnished, and painted.
5. Convenient Logistics and Storage. The uniform shape of the boards makes them easy to stack, which saves warehouse space, simplifies transportation, and reduces logistics costs.

Uses of Oak Kiln-dried Lumber

Kiln-dried lumber is one of the most popular types of timber in the woodworking industry. Below are the areas where this natural material is widely used.

Furniture Manufacturing

Kiln-dried lumber is used to make the frames and facades of cabinets, dressers, and nightstands, and tables, chairs, beds, ottomans, and benches. Wooden furniture can be stained to fit into various design styles.

Construction and Finishing

This lumber is used as both a structural and finishing material. The boards are used to create decks, flooring (parquet, and tongue and groove flooring), wall panels, non-load-bearing walls, and interior stairs.

Door and Window Manufacturing

Thanks to its stability and ease of processing, kiln-dried lumber is used to make interior doors, window frames, casings, and sills.

Craft and Designer Projects

For workshops that create unique products, kiln-dried lumber offers broad possibilities. Woodworkers can make custom exclusive furniture, interior panels, room dividers and screens, and various interior decor items.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

What species of kiln-dried lumber are available for order?

You can order boards from over 10 species. Hardwoods: European oak, red oak, ash, alder, European walnut, acacia, beech, hornbeam, elm, maple, and cherry. Softwoods: pine and spruce.

What is the minimum order?

Minimum order is 1 container.

What are the order delivery times?

The lumber delivery times depend on the volume of the shipment and the destination. Estimated times are 4-8 weeks.

How are the boards packaged for transportation?

The kiln-dried lumber is hermetically sealed in film for safe sea transport.

What is the difference between kiln-dried and rough lumber?

The bark and wane have been removed from the sides of kiln-dried lumber. Rough lumber, in contrast, retains its natural edge.

What is the optimal moisture content for woodworking lumber?

For woodworking, particularly furniture manufacturing, the moisture content of the boards should be between 8–12%.

What sizes of kiln-dried lumber are available in stock?

We have lumber with the following parameters in stock:

• Thickness: 30 mm, 50 mm / 1.18″, 1.97″;
• Width: from 20 cm / from 7.87″;
• Length: 2.2–4.5 m / 86.61″–177.2″.

What is the proper way to store kiln-dried lumber?

Lumber should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated room with stable temperature and humidity levels.

Can kiln-dried lumber be used for outdoor projects?

Yes, hardwoods can be used for outdoor projects. The wood must be treated with antiseptics and special protective coatings.

What are the grades of kiln-dried lumber?

Kiln-dried lumber is classified into three main grades:

• Grade 1. Practically knot-free with a uniform texture and color.
• Grade 2. Allows for knots up to 5 mm in diameter, minor surface cracks, and color variations.
• Grade 3. Features a large number of knots, surface and through cracks, and uneven coloring.

What is kiln drying and why is it important?

Kiln drying wood is a controlled process where the material is dried to an optimal moisture content (8-12%) in special kilns. This drying method ensures board stability and longevity.