Frequently Asked Questions
Why use kiln dried White Oak?
White Oak has been time tested and proven to stand up well to the harsh conditions of weather. This wood has traditionally been used for ship timbers, wagon wheels, barrels, exterior doors, and outdoor furniture such as swings and rockers. The hardness resists dents, scars, and scratches. The cells are sealed with a tylosis membrane which keeps moisture from entering. In fact, the U.S.S. Constitution sailing ship, which was made of White Oak in the 18th Century is still floating in Boston Harbor. There are still hundred year old White Oak swings in antique stores. Oak that has been kiln dried down to 7-8% moisture content ensures there will be no warping when placed out in the weather.
Why use an exterior oil stain finish?
According to the U.S.D.A. Wood Handbook, an exterior oil finish is the preferred finish for outdoor hardwood furniture. The wood accepts stain well. Exterior oil stain actually penetrates into the wood, allowing the wood to breathe. This book stresses that varnish and polyurethane finishes are not recommended for outdoor furniture because these types of coatings stay only on the surface of the wood, eventually peel off unevenly, look terrible and require an extreme amount of sanding to completely remove the polyurethane varnish each year. An oil finish such as Cabot’s Australian Timber Oil, on the other hand, is very easily reapplied once a year with a cloth, like dusting. Also, White Oak can easily be lightened by bleaching with a 50/50 mixture of bleach and water if so desired.
What about White Oak and the environment?
White Oak is a tree that rapidly and aggressively renews itself. With a useable cycle of 30 to 100 year old growth, these trees will dominate and push out many other species when allowed to grow over a period of time. Appalachian White Oak trees grow in six southeastern states. Unlike Teak, White Oak use does not deplete the rain forests. According to U.S. Forestry Service information, there is more hardwood (aka White Oak) now than there was 50 or even 100 years ago because it is being reforested to such a great degree. This trend is expected to continue into the future. Coupled with the natural durability and cosmetic characteristics of White Oak, it is an environmentally sound material and a good value to the buyer.
How do you deliver and when can I expect to receive my order?
We deliver to your front porch via UPS. Upon shipment, UPS will deliver your packages in 1 to 2 days on the East Coast and 3 to 5 days from the Mid-West to the West Coast. Currently, online purchases are shipped within 8-12 weeks. “Rush” orders ship in two weeks.