Edged versus unedged European oak

European oak is one of the most popular wood species for furniture makers, carpenters, and interior designers. Within this category, we often discuss square-edged and unsquared wood. But what exactly do these terms mean? And which option is best for your project? In this blog post, we explain the difference and provide helpful tips for making the right choice.

What is square-edged European oak?

Square-edged oak means the tree trunk is sawn on both long sides, creating straight edges. This makes the wood easier to work with and suitable for projects requiring precision and a smooth finish.

Advantages of square-edged oak wood

The advantages of sawing oak on both long sides are numerous. Here are some of the biggest advantages:

  • Ready-to-use oak. Because the sides are already straight, less processing is required.
  • Less waste is created, as there's less residual wood left over after sawing and planing.
  • You also get consistent dimensions. This makes square-edged oak ideal for projects where exact dimensions are important, such as furniture construction and flooring.

What is unedged European oak?

Unedged oak, also called siding, still retains its natural tree shape on the sides. This type of wood is often used for rustic and organic designs that retain a natural look.

Advantages of unedged oak

This less processed form of oak also has several advantages. These include:

  • It gives an authentic look. Perfect for robust and craft projects.
  • It offers creative freedom. Unedged oak issuitable for unique designs that utilize its natural shape.
  • It's more sustainable than square-edged oak. Less wood is wasted because the natural shape is retained. Less waste, and fewer processing steps are required. 

Which type of oak do you choose?

If it were up to us, the most important question you should ask yourself is what kind of project you have. For sleek and modern designs, we recommend using square-edged oak, ideal for furniture, flooring, and interiors. For a natural, rustic look, you're better off choosing unedged oak. This is perfect for tables, wall cladding, and decorative elements. Need help choosing? Our advisors are always ready to help, so feel free to contact us.

FSC® and PEFC-certified European Oak

Whether you choose edged or unedged timber, sustainability is important. Always choose FSC® or PEFC-certified timber to contribute to responsible forest management and make an environmentally friendly choice. Fortunately, our timber assortment sustainable wood species that meet these certifications. 

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