Trade Names
Silky Oak, Lacewood
Similar Woods
Plane
Origin
Australia
Range
Grows in the more subtropical mountainous coastal forests of Northern Queensland, Australia. Further Silky Oak genera are the Grevillea robusta (Southern Silky Oak) and Ortis excelsa (from Eastern Australia).
Uses
Distinctly decorative veneer wood; particularly beautiful surfaces achieved by quarter cutting through the regular large rays. (Flake effect similar to Oak). Used also for architectural woodwork and parquet flooring.
Properties
Silky Oak features distinct broad rays. The wood is beautifully patterned and grained and has a silky gloss surface. It is one of the most beautiful and versatile woods native in Australia.
Machining
Silky Oak can be worked with all the usual tools which are only subject to slight dulling. Due to the special cut to produce the silvery sheen there is a tendency towards flaking.
Seasoning
To avoid deformation, drying should be carried out slowly and carefully. However, there is no particular tendency to check and warp.
Finishing
The light silvery sheen is highlighted best by polishing or by using high gloss surface nishes. Filler should be used when these treatments are applied.
Jointing
Glue joints are very firm and easy to produce. Screw and nail joints have high tensile strength.