Silver Oak

Silver Oak

European Lacewood, Brazilian Silky Oak, Australian Silky Oak

East Australia and Queensland

From the beginning to the middle of the 19th century, Silver Oak was planted in many countries with subtropical or tropical high altitude climates as this species not only grows well but also is highly compatible with other plants. Mainly planted as shade tree in tea and coffee plantations. Trees reach heights of up to 30 m with diameters up to 80 cm. Silver Oak was imported to India in the thirties of the past century and today mainly grows there in the lower Himalayan regions as well as in the hilly parts of southern India, i.e. in an altitude between 600 to 1,800 m. Popular tree for parks and avenues in India and most of the veneers are manufactured in that country.

Up to now, Silver Oak has been used as veneer almost exclusively in India by their native board industry as decorative surface veneer. In the rest of the world, Silver Oak is hardly known at all as veneers. Other usage known is for parquet, light construction wood and for minor carpentry work.

The wood is light pink with very little pronounced structure, however, due its horizontally-running cells, a decorative picture results when produced as quarters, similar to Silky Oak.

Wood is easily workable with all mechanical tools.

Dries well. Large thickness needs careful attention though.

Takes all stains and lacquers well.

Problem-free.