Oak is a versatile and commonly used wood for home projects.
Oak wood has long been prized by woodworkers, artisans and winemakers for its versatility in creating furniture, crafts and fine spirits. New or used oak adapts to any number of projects. Its beauty and durability mean that items made from oak last for years and are easily recycled for new uses. Does this Spark an idea?
New Life for Barrels
You may not own a distillery or vineyard but used oak barrels from those places can be repurposed into an almost infinite number of useful items. A refinished oak barrel with a door cut out of one side and hinged to open and close becomes a theme cabinet in the rec room bar area or a wine cabinet in the pantry or dining room. Two of them are the base of a bar counter---with handy storage inside. Half barrels with the old lids fastened inside as seats are great chairs as long as you add fat, comfortable cushions. In the yard or on the patio, an old barrel, cut in half, is a perfect planter for wildflowers. Clean it out well before adding soil so that tannins from the wine don't leach into the garden soil.
Adaptable Bookshelves
Oak lumber is strong and the grain is attractive enough for bookshelves. Square or rectangular oak frames, fitted with adjustable oak shelves, can be stacked and rearranged to suit any room configuration. Renters and frequent movers can adapt the shelves to new spaces with ease and the sturdiness of the wood means the bookshelves will hold up well for many years and many moves. As the wood has a close grain and no knots, it can be stained, painted or lacquered and will look beautiful---no unsightly pitted sections or oily bleed-through around knots to mar the finish of the shelves.
Sustainable Oak Projects
Oak is very satisfying to work with for craft projects because it doesn't split easily and looks wonderful when finished, whether painted or not. A young woodworker might enjoy making a box with a hinged lid for personal treasures or a special occasion gift. A woodworking mentor could cut the pieces for a very young artisan and help with assembly. An older child can be taught to work with tools as part of the fun of the project. A birdhouse is a great project for collaboration or individual artistry. Any shape, from the most simple box to a real little house, using board ends and scraps, can be painted and hung from a tree or fastened to a post to enhance the yard or garden. The oak will hold up well and weather nicely, so birdwatching and woodworking are two educational activities that make a complete cycle from oak tree to worked wood to a new home for birds.
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