Oak Timber

The enduring appeal of oak timber

Oak has been a preferred construction and furniture wood for centuries thanks to its strength-to-weight ratio, beautiful grain and ability to accept stains and oils. In New Zealand’s temperate climate it performs as well in dry interior environments as it does in undercover exterior applications when properly detailed and finished.

Key species available in NZ

• American white oak timber – pale straw colour with distinctive medullary rays; ideal for flooring, cabinetry and stair treads.
• European oak – tighter grain and slightly warmer tone; prized for parquet and engineered boards.
• Red oak – blush undertone and open pores; takes darker stains evenly and machines easily.
• Live oak & green oak – supplied fresh-sawn for bespoke beams, pergolas and traditional framing.

Common grades and profiles

Most suppliers offer three visual grades:

• Prime – minimal knots or sap; best for minimalist interiors.
• Standard – small sound knots that emphasise natural character.
• Rustic – frequent knots and colour variation; perfect for barn-style projects.

Profiles range from rough-sawn boards, DAR planks, tongue-and-groove flooring, to laminated beams and panelling ready for oiling or staining.

Selecting the right oak timber for your project

Start by measuring the spans, loads and finish expectations. Structural components require strength-graded or laminated stock, while decorative surfaces benefit from wide, quarter-sawn boards for consistent figure. Ask for:

• Moisture content certificate – 8–12 % for interior joinery.
• Species and grade report.
• Chain-of-custody documentation (FSC or PEFC) for sustainable sourcing.
• Machining tolerance and lead-time.

Surface treatments

Raw oak will darken over time. Maintain the desired tone with clear UV-blocking oils or pigmented hard-wax systems. For bathrooms and kitchens, use two-part polyurethane to improve resistance to standing water. Texture options include bandsawn, brushed or hand-scraped finishes for added depth.

Installation tips

Acclimatise boards on site for at least 7 days. Allow 10–15 mm perimeter gaps for seasonal movement. Use stainless steel fixings to avoid tannin reaction. When gluing flooring, select moisture-cured adhesives compatible with oak’s natural oils.

Cost guide (indicative)

• American white oak DAR 25 × 150 mm: $6–$9 per linear metre.
• European oak engineered flooring: $120–$180 per m².
• Rustic green oak beams 200 × 200 mm: $1300–$1600 per m³.

Pricing fluctuates with exchange rates and shipping; request an updated quote before finalising budgets.

Ordering through ArchiPro

Our platform connects you directly with vetted NZ wholesalers, importers and sawmills specialising in oak timber. Use the filter tools to sort by thickness, length, finish or certification, then request multiple quotes in a single form. Suppliers typically respond within 24 hours and can arrange nationwide delivery or mill pickup.

Looking for complementary finishes? Pair your oak feature walls with designer wallpapers, layer texture with acoustic wall fabrics, or explore decorative plaster for contrast. Discover more inspiration in our wall & ceiling finishes hub.

Care & maintenance

Vacuum or sweep weekly with a soft brush. Immediately wipe spills to prevent tannin marks. Every 3–5 years lightly sand and re-oil high-traffic floors. For external joinery, recoat annually with penetrating oil.

Consult the NZ Building Code clause B2 Durability for minimum service-life requirements when specifying structural oak.