Silky Oak is not a true Quercus-genus species, although it can exhibit a similar appearance; it is renowned for its dense “rays” and sometime flecked figuring. (Quartersawn pieces can be very dramatic.) It has a light to medium reddish-brown hue, with contrasting rays that are slightly darker can range anywhere from a muted brown to gray color. Despite being more durable than any American oak species, its draw is its aesthetic qualities. Because of its course texture — with quartersawn surfaces being littered with Lacewood-like flecks — Silky Oak can prove to difficult to plane. Once you’re passed that, it is generally easy to work, and glues and finishes well.

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Sustainability: Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Common Uses: Veneer, cabinetry, fine furniture, musical instruments, turned objects, and other small specialty items.

Comments: This wood is easily misidentified as “Lacewood;” their aesthetics and densities are generally quite similar. The wood is not particularly well known in the US, as exports have been sporadic and, thus, supplies are quite limited.

Being of the Grevillea genus, the wood is not actually related to any true Oak (genus: Quercus) species; it is actually a fast-growing evergreen tree.