Oak – Silky

Silky Oak (Cardwellia sublimis) is an Australian hardwood from the rainforests of northern Queensland. It isn’t a true oak but a member of the protea family, though it shares the look, with large rays and flecked figure that can be very dramatic on quartersawn faces.
It’s light to medium reddish-brown, with slightly darker rays ranging from muted brown to grey, and a silky sheen that gives it its name. It’s easily mistaken for Lacewood, which looks and weighs much the same.
Its coarse texture and flecks can make planing tricky, but otherwise it’s easy to work, and it glues and finishes well. It’s more durable than American oaks, and a clear finish makes the flecks shimmer.
Supply to the US is sporadic, so it isn’t widely known here. In Australia it has a long history in fine furniture and cabinetry. It’s used for furniture, cabinetry, boxes, turnings, guitar backs and veneer. For a similar flecked look, see Leopardwood.
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Why We Love This Wood
Dramatic flecked figure on quartersawn boards, and a wood few people in the US have seen.
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Vital Statistics
| Main Color Group | Yellow / Pink |
| Grain Pattern | Figured |
| Avg Dry Weight - LB/BF | 3.1 |
| Avg Dry Weight - KG/M3 | 590 |
| Janka Hardness - LBF | 880 |
| Janka Hardness - N | 3930 |
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