This is my favourite Oak variation, it’s a much more darker, almost chocolate variation of oak that gives it a more luxurious tone to the rather abundant lighter tone that is commonplace.

If you don’t know it then don’t be surprised. You aren’t likely to find it in the mainstream furniture stores due to its scarce nature. But an enterprising furniture maker will be able to source some to make that project just a little bit more special.

It’s not a different species at all but something altogether more interesting. The oak has in fact been host to a very particular fungus, the Fistulina Hepatica, more commonly known as the ‘Beefsteak Fungus’. Now fungi are generally pretty weird and this one is no exception, as it gets it’s nickname from the fact it resembles raw meat. The similarities don’t stop there and when cut open it oozes a blood like red juice! The fungus ends up staining it’s host tree. The end result of this oddity is the oak becomes more darker in colour, hence “Brown Oak”, which looks even more prominent when some finish is applied.