Bog oak is notable for its exceptional strength. In fact, it is so strong that it cannot be cut with regular tools. This also means that products crafted of this wood is impervious to pests, and will remain in pristine condition for centuries to come.
What is bog oak?
Bog oak is a type of bog-wood (also referred to as morta, ebony wood, black wood or abonos wood) that ranges in age from 2,500 to 5,000 years. Bog-wood is a naturally stained hardwood that is created from the trunks of healthy trees that have been lying in lakes, rivers, swamps, and bogs for millennia. Deprived of oxygen, the wood is preserved from decay. As it absorbs salts and minerals from the environment, it acquires new properties.
Thinking of bog-wood, bog oak comes first to mind. After it has been extracted and dried, bog oak does not require additional artificial staining and is often used in the production of luxury furniture and interiors.
Bog oak is also extraordinarily beautiful. Each log has a unique history that determines its tone and color intensity. To acquire a black timber requires an average of 3,500 to 5,000 years.
The color of the wood, which may vary from golden brown to ebony with a platinum sheen, is shaped by natural conditions that include variations in the water level, soil composition, and the acidity of the water.
The formation of bog oak depends on a confluence of natural events: the presence of oak on the shore, the flow rate of the river, the presence of minerals in the water, alluvial deposits, and the passage of time. Since the probability of all these factors coexisting is slim, bog oak is a truly rare and unique material.