Exactly WHY does Oak hang onto it's moisture so long?

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PA. Woodsman

Minister of Fire
Feb 26, 2007
2,257
Emmaus, Pennsylvania
I know it takes what seems like forever for Oak to dry out, but why? What is the reason or reasons that it hangs on to it's moisture so darn long?

Thank you!
 
It is more dense. More dense means less air pockets to let moisture get out. The cell structure doesn't allow moisture out as easily as other woods either - i.e. red oak dries slower than bur or white even though it is less dense.
 
lindnova said:
It is more dense. More dense means less air pockets to let moisture get out. The cell structure doesn't allow moisture out as easily as other woods either - i.e. red oak dries slower than bur or white even though it is less dense.
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Ah, got it-thanks! I figured it was something along those lines.... I tried to "like" your post but I'm out of ammo ;lol
 
It is far from being just the wood density. Some of the water is chemically attached to the cells and more difficult to get out. Google 'bound water in wood' and start reading.
 
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One of the reasons whiskey aging barrel staves are made out of White Oak - preferably. Fiddle faddel forgot rest of it White oak is a closed cell type structure which why it takes a long time to dry.
 
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