Your beautiful oak floor has been damaged by water and is therefore completely useless right? Traditional solid oak flooring is susceptible to movement caused by changes in humidity and so you should not use solid oak flooring in areas such as the kitchen and bathroom.
This is because the boards are once again taking in the natural moisture from their surroundings. When solid oak boards become highly exposed to changeable moisture and humidity levels, much more serious problems can occur. Two of the most common problems caused by moisture are cupping and crowing.
Oak: Boat frames are also sometimes made out of oak, so you know that's a good sign for moisture resistance! Oak is a flexible and durable wood that's also used for furniture and flooring. You can rest easy knowing that your oak wood won't start to warp at the first sign of moisture.
Oak wood is a hardwood that has a visible wavy grain giving it a distinctive look. It resists water absorption, making it an ideal choice for exterior uses, eliminating the need for the application of waterproofing substances. It is heavy, strong and durable timber of natural beauty.
Fortunately, in many cases, this type of damage can be almost magically undone by treating the wood's surface with oxalic acid. Oxalic acid removes the gray color from oxidized wood, without changing the wood's natural color.
Stains & Discoloration
These stains are usually dark brown, dark yellow, orange, or even green. These unsightly discolorations are caused by the salt and minerals left behind as water evaporates. White discoloration can also be observed on wooden furniture if the finish reacts with the water.
When water penetrates oak it reacts with the high tannin content within oak, resulting in 'blackening'. The Sun's UV rays will turn the oak to a silvery hue over time.
You can if you wish to protect it from mold, algae, fungal attack and UV damage, but for the most part you leave it as it arrives fresh sawn. Oak is an extremely low maintenance timber and sees use in many different construction projects.
Solid wood flooring can be resistant to small water spillages if they're immediately wiped away. If left on the surface for an extended period, water can become a threat to your solid wood floors as it can cause warping. To prevent this, ensure you only use a slightly damp mop when mopping your floor.
When using the air-drying method, you can expect oak firewood to take about six to 24 months to fully cure. If your oak firewood is still green and has a high moisture content of about 70% to 80%, allowing it to air dry for six months to two years should result in a moisture content of 20% or lower.
That said, the woods that hold up best against moisture are teak, mahogany, redwood, and cedar, which is why you'll fine exterior furniture and structures made of these woods all over the world.
Eventually, the wood will reach a moisture content that is in equilibrium with the surrounding ambient air and humidity. While a 1-inch red oak board may take two to three months to air-dry, a 2-inch board may take six to eight months, and even thicker lumber may take years.
Paul Fisette responds: The general rule is that the mechanical properties of wood show little change over time. In short, the aging of wood, unlike that of cheese, does not make it better. Nor does it improve its strength.
Durability is a measurement of how long specific species of timber would last if a 50mm x 50mm cross section was left in the ground unprotected. An untreated Oak beam, which is classed as 'durable', for example, will last 15-25 years depending on environmental conditions.
The Short Answer
Oak is a sturdy, class-two timber known for its outstanding durability, high fungal resistance, an indefinite lifespan. With proper care, oak furniture can last for a lifetime!
Oak is best treated with either Raw Linseed Oil diluted with White Spirits, Finest Danish Oil or Pure Tung Oil which gives a paler shade.
Petroleum jelly or mayonnaise
One of the best ways to remove a water stain is by covering it in petroleum jelly, or even mayonnaise. The oil from these substances can seep into the wood, displacing the water and removing the stain. To try it, put a dollop of petroleum or mayonnaise on a paper towel.
But as you're about to find out, water doesn't always cause damage immediately after a leak develops. For instance, it takes up to 10 days for wood to start rotting due to water exposure.
It can take up to several weeks for wood flooring to completely dry. Also, the humidity in the room and the amount of water that was present on the floor can prolong the process. So leave the fans and dehumidifier running until the moisture test shows that no water remains in the wood.
Some alternatives to remove watermarks on wood include rubbing either a baking soda mixed with water, a mixture of vinegar and olive oil, dissolved salt on water, or toothpaste on the spot in a circular motion until the stain disappears.
Watermarks -- or water stains -- are often caused by cold glasses, spills, or hot dishes places directly on the wood. Luckily, though, they aren't always permanent. This guide will guide you through the process of removing these stains. But first, remember: even a quick touch-up can damage an heirloom.
Mold grows when a wooden surface or the air around it has a high moisture content for any length of time. If mold is allowed to grow, it will ultimately destroy the wood and can ultimately cause severe structural damage to your home. Rotten wood absolutely must be replaced; it makes your home dangerous to live in.