Oak wood is more durable, stable, and rot-resistant than Tulipwood. That’s why Oak wood is considered more suitable for outdoor purposes.
What is Tulipwood?
Tulipwood has a high density and is resistant to insects, making it suitable for various applications, from furniture making to musical instrument manufacturing.
Tulipwood, also known as Brazilian tulipwood. Its comes from small to medium-sized rainforest trees and is native to northeastern Brazil.
What is Oak Wood?
Oak wood is very durable and naturally resistant to rot. It is frequently used in boat-building and marine applications. Oaks are native to the Northern Hemisphere.
Oak wood is known for its natural properties. It is a popular choice for outdoor applications such as decks, fences, and siding, as well as indoor applications where durability is essential.
There are many species of oak trees, and their wood is highly valued for its strength and beautiful color. Here are a few popular oak wood species.
- White Oak – (Quercus alba)
- Red Oak – (Quercus rubra)
- Live Oak – (Quercus virginiana)
- Post Oak – (Quercus stellata)]
| # | Tulipwood | Oak Wood |
| Scientific name | Disambiguation | Quercus |
| Tree Size | 15-30 ft (5-9 m) tall, less than 1 ft (.3 m) trunk diameter | 60-85 ft (19-25 m) tall, 3-4 ft (1-1.2 m) trunk diameter |
| Hardness | Very hard and dense | Moderately hard |
| Rot-resistant | low rot resistance | Very rot resistance |
| Waterproof | No | No |
Uses
Oak wood is commonly used for quality flooring, furniture, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels, and veneer, while Tulipwood is often used for decorative purposes, such as inlays, veneers, musical instruments, and small-turned objects.
Appearance
The heartwood of the tulipwood is typically a creamy white to pale yellow color, while the sapwood is a pale yellow to a light greenish-yellow. The heartwood has streaks of yellow and light pink.
The heartwood of oak wood ranges from light to medium brown, and the sapwood is typically lighter in color than the heartwood.
The color of oak wood can vary depending on the species and growing conditions. Red oak has a pinkish-brown color with solid grain patterns, while white oak has a more yellowish-brown color.
Both kinds of wood have a straight grain with a coarse, uneven texture. When exposed to UV light and air, oak wood can darken slightly over time.
Working
Tulipwood can be challenging, while Oak wood is easy to work with. Because Tulipwood has high density it also creates a blunting effect on cutters, and oak wood is moderately hard. Beginners should use sharp and proper tools to work on Tulipwood.
Both kinds of wood turn very well. Oak Wood responds well to steam-bending, Glues, stains, and finishes nicely.
Hardness
Tulipwood is harder and denser than Oak wood. Tulipwood has a Janka hardness of 2,500 lb (11,120 N), while white oak has a Janka hardness of 1,350 lb (5,990 N). The Janka hardness of wood can vary depending on the species.
Oak wood is less hard than Tulipwood but harder than many other common hardwoods such as cherry, walnut, and maple.
Here are the popular Janka hardness of popular wood species.
| Wood Species | Janka Hardness |
| Black Ash | 850 lbf (3,780 N) |
| English Oak | 1,120 lbf (4,980 N) |
| Black Oak | 1,210 lbf (5,380 N) |
| Red oak | 1,220 lbf (5,430 N) |
| White Oak | 1,350 lbf (5,990 N) |
| Bur Oak | 1,360 lbf (6,030 N) |
| Black locust | 1,700 lbf (7,560 N) |
| Shagbark Hickory | 1,880 lbf (8,360 N) |
| Tulipwood | 2,500 lbf (11,120 N) |
| Cocobolo | 2,960 lbf (14,140 N) |
| Ipe | 3,510 lbf (15,620 N) |
Rot-resistant
Tulipwood is moderately durable and resistant to insects, while Oak wood is naturally resistant to decay and rot, which makes it a popular choice for outdoor and moisture-prone applications.
Oak Wood does contain high levels of natural oils or chemicals that make it resistant to moisture and decay. That’s why oak wood does not require much care.
To protect tulipwood from rot, it should be properly sealed and treated with an exterior finish.
Which wood is stronger? Tulipwood or Oak Wood
Tulipwood is much heavier and more substantial than Oak wood, but Oak wood is more suitable and durable for outdoor purposes. Here strength means which wood can withstand more weight than tulipwood is stronger.
Which wood is waterproof? Tulipwood or Oak Wood
Neither Tulipwood nor Oak Wood is entirely waterproof, but oak wood can withstand moisture much longer than Tulipwood. Some wood contains natural oils that keep the surface of the wood smooth and keep moisture away.
You can apply a good exterior finish for damp area use. Which forms a protective layer on the surface of the wood and increases its durability.