Sapwood tends to be lighter in color. Workability is good. Denser woods may require sharper cutters. Reduced planing angles are required for highly figured grain sections. Turning properties are satisfactory.
Green woods tends to rupture when bent.
The wood should be kept from metal fasteners while bending. English Oak accepts a broad range of finishes. The heartwood is naturally resistant to decay however logs and green wood may be susceptible to several boring beetle species. Shrinkage is high and cracks and warps may occur. A yellow stain that eventually disappears is also common during drying.