Can Oak Furniture Get Woodworm? Expert Guide

Here’s a question we get asked regularly: can oak furniture get woodworm? The short answer is yes – but before you panic, let’s put things in perspective. In our 40+ years of selling oak furniture, we’ve seen it so rarely that it really shouldn’t put you off investing in quality oak pieces.

Let’s walk through everything you need to know about woodworm, why oak is naturally resistant, and how to protect your furniture for the long haul.

What Exactly Is Woodworm?

First things first – ‘woodworm’ isn’t actually a worm at all. It’s the larvae of various wood-boring beetles (usually the Common Furniture Beetle here in the UK). These little grubs tunnel through timber for 2-5 years before emerging as adult beetles through those telltale tiny holes. The Natural History Museum has an excellent identification guide for these common household pests.

The beetles we see most often are:

  • Common Furniture Beetle (the usual suspect)
  • Deathwatch Beetle (loves old oak beams, less keen on furniture)
  • Powderpost Beetle (prefers sapwood)

Why Oak Naturally Resists Woodworm

Oak has a few tricks up its sleeve when it comes to pest resistance:

It’s incredibly dense

Oak is about 25% denser than pine. That tight grain makes it much harder work for beetle larvae to chew through. According to the Forest Research agency, oak has a density of around 720 kg/m³ compared to pine’s 510 kg/m³.

Natural chemistry

Oak contains high levels of tannins – the same compounds that make your tea taste bitter. These act as a natural insecticide that beetles find unappetising. Research from The Woodland Trust confirms oak’s natural defensive properties.

Low moisture content

When properly stored and maintained, oak furniture keeps a moisture level around 12-14%. Beetles need at least 18% to thrive.

Heartwood vs sapwood

Quality oak furniture uses heartwood (the mature centre of the tree). Beetles much prefer the nutrient-rich sapwood found in cheaper timbers.

How to Spot Woodworm

Knowing what to look for can save you a lot of worry. Here’s our quick identification guide:

Signs of Active Woodworm
  • Fresh exit holes – Clean, sharp-edged holes about 1-2mm across (pin-head sized)
  • Fine dust (frass) – Light-coloured powder around or below furniture
  • Weak spots – Areas that feel soft or crumbly when pressed
  • Live beetles – Small brown beetles near furniture (May to September)
Signs of Old Damage (Not Active)
  • Dark, dirty holes – Often filled with polish or wax
  • No fresh dust – Any old frass will be darker and compacted
  • Solid structure – Despite the holes, the wood feels firm

👉 Top tip: Run your hand along the wood – fresh powder means active woodworm. No powder? You’re probably looking at historical damage that’s long since been dealt with. Historic England provides detailed guidance on identifying timber pest damage in heritage settings.

Preventing Woodworm: Simple Steps That Work

Prevention is much easier (and cheaper) than cure. Here’s what actually makes a difference:

Control the environment
  • Keep humidity below 60% – beetles can’t survive in dry conditions (the Building Conservation Directory recommends 50-60% for optimal wood preservation)
  • Use central heating – it naturally keeps moisture levels low
  • Ensure good ventilation – especially important in older properties
  • Don’t push furniture against external walls – leave a gap for airflow
Regular maintenance
  • Monthly: Dust all surfaces (beetles lay eggs in dusty cracks)
  • Seasonally: Apply furniture wax for protection
  • Annually: Do a thorough inspection, especially in spring
Smart positioning
  • Keep furniture off damp floors with furniture pads
  • Avoid unheated rooms or outbuildings
  • Watch for leaks or damp patches nearby

Treating Woodworm If You Find It

Found some suspicious holes? Don’t panic. Here’s what to do:

For minor issues (DIY approach)
  1. Buy a quality woodworm treatment from a DIY shop
  2. Apply to all surfaces, paying attention to:
    • Exit holes
    • Undersides and backs
    • Any cracks or joints
  3. Repeat annually for 3 years (to catch any larvae that survive)
  4. Keep the room well-ventilated during treatment

The British Pest Control Association offers professional guidance on treatment approaches.

For serious cases

Call in the professionals if:

  • Multiple pieces are affected
  • There’s structural damage
  • It’s a valuable or antique piece
  • DIY treatment hasn’t worked

Professional options include fumigation, heat treatment, or injection systems. Expect to pay £200-500 depending on the severity. The Property Care Association can help you find qualified specialists.

Buying Oak Furniture: Questions to Ask

When shopping for oak furniture (whether from us or elsewhere), these questions will help you buy with confidence:

  • Is this solid oak or oak veneer?
  • What type of oak is it? (European oak is particularly durable)
  • Has it been kiln-dried?
  • Are there any softwood elements in the construction?
  • What does the warranty cover?

The Timber Research and Development Association provides excellent resources on timber quality and standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can woodworm spread from furniture to my house?

While it’s technically possible, furniture beetles much prefer seasoned furniture timber over structural wood. Keep conditions dry and spread is extremely unlikely.

Should I avoid buying antique oak with old woodworm holes?

Not necessarily! If the structure is sound and there’s no fresh dust, those holes are just part of the furniture’s history. Many people love the character they add.

How often should I check my oak furniture for woodworm?

A quick check each spring is plenty. Look for fresh dust or new holes – if you don’t see any, you’re all good.

Is oak furniture worth the extra cost if it resists woodworm?

Absolutely. When you factor in oak’s natural pest resistance, incredible durability, and timeless beauty, it often works out cheaper per year than replacing cheaper furniture every decade.

What’s the best way to prevent woodworm in oak furniture?

Simple: keep it dry, dust it regularly, and give it a good wax every 6-9 months. That’s really all it takes.

The Bottom Line

Yes, oak furniture can technically get woodworm – but it’s incredibly rare in quality pieces that are properly cared for. In fact, we see far more problems with pine, beech, and imported softwoods than we ever do with oak.

The natural properties that have made oak the timber of choice for centuries – its density, tannin content, and durability – also make it naturally resistant to pests. Combine that with basic care (keeping it dry and dust-free), and your oak furniture should serve you beautifully for generations without any woodworm worries.

At House of Oak, we’ve been helping Yorkshire families choose quality oak furniture since 1983. Every piece in our showroom is carefully selected and inspected, so you can buy with complete confidence.

Explore our oak furniture collection to find timeless pieces for your home, and remember – good furniture, properly cared for, really does last a lifetime.

Because that’s what oak does best.

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