On 15 Mar, 19:31, Tim Watts wrote:
For various reasons, I'm possibly having to match some architrave in
American White Oak to European Oak Skirting

Anyone able to comment if they would be a reasonable complement once oiled
or waxed plus aged?

They're very similar. Both are Quercus robur as a species, although
oaks are a bit all over the place for hybrids anyway. Generally
American white oak is better than ours, particularly for quarter-sawn
with ray-flake figure. If you're building Craftsman / Stickley style
pieces, it can be worth seeking out American timber. Their maple's
better too, OTOH our walnut beats theirs and their ash or beech are
poor.

Watch out for American red oak (Q. rubra) Not the same thing at all!

Both will darken with age and so it's popular (particularly in the
USA) to ammonia fume them (the classic Stickley look). I'm a big fan
of this, and it's easy to do. Then wax over oil, or shellac over oil,
as a finish.

Wish I understood wood!

Then obviously you need this!
Understanding Wood
R.Bruce Hoadley
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/1561583588/codesmiths

An astoundingly good book. It's readable, and it will teach you how
wood behaves. In particular, you'll get to grips with the tricky
business of moisture shrinkage.