The Latin name for oak, Quercus, means "a fine tree." The oaks have been key in America's industrial transformation: railroad ties, wheels, plows, looms, barrels and, of course, furniture and floors. The oak is the state tree of New Jersey. Oak is known for its predominant grain patterns that run from straight lines to arched and pointed. Lightness and darkness variations are noticeable in lighter finishes. Oak is one of the stronger hardwoods.