Metals reacting with wood

[Niall Johnson]

Planning to use metal bar or tube (stainless steel, brass or bronze) embedded in various hardwoods, to serve as an unseen hinge. I know that steel reacts with oak, but does the same apply with stainless? Are there any other known combinations of metals that may cause a problem, either with the wood or the metal?

[Lee Schierer]

The reaction of iron and oak occurs if there is moisture involved. I would say that if you piece is going to stay dry that stainless should be fine. Brass or bronze will probably be more costly, but both will turn green over time.

[Stephen Tebaldi]

What about aluminum? I can't imagine that the oxidation products of aluminum would react with the wood, plus it is cheap.