The durmast is an high valued wood with a long, ancient history. The sessile oak, which it comes from, has been considered a sacred tree in several european cultures, such as the Romans, the Greeks or the Celtic population.
Due to its remarkable height, it has always been associated to thunders and lightnings whose strikes frequently hit its peaks, whereas the druids were used to perform their rituals.
The oak was a symbol of strength and survival, and it is not surprising that its wood is so esteemed and valuable.