Oak is a fantastic wood, native to England. It has many uses both as a building material, architectural timber, and for interior decoration.
British oak beams are wonderful when being used structurally. The wood is usually supplied ‘green’, fresh sawn from the tree. It can also be known as ‘wet’ at this point. Green oak is easier to work and it is used because it can be more cost-effective than seasoned oak. With green oak, the wood will shrink over the first few years and develop cracks on the surface.
In contrast, seasoned oak can take up to 7 years to be ready. In that time, the wood will dry and split and release stresses. This means that the finished look is more predictable, which is why it is also known as ‘steady’ oak. Steady oak is becoming increasingly popular with architects for restoration projects, but also for newer builds, because the seasoning time also improves stability.
Construction grade oak is used for structural work. It can be obtained as an entire frame if desired. It is very strong and has been used in traditional English houses for centuries. Oak was particularly popular in Tudor times because it was a fast way to build a house.
The way a timber frame is made hasn’t changed much since medieval times. Cut and assembled in the workshop, it is produced in the form of a kit, which can then be put together on site. Joints are created by hand using traditional techniques and are then tightly secured with oak pegs so that the frame can be lifted into place.
The large structural oak beams, in a fire situation char on the outside causing an insulated layer that protects the rest of the beam from burning. This is a useful property to have as it protects the building from collapse.
Oak is an incredible material for building purposes. The beams of the frame can withstand all sorts of extreme weather conditions. An Oak beam is just as sturdy and dependable as a steel joist and is practical, long-lasting and will look better with age.
Oak beams come from a sustainable source too, making them an attractive option for ethical builders. If they are British grown oak beams, used in British building projects, the transportation costs and carbon footprint are also good.
British oak beams are great for building and that is why they have been used for centuries and why they will continue to be used well into the future for projects both renovations and new builds.
