Why You Should Use Oak
Where to start when describing the beauty, versatility and timeless wonder of oak?
Oak has a reputation for being quintessentially English, though today it is grown in managed forests in many locations across the world. It is strong, durable and aesthetically pleasing. It has played a major part in our history and heritage, and today it can be sourced through sustainable and environmentally friendly methods. Below are the reasons as to why we believe that Oak is the best solution for your outdoor living needs:
Strength
The strength of oak has been recognised for hundreds of years. Since the Tudor era, it has been used in homes, church structures and bridges amongst various other applications. After oak is cut, it continues to live and adapts to its environment. It may, depending on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity: expand, contract, crack or split. This is beneficial for framing purposes, as it improves the structural integrity of the wood and creates a unique, beautiful aesthetic. An oak frame takes on its own life as the beams and pegs adapt to the environment and each other. This process will go on for hundreds of years, and the structural integrity will remain intact, showcased by many of the Tudor oak-framed buildings which still exist today.
2. Durability
Oak is both aesthetically and structurally durable. Its aesthetic durability is reflected in its ability to fit in with both contemporary and traditional settings. Its structural durability is showcased through its strength, density and resistance to mould and water damage.
3. Timeless Beauty
Perhaps the most outstanding characteristic of oak is its natural beauty, which it displays in both its green and its treated state. No two pieces of oak are the same (even if cut from the same tree!). Its density and grain structure provide a three-dimensional appearance and a dazzling array of differing colours and textures.
We use green oak in our products. Green oak may lighten and take on a silver hue as it ages. Cracking and splitting may naturally occur, and only adds to its character by giving an appearance of ageing whilst not impacting its structural integrity. Any knocks and scratches, unlike other woods, will not negatively impact the visual appeal of oak and may in fact add to its character.
4. Heritage
No other wood has played such a major role in our history and our heritage. Through its application in various structure dating back to Tudor era such as barrels, ship hulls, buildings and cartwheels, oak has been at the heart of our culture and development.
Most of our major historical milestones have oak at their heart. Think of early global trade. Carts, wheels and packing cases would have all been constructed using oak. It has been present in our churches and cathedrals (some of which having timber roof structures) for hundreds of years. The Royal Navy used oak hulled ships as they expanded the British empire across the globe. The list is endless. It has also been used in leathering tanning, building framing, cladding, flooring, furniture and food smoking. Perhaps that is why, to this day, the sight of a pegged oak beam joint evokes deep emotional importance and is symbolic of our historical significance.
This long history as a building material is reflected in its ‘traditional’ look and feel. We aim to produce designs which enhance your home by mixing this traditional look with modern features such as glass and chrome.
5. Environmental friendliness
The oak we buy is grown in a managed forest. In forests such as this, each felled tree is replaced with a new tree. These new trees capture more carbon dioxide than the older ones which they replace. Additionally, carbon dioxide which is trapped within oak is not released after felling and is held within the wood for as long as the building lasts which can be up to hundreds of years.
Oak generally requires minimal finishing or treatment. This is because it gains its own strength and aesthetic over time, which is preferred by many over manufactured treatment. We (and other framers) prefer to work with ‘green’ oak. This is oak which has been sawn to size between 3 to 18 months of the tree being felled.
Oak in its ‘green’ state requires less processing than ‘air-dried’ oak and is subsequently more environmentally friendly. You can therefore be assured that the oak which forms part of your product has been sourced sustainably and in an environmentally friendly way.