Wind-dried oak timber exceeding ten meters in length is available, though stock is limited and requires direct coordination. At our yard in Doorwerth, we currently hold several dozen pieces of ten meters and longer — wind-dried over a period of more than five years. The remaining questions about dimensions, specifications, and delivery are answered below.
What lengths are available in wind-dried oak?
Wind-dried oak is available from us in lengths ranging roughly from two to fourteen meters, depending on current stock. The most common lengths fall between four and eight meters. Material over ten meters is available, but represents a smaller category within the overall range and is not always available in all cross-sections.
The available lengths are directly dependent on the origin of the timber. Oak structural timber from historic barns, mills, and farmhouses comes with its own dimensions — shaped by the craftsmen who originally installed it. This means lengths cannot be listed in a catalog the way new timber can. What is there, is there. And what is not there does not grow back.
Current lengths and dimensions can be viewed via the overview of wind-dried oak beams on our website. More than 15,000 individual pieces have been measured, labeled, and recorded in a database through the Woodworldwide platform, making it considerably easier to search for specific dimensions.
How many pieces over ten meters in length are actually in stock?
The exact number of pieces over ten meters fluctuates continuously, but the inventory structurally includes several dozen items in this category. This is not a standard range that is automatically replenished. Each piece is unique in origin, dimensions, and condition, and sourcing new pieces of this length requires time and an extensive network.
For the Park House Ramsbury estate in England, designed by architect Francis Terry, we supplied authentic wind-dried oak timber of over ten meters directly from stock. This project illustrates what is possible when the requirement is specific and contact is made early.
Anyone who depends on long oak timber for a project is well advised to verify this early in the planning process. Availability in this format is not a given, but the likelihood of finding a suitable piece in our stock is greater than almost anywhere else in Europe. Take a look at our reference projects to get an impression of previously completed deliveries.
Why is wind-dried oak in long lengths so difficult to find?
Oak timber exceeding ten meters in length is rare because it originates from historic structures, only a small number of which have survived. In addition, wind-dried oak requires a drying period of several years, meaning supply cannot be rapidly expanded once demand increases.
There are three interconnected reasons why this material is so difficult to find:
- Historic buildings with long rafters and purlins are increasingly rarely demolished or renovated, causing the supply of long antique oak to structurally decline.
- Wind-dried oak requires a drying period of five years or more to achieve the stability needed for demanding structural applications. This requires forward thinking and large-scale storage.
- Long oak timber places high demands on transport, storage, and handling, raising the barrier for smaller suppliers.
The result is that the market for reclaimed oak in long lengths is small and heavily dependent on a handful of specialized suppliers with sufficient storage capacity and a broad sourcing network.
What are the technical specifications of wind-dried oak?
Wind-dried oak has a moisture content typically below twenty percent, achieved through years of outdoor storage. This makes the material dimensionally stable and suitable for applications where shrinkage or movement is not acceptable. Cross-sections vary considerably, but common dimensions range from 15 x 15 cm to 30 x 30 cm, with exceptions in both directions.
Some technical characteristics relevant to architects and structural engineers:
- Moisture content: After five years of wind drying, the moisture content is stable and comparable to kiln-dried timber, without the material exhibiting the stress characteristics of artificial drying.
- Strength class: Antique oak falls into strength class D30 or higher in most cases, though this must be verified individually for each piece depending on origin and condition.
- Patina and surface: The surface bears the marks of time: color, texture, and minor irregularities that distinguish the material from freshly sawn timber. This is not a defect — it is a characteristic.
- Workability: Wind-dried oak can be sawn, drilled, and jointed without difficulty. Its high density requires sharp tools and experience working with hard structural timber.
For projects requiring certification or structural calculations, it is possible to have individual pieces tested. We always recommend this for exposed structural applications in public buildings. Would you like to get a feel for the material first? Visit the timber yard in Doorwerth and view the stock in person.
How is long oak timber delivered for large-scale projects?
Long oak timber is loaded to measure and transported using specialist haulage, depending on length and weight. Pieces over ten meters often require an escort vehicle or a special permit for road transport. We deliver throughout Europe and have experience with intercontinental deliveries for high-profile projects.
Logistics are always planned in coordination with the client. This includes the delivery schedule, site accessibility, and any crane capacity available on location. Oak timber of this size can easily weigh several hundred kilograms per piece, which requires careful preparation on both sides.
Custom processing of the timber prior to delivery is also possible. The material can be cut to length, brushed, sandblasted, or otherwise finished to meet project specifications. This reduces processing time on site and improves manufacturing accuracy. Curious about the possibilities for your specific situation? Visit the inspiration page for examples of applications and surface finishes.
How Frank Pouwer helps with wind-dried oak for large-scale projects
We hold the largest stock of reclaimed oak timber in Europe, including a structural supply of antique oak beams in long lengths. For architects and contractors working on projects where this material plays a role, we offer the following:
- Direct access to a database of more than 15,000 measured and labeled pieces, including lengths over ten meters.
- Personal advice on availability, dimensions, and technical properties, tailored to the requirements of your project.
- Custom processing prior to delivery: cutting to length, brush treatment, sandblasting, or graying.
- Experience with complex deliveries throughout Europe, including large-scale and time-critical projects.
- Full transparency about actual stock levels — with no unwelcome surprises after the fact.
Do you already know what you need, or would you first like to check whether suitable material is available? Request a quote and we will explore together what is possible.
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