Wind-dried oak is available in lengths of approximately 3 to over 10 meters, with cross-sections ranging from small profiles of 8 x 8 cm to heavy profiles of 30 x 30 cm or larger. Exact availability depends on stock at the time of your inquiry, because wind-dried oak is not a catalog product — it is a material that has taken its own time. Below, we answer the most frequently asked questions about dimensions, custom work, and choosing the right size of wind-dried oak for your project.
What standard lengths are available in wind-dried oak?
Wind-dried oak from stock is typically available in lengths of 3 to 10 meters, with outliers reaching 12 meters or more. The most commonly requested lengths fall between 4 and 7 meters. Since this is reclaimed and antique material, there is no fixed standard — available lengths depend on the origin of the wood and current stock levels.
Oak that is a hundred years old or more carries the dimensions of the era in which it was felled and processed. Historic buildings, mills, and barns yielded timber pieces that are not aligned with modern modular measurements. That is precisely what makes this material interesting for projects where custom work and character take center stage.
For architects and contractors working with large spans, it is worth knowing that wind-dried oak is occasionally available directly from stock in lengths exceeding 10 meters. This is rare on the market and makes it possible to serve even the most demanding structural projects without delay.
What cross-sections are common in wind-dried oak?
The most common cross-sections of wind-dried oak range from 12 x 12 cm to 25 x 25 cm. Smaller profiles starting at 8 x 8 cm are also available, as are heavier profiles of 30 x 30 cm and larger. The exact cross-section depends on the original purpose of the piece and the origin of the material.
Historic oak was not sawn to the millimeter like modern structural timber. Cross-sections are often slightly irregular, which contributes to the character of the material. For structural applications, this is not a drawback — the load-bearing capacity of old oak is excellent, not least thanks to the long drying time, which ensures exceptional stability and a low moisture content.
Common cross-sections that are regularly available:
- 8 x 8 cm to 10 x 10 cm — for lighter applications and decorative elements
- 12 x 12 cm to 15 x 15 cm — frequently requested for exposed timber and light structures
- 18 x 18 cm to 20 x 20 cm — suitable for load-bearing applications in renovation and new construction
- 22 x 22 cm to 25 x 25 cm — for heavier structures and large spans
- 30 x 30 cm and larger — available from stock, subject to current inventory
Are non-standard or large dimensions available from stock?
Yes, non-standard and large dimensions of wind-dried oak are available from stock, but availability varies. Profiles exceeding 10 meters in length or with a cross-section larger than 30 x 30 cm exist, but require a targeted search of the database. A stock of approximately 20,000 m² with more than 15,000 individually measured and labeled pieces provides a solid foundation for this.
Large dimensions are most commonly requested in practice for prestige projects: country estates, listed building restorations, and large representative spaces. Oak that has dried long enough — in some cases more than five years — possesses the dimensional stability required for such applications. It does not shrink, moves very little, and retains its shape even at extreme lengths. Would you like to see how this material is used in practice? Browse the completed projects for concrete examples.
For projects requiring specific large dimensions, it is advisable to inquire about current stock early in the design process. This allows you to factor availability into your design, rather than discovering after the fact that a particular size is not in stock.
How do you determine which size of wind-dried oak is right for your project?
The right size of wind-dried oak depends on three factors: the structural load, the desired aesthetic, and the available space. There is no universal answer — a profile that fits perfectly in an industrial loft interior is a different choice from one that needs to span a large opening in a new country house.
The choice of a particular size is determined in most projects by a combination of technical requirements and aesthetic considerations. A structural engineer establishes the minimum cross-section based on load and span. Within that framework, you as architect or designer have the opportunity to choose a profile that suits the scale of the space and the atmosphere of the project.
A practical approach to making the right decision:
- Establish the minimum structural dimensions based on calculations or in consultation with a structural engineer.
- Check which dimensions within that range are available in the current stock.
- Assess the visual proportion of the timber in the space — a profile that is too slender looks weak, while one that is too massive will dominate.
- Consider whether the timber will remain visible or be built in, as this affects the choice of patina and surface finish.
- Ask about the drying time and moisture content of the specific pieces you are considering — this is critical for long-term stability.
In addition to wind-dried oak, other high-quality reclaimed materials are also available, such as antique oak boards for flooring, wall cladding, or roof boarding — a beautiful complement for projects where multiple elements are executed in the same material.
Can wind-dried oak be cut to size if standard dimensions don’t fit?
Wind-dried oak can be cut to size when the available dimensions do not directly match your project requirements. This applies to both length and cross-section. The timber can be rip-sawn, doweled, or milled to specification, depending on the desired finished dimension and intended use.
Custom work is not the exception — it is an integral part of working with antique and reclaimed timber. Since the original dimensions of historic oak do not always align with modern construction measurements, sawing, brushing, or sandblasting to make the material project-ready is a regular part of the process. The advantage of wind-dried oak is that, thanks to its long drying time, it barely moves after processing, which benefits dimensional accuracy once installed. Would you like to inspect the material up close before making a decision? Visit the timber yard and view the stock in person.
How Frank Pouwer helps with wind-dried oak dimensions
A project does not always align with what is listed in a catalog. We work differently: our stock of wind-dried oak is fully measured, labeled, and recorded in a database, so we can quickly search for the dimensions you need. This saves time and prevents disappointment further along in the process.
What we specifically offer:
- More than 15,000 individually measured pieces, searchable directly by length and cross-section
- Profiles available from stock in lengths exceeding 10 meters, including heavy dimensions
- Custom work: sawing, brushing, sandblasting, and weathering on request
- Personal advice on which dimensions meet your structural and aesthetic requirements
- Delivery throughout Europe, including for larger project volumes
Do you already know what you need, or would you like to explore the possibilities first? Request a quote and we will be happy to advise you on the right dimensions for your project.
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