An old oak beam costs on average between 80 and 250 euros per linear meter, depending on dimensions, age, drying time, and degree of processing. For exceptional pieces, such as air-dried beams of more than 10 meters, the price can be considerably higher. The factors that determine the price are concrete and predictable, and are explained below.
What factors determine the price of an old oak beam?
The price of an old oak beam is determined by dimensions, age, drying time, origin, and degree of processing. Larger cross-sections and longer lengths are scarce and therefore more expensive. Timber that has been air-dried for many years has a more stable structure, which increases its value. The origin — from a historic building or a specific country — also plays a role.
The most important price-determining factors at a glance:
- Dimensions: Cross-section and length determine the amount of usable timber. A beam of 20×20 cm is priced differently than one of 30×30 cm.
- Drying time: Timber that has been air-dried for five years or more is more stable and rarer, and that is reflected in the price.
- Age and patina: Timber that is 100 years old or more has a different color, structure, and character than recently demolished material.
- Origin: Oak from historic structures, such as churches or medieval half-timbered houses, is scarcer than standard salvage timber.
- Condition: Sound, undamaged timber without major cracks or insect damage has a higher value.
What is the price difference between new and antique oak beams?
New oak beams are generally cheaper to purchase than antique ones, but the difference is smaller than many people expect. New oak timber costs on average between 50 and 120 euros per linear meter for standard dimensions. Antique oak starts at around the same level, but has properties that new timber cannot match: exceptional stability due to years of drying time, a deep patina, and proven durability.
New timber also has a higher moisture content upon delivery, which can lead to cracking and movement after installation. Antique oak that has been standing for decades has already gone through that process. For demanding applications — such as exposed structural elements, historic renovations, or high-end interiors — that difference in behavior after installation is often decisive. The higher purchase price is then offset by lower risk and a longer lifespan.
How much does an old oak beam cost per linear meter?
An old oak beam costs on average between 80 and 250 euros per linear meter. Smaller beams with a cross-section of 10×10 to 15×15 cm sit at the lower end of that range. Large beams of 25×25 cm and above, especially when air-dried and more than 8 meters long, can exceed 200 euros per meter. The exact price always depends on the specific dimensions and quality.
As a general guideline for 2026:
- Small cross-sections (up to 15×15 cm): approximately 80 to 120 euros per linear meter
- Medium cross-sections (15×20 to 20×25 cm): approximately 120 to 180 euros per linear meter
- Large cross-sections (25×25 cm and above): approximately 180 to 250 euros per linear meter, depending on length and drying time
- Exceptional pieces (air-dried, long, historic): price on request, often exceeding 250 euros per meter
For an accurate price estimate for your project, it is advisable to compare air-dried oak beams directly based on the actual dimensions you require.
Why do prices for reclaimed oak timber vary so widely?
Price differences in reclaimed oak timber are significant because it is not a standardized product. Every piece has its own dimensions, age, condition, and history. What one supplier offers as a simple salvage beam may be, at another supplier, a carefully selected and stored piece with several years of drying time behind it. Those differences are what drive the price.
Stock size also plays a role. A supplier with a large, well-documented inventory can provide specific dimensions without you having to settle for a less suitable beam. That ability to select has value. Processing options — such as custom sawing, wire brushing, or sandblasting — also affect the final price. Timber that has already been pre-processed and is ready for installation costs more than raw material that still needs to be worked.
What does custom processing cost for antique oak beams?
Custom processing of antique oak beams includes operations such as cutting to size, wire brushing, sandblasting, weathering, or producing planks from beams. Processing costs vary considerably depending on the type of work and quantity, but as a rule of thumb, they can add between 15 and 60 percent to the base price of the timber, depending on complexity.
Cutting to specific lengths or cross-sections is the most commonly requested operation and is relatively affordable. Surface treatments such as wire brushing or sandblasting are labor-intensive and cost more. For projects where the timber is visible and appearance matters, those treatments are often well worth it. Always request a specific quote based on the desired dimensions and finish, so that you have a realistic total price for your project.
When is an old oak beam worth the investment?
An old oak beam is worth the investment when stability, appearance, and long lifespan outweigh the purchase price. This is the case in most situations involving exposed structural elements, historic renovations, high-end interiors, and projects where the material contributes to the atmosphere of the space. For concealed structures with no aesthetic requirements, new timber is often the more logical choice.
The decision depends on the application. Oak that is 150 years old has something new timber does not: it has proven it can stand the test of time, it has a structure that no longer changes, and it has a character that cannot be manufactured. For an architect designing a space where the material itself sets the tone, that is not a sentimental consideration — it is a functional one.
How we help with pricing and selection of antique oak beams
At Frank Pouwer, we work with one of the largest stocks of reclaimed oak timber in Europe, with more than 15,000 individual beams that have been measured, labeled, and documented. This means we can quickly and concretely answer whether sufficient timber is available for your project, in the dimensions you need.
What we offer architects, contractors, and project developers:
- Immediate availability of specific dimensions, including long lengths and heavy cross-sections
- Air-dried oak beams with a drying time of more than five years, ready for demanding applications
- Custom processing on site: cutting to size, wire brushing, sandblasting, and more
- Transparent pricing based on actual dimensions and desired processing
- Delivery throughout Europe, including intercontinental shipping for larger projects
Already know what you need? Request a quote directly for your project. Would you prefer to see the timber in person and assess the stock for yourself? Visit the timber yard and experience the scale and quality of our inventory firsthand.
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