Long oak beams

Long oak beams

These are by far the longest oak beams we have ever received. A single beam weighs as much as several thousand pounds. The trees were estimated to be between 150 and 250 years old, and stood in the “Parc Naturel Régional du Gâtinais” near Fontainebleau, France. They were felled under the supervision of the French Forestry Commission; each season a number of trees are designated by them as ready for felling. Thinning the forest ensures that young trunks have a chance to further develop into full-sized oak trees. The rejuvenation process is important also because young oaks absorb much more^CO2 than old oaks.

French oak beams XL

The production process in France of such trees, and thus long oak beams, requires very intensive forest management.
For the first 50 years, an oak tree searches for light and, as a result, it grows mainly in height.
The forests are regularly thinned; the crooked and winding oak trees are cut down, allowing other trees more light.
Ultimately, light causes photosynthesis, which makes a tree grow.
The trees that shoot (candle) straight into the sky are selected to grow on to full-sized oak trees.

Where do these huge oak trees grow?

The oak tree has a long history in France and is also called “the king of the forest.
Not for nothing of course, as this imposing tree has been used there for centuries in timber construction for large structures.
Most oak forests in France were planted by order of the French kings.
The goal: to keep the country thriving into the future.
Future generations should also have access to long oak beams to maintain the French fleet, for example, or build large châteaus.
Without human interference, such forests cannot last long.
In fact, it requires very intensive forest management.

Oak beams home or barn house

Long oak beams can be used in newly built residential or barn homes.
If the wood can be seen on the inside or outside, it gives the house a particularly beautiful character.
Certainly such a long wooden beam can leave an imposing impression.
Take a look at the different projects
where long oak beams have been used.

Replacing oak beams in wood construction

Traditionally, long oak beams are mainly used in the large timber structures such as a farmhouse or barn.
In some cases, these need to be replaced due to rot, for example.
A used oak beam in these lengths is not always available, and a wind-dried oak beam offers a solution in that case.

Ancient churches, monasteries or castles

In the great ancient structures of sometimes centuries ago, wooden beams were often used for roof construction.
In some cases oak, as for example at Notre Dame.
After a major blaze in 2019, the French began their search for long oak beams for reconstruction.
Such renovation projects often call for long oak beams.

Brushing oak beams

A long oak beam can be brushed by us: the natural graying character then becomes clearly visible.
This is an operation that can be done on request.

Sanding oak beams

After the wood is sanded, the familiar light beige color of French oak comes out.
Sanding can be done with a belt sander, for example.
It can be sanded according to your preference; it is possible to stop when the wood is still grayish but it is also possible to continue sanding until the light color is fully visible.

Long oak beams prices

The prices of long oak beams depend mainly on the length.
Long oak beams are scarce and will be comparatively pricier than beams with shorter lengths.
The so-called length surcharges vary by length.
It is always more economical to replace one long beam with two shorter ones.
Send us your desired length measurements and quantities and we will respond with a custom quote.

Tip: extending oak beams

It is also possible to “create” a long beam from two shorter beams using a wood joint.
Besides the fact that two shorter beams are more economical, it gives a room a playful, skillful and individual character.
The now age-old so-called ‘angled hook-weld joint‘ allows two horizontal (bearing) beams to be joined together.