Oak beams air dried

What are air-dried oak beams?
As the name suggests, these oak beams are wind-dried in the open air.
The old brickworks is situated in the middle of the floodplain: a place with lots of wind and during the dry months the river provides humidity: the right conditions for drying oak wood.
Like wine and whiskey, oak needs a long period of time to reach its highest quality.
The so-called “maturing” (or drying) of oak beams is essential before the wood can be used in an outbuilding or porch, for example.
Wind-drying oak beams is a natural process; over the years, wind, rain and sunshine cause an oak beam to dry about an inch per year toward the core.
This means that a 20×20 cm oak beam already takes ten years to mature.
This natural drying process removes most of the action from the oak.
A pleasant feature when these beams are used to build an outbuilding, barn, shed or other structure.

Oak beams

The wind-dried oak beams in the collection are at least five years old, and there are also exceptional specimens that are 25 years old.
Many of these oak beams have never been applied and for that reason are free of metal, signs of use or treatments.
Compared to old oak beams, wind-dried oak beams are therefore the “tighter version.
Nevertheless, this wood has natural weathering that gives it a beautiful appearance.

French oak beams

Oak beams of French origin are known for their quality.
The (continental) climate in regions like Champagne or Burgundy provide ideal growing conditions for oak trees.
France is a country in which forests have been maintained for centuries in which large oak trees have a chance to develop.
In the ^17th century, Monsieur Colbert, a minister of the Sun King Louis XIV, ordered the planting of a large oak forest: the Forest of Tronçais.
This was an important strategic decision to ensure France’s future prosperity.
Thus, future generations would have access to long oak beams, was the thought.
The beam timber was needed to maintain and perhaps further expand the French merchant fleet in the future.
That a century later, the rise of steel in the first industrial revolution would make the French no longer dependent on wood was something they could not have imagined at the time.
In central and northeastern France, many of these oak forests are still well maintained.
French forest management fortunately steadfastly oversees the continuity of the forests.

Oak beams aged

Over the years, oak beams have aged naturally due to the various weather conditions to which the wood has been exposed.
An aged oak beam has some advantages over an antique oak beam: the dimensions are dimensionally stable as much as possible and nails or nails cannot be found in the wood.

Why apply wind-dried oak beams?

Fresh oak still contains a high percentage of moisture: up to 30 percent. If fresh oak is used in a structure, there is a good chance that the wood will warp, shrink and crack during the drying process. To avoid post-construction damage (to the facade or stucco, for example), wind-dried oak is the right choice.
Wind-dried oak beams have usually been allowed to dry outdoors for at least five years.
As a result, most of the effect is gone after a few years.
Moreover, the beams take on a beautiful natural gray color due to the various weather influences.
Dryer beams with less risk of warping and more appearance.

New home to be built

Wind-dried oak beams are frequently used in construction projects such as a newly built home.
Oak wood is strong and durable and can be used as construction timber without any problems.
Moreover, the ecological footprint of a wooden beam is significantly lower than a steel beam, and finally, the oak beams in the house will be real eye-catchers.
Take a look at the projects for which wind-dried oak beams have been supplied.

Oak outbuilding, canopy or porch

Put the seasons outside with an oak outbuilding, canopy, porch or carport.
When an expansion of living space is desired, French oak can serve perfectly as a building material.
Sizing of oak beams depends on the size of the extension and can be consulted with a contractor or structural engineer.
In addition, seek advice on the aesthetic aspect of sizing.
These are also things we can help with.
Feel free to give us a call to discuss.

Brushing

A commonly chosen operation is brushing.
Using a wire brush, the outer layer of the wood is brushed clean.
It is quite possible to do this yourself, although it is quite hard work.
And therefore, of course, we can also perform it.
Especially contact us and inquire about the possibilities.

Planing

Wind-dried oak is ideally suited for planing.
It is dry and deformations after planing are the exception rather than the rule; the action of dry oak is slight.
Cracks, knots and other imperfections become readily visible after planing.
The wood comes to life.
Upon special request, beams can be planed to the desired size in our own sawmill.
Please contact us especially for more information.

Herzagen

Resawing is dividing wood into square or rectangular sections to create planks or beams.
When resawing a beam, there is always a slight risk of damage due to the tension in the wood.
This risk is lower with wind-dried oak and much of the beam wood is suitable for re-sawing as a result.
This is also done when lining a steel beam with wood: the outside edges of a beam are sawn and used.
Always seek advice from a timber expert when a beam is being re-sawn, so feel free to contact us.

Prices oak beams

Due to the difference in size, quality, origin and age of wind-dried oak, the price per beam may vary.
It is logical if a price indication is desired before visiting our timber yard.
Feel free to mail us: indicate what the application is, what sizes and numbers are needed or what the dimensions of the project are.
We also like to read other requirements so we can provide an appropriate quote.
Calling more convenient than emailing?
We can also be reached by phone for (price) information of the lumber.
Mailing, calling, everything is possible, but of course it is nicest and most practical to drop by.
Make an appointment (together with the contractor!) for a no-obligation tour and advice.
Bring any construction drawings with you to the lumber yard.
See you soon!