Oak beams air dried

What are air dried oak beams? As the name suggests, these oak beams have been air dried at our woodyard, located in a former brick factory. The former plant is situated in the middle of the floodplain: a place with a lot of wind. During the dry months the river provides humidity: the right conditions for drying oak.

Like wine and whisky, a long time period is required for oak beam to attain quality. The so-called ‘seasoning’ (or drying) of oak beams is essential before the wood can be used in an outbuilding or veranda, for example. The drying process of oak beams is a natural process; over the years, the winds, rain and sunshine cause an oak beam to dry about a centimeter per year towards the core. This means that a 20×20 cm oak beam already takes ten years before its should be perfectly dry.

Air dried oak beams

The air dried oak beams in our collection are at least five years old, and some reached the age of 25 years. Most of of these oak beams have never been applied before, and for that reason are free of metal, notches or treatments. Compared to reclaimed oak beams, air dried oak beams are therefore more straight and square. On the other hand, the beams are characterized by a well seasoned appearance.

What is the origin of the oak beams that have been air dried?

Oak beams of French origin are known for their quality. The (continental) climate in regions such as Champagne or Burgundy provides ideal growing conditions for oak trees. France is a country in which forests have been maintained for centuries resulting in large oak trees have a chance to develop themselves. In the 17th century, Monsieur Colbert, a minister of Louis XIV, ordered the planting of a large oak forest: the Forest of Tronçais. At the time this has been a major, strategic decision to ensure France’s future prosperity. This way, future generations will be enabled to have access to long oak beams. The oak timber abundance will be helpful to maintain and possibly expand the French merchant fleet in the future, they thought. At the time they did not know steel beams will become a commodity as a result of the industrial revolution.

In central and north-eastern France, many of these oak forests are still well maintained. French forest management oversees the continuity of the forests.

Seasoned oak beams

Over the years, oak beams have aged naturally due to various weather. An aged oak beam has some advantages over an antique oak beam: the dimensions are ‘fixed’, the wood is free of nails and the beams are quite straight thanks to modern sawing machinery.

Why apply air dried oak beams?

Green oak beams contain a high moisture percentage: up to 30 per cent. If green oak will be applied in a (indoor) construction, the wood is likely to warp, shrink and crack during the drying process. To prevent damage after construction (to the facade or stucco, for example), air dried oak could be a solution. Air dried oak beams have usually been allowed to dry outdoors for at least five years and will be less prone to movement. Moreover, the beams take on a beautiful natural greyish colour due to the various weather influences. In summary, high quality oak beams therefore, with lower risk of movement and with a charming appearance.

Read more about the air drying process for oak timber.

Structural oak for residential buildings

Air dried oak beams are frequently applied in construction projects for residential purposes. Oak wood is strong and durable and can be used as construction timber without any problems. The ecological footprint of a wooden beam is significantly lower than a steel beam, and morever, the oak beams in the house will be the real eye-catchers. Take a look at the projects for which seasoned oak beams have been provided.

Oak timbers for outbuilding, veranda or porch

If an extension to the living space is desired, French oak is perfect as a building material. The dimensions of the oak beams depend on the size of the extension and can be consulted with a contractor or structural engineer. In addition, seek advice for the aesthetic aspect of sizing. These are the things we can help with as well. Feel free to give us a call to discuss.

Brushing

Brushing is a frequent opted treatment for the seasoned oak. 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 that is, of course, why we can carry it out. Contact us and do not hesitate to ask questions.

Planing

Air dried oak is ideally suited for planing. It is dry and deformations after planing are quite rare; the possible movement of dried oak is minimal. Cracks, knots and other imperfections become clearly visible after planing. On special request, the beams can be planed to the preferred section size. Please contact us for more information.

Re-cut

Re-cutting is dividing wood into square or rectangular sections to create planks or beams. When re-cutting a beam, there is always a slight risk of movement due to the tension in the wood. This risk is lower in air dried oak and a large proportion of our stock is therefore suitable for re-sawing. This could be done as well if you opt for cladding a steel beam with timber: the outer sides of a beam are sawn. Always seek advice from a timber expert when re-sawing a beam, so feel free to contact us.

What is the pricing of the air dried oak beams?

The dimensions, quality, origin and age of air dried oak beam may vary, as well as the price. We completely understand if a price indication is being requested on beforehand of visiting our yard. Feel free to e-mail us. It helps us a lot if you could inform us about the preferred section sizes, the lengths and what quantities are needed. We like to read other requirements as well so that we can make an offer.

Mailing, calling, anything goes, but of course it is always the best to visit our yard. Make an appointment (together with the contractor!) for a non-binding tour and for free advice. Bring any construction drawings with you to the timber yard. Hope to see you soon!