Oak beams air dried

Air dried oak beams are an excellent choice for construction projects that require durable, stable, and visually appealing wood. As the term suggests, these oak beams are naturally dried in open-air conditions. We name it seasoned oak beams as well. At our drying facility, located in a historic brick factory within river floodplains, we harness the natural elements—steady wind and river-provided humidity during dry months—to create the ideal environment for drying oak wood.

Much like fine wine or whiskey, oak requires time to develop its full potential. Aging, or the gradual drying of oak beams, is crucial before using the wood in structures such as outbuildings, verandas, or garden sheds. By air drying, the wood dries naturally from the outside toward the core, typically at a rate of about one centimeter per year. For example, a 20×20 cm oak beam would need around ten years to reach its optimal dryness and stability.

This method significantly reduces the natural movement of the wood, which is a valuable characteristic when building structures that need to withstand the elements, such as barns, stables, or extensions.

Oak beams air dried

In our inventory, we offer air-dried oak beams that have aged for a minimum of five years, with some extraordinary pieces aged up to 25 years. Many beams are in pristine condition, having never been used, which means they are free from any metal, marks, or prior modifications. Compared to reclaimed oak, our air-dried beams provide a “cleaner” option, while still exhibiting the natural weathering that adds beauty and character to each beam.

This careful drying process and the selection of quality oak ensure that our beams meet the high standards needed for reliable and beautiful wood structures.

French oak beams

Oak beams of French origin are (worldwide) renowned for their exceptional quality. The temperate climate in regions like Champagne and Burgundy provides ideal conditions for oak trees to thrive. France has a long-standing tradition of forest stewardship, fostering the growth of large, mature oaks. In the 17th century, Louis XIV’s minister, Jean-Baptiste Colbert, initiated the planting of the Tronçais Forest—a vast oak woodland—ensuring resources for future generations. This was a strategic decision aimed at providing long oak beams essential for maintaining and potentially expanding the French naval fleet. At that time, they could not have foreseen that a century later, with the advent of the Industrial Revolution, steel would largely replace wood in shipbuilding.

Today, many of these historic oak forests in central and northeastern France are still carefully managed. French forest management continues to uphold the continuity and quality of these woodlands.

Aged Oak Beams

Over the years, our oak beams have naturally aged, exposed to varying weather conditions, creating a robust and unique character in the wood. Aged oak beams offer distinct advantages over antique beams: they maintain consistent sizing, and you won’t find nails, notches or metal traces in the wood.

The benefits of using air-dried oak beams

Fresh oak naturally has a high moisture content, often up to 30 percent. When used in construction, this moisture can lead to warping, shrinking, or cracking as the wood dries. To avoid potential post-construction damage, such as cracks in facades or plasterwork, air-dried oak is a smart choice. Air-dried oak beams have typically been left to season in open-air conditions for at least five years, which significantly reduces natural movement in the wood. Over time, exposure to the elements also gives these beams a naturally weathered grey finish, resulting in drier, stable beams that bring less risk of warping and add a unique, aged character to any structure.

Check out our article about the benefits of air dried oak beams.

For new-build homes

Air-dried oak beams are commonly used in new-build homes, offering both strength and durability in structural applications. The ecological footprint of a wooden beam is considerably lower than that of steel, and oak beams provide a striking visual feature within the home. Explore some of the projects where air-dried oak beams have played a key role.

Oak for outbuildings, shelters, and verandas

Oak is an excellent choice for outbuildings, shelters, verandas, or carports, especially for those looking to extend their living space while harmonizing with natural aesthetics. French oak is particularly suitable for such constructions. Beam dimensions will vary based on the scale of your project and can be chosen in consultation with a contractor or structural engineer. Aesthetic considerations around beam size can also make a difference in the final look—something we’re happy to advise on.

Don’t hesitate to contact us for further guidance on selecting the best options for your project.

Brushing oak beams

Brushing is a popular treatment for oak. Using a steel brush, the outer layer of the wood is cleaned, bringing out its natural character. This can be done as a DIY project, though it is quite labor-intensive, which is why we’re happy to handle it for you.

Planing oak beams

Air-dried oak is particularly well-suited for planing. Its low moisture content means there’s minimal movement after planing, with distortions being rare. Planing brings out the wood’s unique features, such as cracks, knots, and natural imperfections, adding character. On request, beams can be custom-planed in our sawmill to your desired specifications.

Resawing oak beams

Resawing is the process of cutting wood into square or rectangular sections to produce planks or beams. When resawing a beam, there is always a slight risk of damage due to internal tensions within the wood. However, with air-dried oak, this risk is significantly reduced, making it ideal for resawing. Resawn sections are also used when cladding a steel beam with wood, as the outer sides of a beam are cut and repurposed.

Pricing for air dried oak beams

The price per beam can vary based on size, quality, origin, and the age of the air-dried oak. It’s perfectly reasonable to request a price estimate before visiting our timber yard. Feel free to email us, specifying the intended application, required dimensions, quantities, or the overall size of the project. Any additional requirements are also helpful, allowing us to provide a tailored quote.

While emailing or calling are both convenient options, visiting in person offers the best and most practical experience. Book an appointment (feel free to bring your contractor!) for a personal tour and expert advice.

Don’t forget to bring any building plans along to the timber yard. We look forward to seeing you soon!