Green Oak - By: Gareth Hoyle1

Green oak is a key term in the timber industry. It describes both timber that has been freshly felled and also that which has been allowed to rest for a short time. Freshly felled timber has a high water content as it contains both 'free' water (contained in the cell cavities) and 'bound' water (contained in the cell walls). Green oak that has been allowed to air dry for a short while will have lost some of the free water and will be down to around 40% moisture content. If oak is left for longer it will naturally air dry to around 18% moisture content (and can be kiln dried even lower) and then this is known as seasoned wood.

As the timber dries out it will shrink slightly and can distort. This is why many people are wary of using green oak in construction projects. However timber does shrink and swell according to its surroundings so a certain amount of movement should be expected in the wood. This means that with careful selection green oak can be used extensively in building projects and an experienced grader or craftsman can predict fairly accurately how the timber will behave as it dries.

Green Oak Timber

One of the main benefits of using green oak is that it is widely available and can be more affordable than seasoned and kiln dried oak. Green oak can be a good choice for beams and timber frames as it is a durable and long lasting wood that has an even, straight grain. This makes is very strong and ideal for creating supportive structures. Green oak can also be used in its raw state with minimal industrial processing and this makes it a very cost effective and energy efficient material to use in home construction. Oak is also a very beautiful wood that ages gracefully and can provide a rich depth of character in the home. Oak beams are a classic addition to any period property and can also be used on renovation projects and barn conversions to create modern designs with a traditional twist.

Types of Oak

There are two main types of oak found in British woodlands. These are the Common Oak or English Oak (Quercus Robur) and the Sessile or Durmast Oak (Quercus Petraea). The Sessile Oak typically has fewer branches from the main trunk than the Common Oak but these tend to be straighter. Both oaks produce strong, durable timber ideal for construction.

Sustainability

Britain was once covered in ancient woodlands but land clearance and the insatiable demand for timber over the centuries depleted many of our natural timber resources. However in modern times effective forest management and conservation has saved many woodlands and also created new timber stocks to take us into the future. British oak is now sourced from sustainable woodlands that are well managed and protected against exploitation. This means that you can buy British oak from managed sources without worrying about any negative effects on the woodlands themselves.

About the Author

UKoakbeams.co.uk suppliers and manufacturers of quality oak beams made from green oak . Whatever your requirements, we have all the quality oak you need; visit our site for more information.

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