What is air-dried oak?
Air-dried oak is oak timber that has been dried naturally by stacking it in a well-ventilated area, allowing moisture to evaporate over time. This contrasts with kiln-dried oak, which uses controlled heat to speed up drying and green oak which has been felled within the last 12 months.
Is air-dried oak more expensive than green oak?
Yes. Air-dried oak is more expensive than green oak because it involves an extensive drying period that requires long-term storage and maintenance during the drying process.
What are the advantages of air-dried oak?
Less prone to warping: Slower drying reduces internal stresses.
Richer color: Air-dried oak often has a deeper, warmer hue than kiln-dried.
Eco-friendly: No energy-intensive kilns are used.
Ideal for heritage projects: Creates an authentic and rustic appearence.
What is the typical moisture content of European air-dried oak beams?
European air-dried oak beams typically have a moisture content of around 15–30%. When purchasing seasoned oak beams and posts, it's important to ensure they have been correctly stored during the process and aired for a minimum of 6 years. As a result of the natural air-drying process, oak beams will develop surface cracks and fissures, adding to their character and making them ideal for restoration projects.
Can I use air-dried oak outdoors?
Yes, but extra precautions may be needed such as sealing to prevent excessive moisture absorption. Expect natural color changes over time due to UV exposure. Air-dried oak is more stable than green oak but will still react to seasonal humidity changes outdoors.
What is the nominal size for air-dried oak beams, and how much do they shrink?
Air-dried oak beams are typically supplied with nominal dimensions; however, due to natural shrinkage as the timber dries, the beams supplied are usually slightly smaller.
As oak seasons, it generally shrinks by around 2–5% in width and thickness, while length shrinkage is usually minimal.
For example 200x200mm seasoned beams of over 10 years, may measure between 192-198mm in each cross-sectional dimension.
What is European oak and how does it differ from other oak species?
European oak, also known as Quercus Robur or Petraea, is a slow-grown hardwood valued for its strength, durability, and attractive grain. Compared to American oak, it has a tighter grain and higher tannin content, making it ideal for construction and oak framing structures.
Do bore holes affect oak beams and posts?
Bore holes are natural features in oak, often caused by insects while the tree was growing. They are mostly cosmetic and do not weaken the strength of air-dried or green oak beams. All our beams are visually inspected by qualified graders.
How are oak framing joints traditionally made?
Traditional oak framed houses are typically cut using mortise and tenon techniques, secured with oak dowels rather than metal fixings, allowing the frame to move naturally as the timber seasons and reduces it's moisture content.
Are air dried oak beams suitable for fireplace mantels?
Air-dried oak is well suited for large fireplace mantels, offering aged strength and an attractive grain while retaining a traditional appearance.
Are seasoned oak beams supplied as sawn timber or planed all round?
Over time, air drying sawn oak creates a darker patina, so we offer the service to plane your beams and posts to restore the oak’s lighter honey colour and provide a smooth finish. If you want to retain more of the sawn look, we suggest sanding with a low grit.
Are seasoned oak beams supplied as sawn timber or planed all round?
Over time, air drying sawn oak creates a darker patina, so we offer the service to plane your beams and posts to restore the oak’s lighter honey colour and provide a smooth finish. If you want to retain more of the sawn look, we suggest sanding with a low grit.
What is the difference between English oak and European oak?
Structurally, both are excellent; the main distinction is origin, grain characteristics, and aesthetics. English oak is generally more expensive due to its slower growth and smaller supply volumes. European oak is widely available from responsibly managed forests, making it a sustainable choice for builders and designers who want a natural, renewable material with uncompromised quality.
What is the density of air-dried oak, and how easy is it to cut?
Air-dried European oak is a dense hardwood, typically around 650–850 kg/m³, depending on the specific beam and moisture content. This density makes it extremely strong and durable for structural beams, timber framing, wood flooring and joinery. Despite its hardness compared to green oak, air-dried oak can be carefully cut and drilled using toughened sharp blades. Slow, steady cutting is recommended to achieve clean edges and prevent tear-out and it may be necessary to finish cut edges by sanding or planing.
How you do finish air dried oak beams and posts?
Air-dried oak, similar kiln-dried boards, can be finished in several ways, depending on both the look you want and where the beams will be used. The key is to let the oak breathe while enhancing its natural character.
Preparation
Before finishing, allow the beams to acclimatise to their environment. We recommend a planed-all-round finish, but it is also possible to lightly sand the surface to remove splinters or saw marks. Many customers retrofitting oak posts choose to retain the natural sawn texture for a more traditional beam appearance. Ensure the surface is clean and dry before applying any finish.
Waxing
Wax is a popular finish for air-dried oak beams, like fireplace mantels. It enhances the oak’s colour and attractive grain, adds light protection, and maintains a traditional look. Hard wax oils or specialist oak waxes work well and can be reapplied over time.
Oiling
Natural oils penetrate the timber and deepen the grain while offering protection against dirt and moisture. Oils are suitable for internal beams and give a slightly richer, warmer finish than wax.
Leaving untreated
Air-dried oak can also be left unfinished. Over time, it will naturally age and mellow, developing a silvery-brown patina. This option is often chosen for traditional or heritage settings.
What to avoid
Avoid heavy varnishes or film-forming finishes, as they can trap moisture and restrict the natural movement of the oak.
