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Moisture Content
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15–30%
Air-seasoned to equilibrium moisture content under ambient conditions.
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8–12%
Controlled kiln drying cycle to achieve equilibrium moisture content suitable for interior applications.
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≥60%
Freshly felled timber; above fibre saturation point.
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Dimensional Behaviour
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Most shrinkage completed prior to installation; more predictable movement in application.
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Negligible movement in application due to controlled moisture conditioning.
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Shrinkage during seasoning; movement should be accommodated in design.
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Seasoning Characteristics
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Air-dried oak may exhibit surface checking, cracking and pronounced knots.
Considered acceptable seasoning characteristics rather than structural defects.
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Controlled drying minimises surface checking and cracking under properly managed kiln schedules.
Minor seasoning checks may occur but are generally considered acceptable seasoning characteristics.
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Pronounced checking and splitting may occur during seasoning.
End checking and end splitting are permitted as acceptable seasoning characteristics during drying.
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Workability
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Good machinability with stable cutting performance.
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High precision machinability.
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Excellent workability in green state.
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Joinery Performance
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Exterior applications and general-purpose joinery.
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Tight-tolerance and precision joinery
Must be properly treated for exterior applications.
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Traditional framing, shrinkage-based mechanical locking such as mortice & tenon jointing.
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Structural Application
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Architectural and restoration applications.
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Engineered interior structural applications requiring dimensional stability.
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Traditional oak framing, designed for post-assembly movement.
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Treatment Requirements
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Requires protective surface treatment for exterior exposure; preservative level dependent on application.
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Conditioning treatment for interior use; protective coating required for exterior exposure.
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Untreated, natural seasoning occurs. Treat to retain colour and detailed joinery.
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Typical Uses
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Exterior Oak Gates, cladding, face glazing & fascias.
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Oak flooring, doors, skirting, thresholds & architraves.
General furniture joinery & shelving.
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Lateral bracing, pergolas, oak framing rafters, exterior cladding.
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Cost
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Medium
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Higher
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Lower
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