Frequently Asked Questions
Our oak is European. We make sure we only select from sustainable forestry-managed sources for the air dried oak. As well as Sussex, we have a yard in France where we hold a large amount of stock.
Our oak is largely either Air Dried or Reclaimed. We are also able to source Green oak when there is a specific request for this. Green oak has been freshly sawn and, as such, it will begin to dry out soon after cutting, losing moisture gradually and shrinking slightly, which can also cause splits and cracks to appear. It is suitable for constructing oak frames in their entirety, as the finished structure will shrink and tighten into itself, resulting in a stable result. However, Green oak is not suitable for fireplace beams, which would likely twist and shrink away from its anchoring points on brick or oak pillars, a chimney breast or wall.
Generally, we work with Air Dried oak as it has been previously sawn into beams, and then ‘sticked and stacked’, allowing air to circulate all around it, for several years before we use it to fabricate our products. This air drying process ensures that the beams have done most of their drying and shrinking before we begin work on them, meaning that they are far more stable and are less likely to warp or twist. Some cracking and small splits are absolutely normal, and add to the character and unique nature of oak beams, of course, but clearly we do not want structural integrity to be lost.
For even more character and a greater rustic feel, we also offer Reclaimed oak, which has had a previous life in centuries-old barns or other historic buildings. We have one of the largest stocks of Reclaimed oak in the country, although it is a diminishing resource as there are fewer old buildings being demolished, and as such it can be a more expensive option. However, in the right environment, it creates a spectacular result with its own special and very unique vibe.
Whether you know exactly what you want, or if you are a complete novice, at TradOak we can give you all the advice you need to make the right choice.
Air dried beams are very versatile, as they have completed most of their drying out and are less likely to twist in situ, or to form large cracks and splits. Even air dried oak will acquire small cracks or fine splits over time, as the beam continues to dry out, but these will not compromise the structural integrity of the beam, and will actually enhance the visual and aesthetic characteristics – which is usually desirable. Air dried beams are great for a variety of items such as fireplace beams and surrounds, farmhouse-style doors and rustic shelves.
Structural beams are also air dried, but they usually come in the larger section sizes and are used for fabricating oak framed buildings.
Reclaimed beams can also be used for both small items such as fireplace beams, and oak frames,
Reclaimed oak is heavier and more dense than air dried, as more of the moisture has been lost over time. As a result the oak's cellular structure compresses together, compacting the fibres more densely. It is therefore tougher and more difficult to work with, but the beauty and figuring in the oak after it has been finished is outstanding.
For items such as window frames which will encase glazing, skirting boards, and fine carpentry items, the oak must not move, split or crack at all, and so joinery oak is selected for these jobs. Joinery oak has an extremely fine grain and is normally kiln-dried as opposed to air dried, and subjected to gentle, consistent, controlled heat over a long period of time, to ensure that the oak never moves even the tiniest bit. Joinery oak is only available in certain section sizes because of the nature of the treatment. It is also the most expensive timber that we can supply, again, because of the fine grain quality and the very specific and specialized treatment it receives.
One of the easiest decisions to make, depending on how and where the beam is to be situated, is whether to choose a solid beam or hollowed-out. You will get all the advice you need from our TradOak experts to help you before you make your choice, but basically, the structure into which it is being built needs to be strong enough to support the heavy weight of a solid beam. If it isn’t, a hollow-out will look exactly the same from the outside, giving you the aesthetics you are hoping for, but will be far lighter and there will be no risk of it falling away from its anchor points. It won’t be cheaper, as there is more work involved in removing the oak from the centre of the beam.
Another extremely useful way of incorporating hollow-outs, and/or L-shapes, is to cover steel RSJ support beams, so that the adapted oak beam appears to be doing the work of holding up the ceiling, whereas in fact it is not. But they look amazing! And no-one will be able to tell that they are not solid, structural oak beams bearing an immense load.
At Trad Oak we can fabricate any size of oak framed structure, from porches to full house frames. A design/drawing service can be offered. If required, our experts can attend on-site meetings and give suggestions that could enhance your project. Do you have a design idea that you are looking to bring to fruition? Our experts are more than happy to give advice and help where needed.
We can cut, clean and machine our oak, and pride ourselves in being able to give the customer exactly what they want. Reclaimed and air-dried beams can be hollowed out in order to encapsulate steels.
We are able to offer full joinery solutions including oak frames and doors, oak tables and dressers, chairs and benches.
No matter the size of order we can organise delivery anywhere, be it nationwide or worldwide.
Once you’ve ordered your oak, we know you will be waiting anxiously to receive it! And we are just as anxious to get it to you as soon as possible. The time between ordering and completion of the item clearly depends on the size and complexity of the work. A single fireplace beam can be with you in a matter of days or less, whilst a frame can take several weeks or more. Oak is very heavy – much heavier than an equivalent piece of softwood like pine! Often, the weight of the ordered item is too great for a normal family car, even with a roof-rack. You will be advised about whether it is practical or possible for you to collect your oak yourself, but you are welcome to do so if it is. Alternatively, TradOak uses several delivery options to ensure you receive your oak in the best condition within the agreed time-frame. We will of course endeavour to get your order to you at a time and date convenient to you, and will always be in touch to inform you of any updates. All the delivery methods naturally incur additional cost which reflect the mileage travelled and the size of the pack.
- TradOak has a seven and a half ton flatbed lorry which can carry up to a ton of oak around 5 metres in length. We use it for loads that are relatively small.
- We also have a three and half ton trailer, which we can tow behind our Range Rover or VW Amarok, and that combination is able to carry 3 tons of oak beams, up to 6 or 7 metres long. On occasions, if more oak needs to be delivered to the same customer, and the distance from our yard is not too great, (always negotiable), our driver can make successive deliveries within a short, agreed time-frame.
- A single item that weighs under 65kg, for example, a fireplace beam, might be put on a small carrier such as Fedex, or TNT, for tracked delivery.
- We are partnered with a heavy-haulage firm that can deliver large packs of oak on palettes that would be over-weight for our own vehicles.
- TradOak also has access to a crane lorry which is useful for those occasions when the size and weight of the oak is too great for manual lifting at its destination.
Yes, we can give estimates on the phone or have them written and sent.