Structural Oak
Oak for structural work
As far as strength and performance, Oak is extremely durable and has good mechanical strength properties. It has an average density of 750kg/m³ when dry (12% moisture) and is closer to 1100kg/m³ when fresh sawn (50% moisture).
It is a good insulator for heat, noise and for electricity and being a dense timber it is also poor conductor of heat and is resistant to fire
Structural grade Oak is generally fresh sawn to required dimensions as custom orders. Standard dimensions available in homegrown Oak will be in sections up to 300mm and lengths up to 5.0m.
Oak can also be used for glulaminating and other timber engineering methods, thereby increasing the strength and making optimum use of local sources of timber.
Costs of Oak are more than that of the homegrown softwoods but are on a par with Chestnut, reflecting the age and availability of Oak as well as it's superior strength properties.
We can offer Oak with Visual Strength Grading certified to BS5756. Please specify your required grade when asking for a quote.
Heartwood colouring is yellow brown with a light colour sapwood. When Fresh sawn it is a much brighter yellow but this pales with drying and can silver or grey down depending on orientation and exposure. The Tannin content of Oak has ramifications for leaching and staining and for corrosion when used in conjunction with Ferrous metals, please ask for more details or see our Structural Notes page.
Related Links
Structural Local Timber Products
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Structural Larch
Structural Chestnut