The lessons everyone can learn from OAK frame construction

There is no denying that our world moves quickly, and the society in which we live now is drastically different than it was just a couple of decades ago, let alone centuries. But throughout history, there is something which has not changed quite as much, and that is how we use timber in construction. In particular we are talking about Oak-frame construction, which still makes up a good number of new buildings today, and is holding fast in period structures throughout the country.

So, with so many years of working with Oak frames, what can we learn from them? Let’s take a look.

Oak Lasts a Long Time

Greensted Church in Essex is not just the oldest Oak-frame building in the UK, it is also considered to be one of the oldest wooden structures still standing in the whole of Europe. The lesson? When looked after, Oak frames last. Greensted Church has been standing in sun, rain, sleet and snow for around 1,300 years, and it still looks as sturdy and beautiful today as it must have been when first built. If you are a fan of timber construction, we highly recommend taking a trip to check out the gorgeous interior where there is a lot of visible Oak.

Oak Works Both Externally and Internally

As building materials go, there are not many framing options which look as good externally as they do internally. Oak frames have shown themselves to work well for both. Traditional Tudor-style buildings are famed for their exposed timber frames, and Oak’s natural durability and strength made it the most common choice for this old-school British aesthetic. It is not just on exteriors, either. Even now, home hunters will swoon at the sight of Oak beams in a living room, and oak has become synonymous with sturdy, high-quality construction.

Oak Frames Can Look Contemporary

Oak has proved itself to be an incredibly versatile option for frames and can work just as well in a traditional, listed building as it can in a new build. When exposed, Oak works as a wonderful frame for the abundance of glass in contemporary homes and can be stained to reflect a modern palette. It also adds a touch of the natural world to new constructions, ticking the boxes for biophilic design which is all the rage in the 21st century. 

Oak Frames Are Great for Self-Builds

1 in 3 people in the UK have shown interest in self-building in recent years, with a whopping 9% saying it is likely they will build their own property from the ground up in the future. The one thing we would say to those who actually embark on a self-build is seriously to consider an Oak frame. But why?

Aside from aesthetics and durability, Oak is easy to pre-fabricate off-site, helping speed up a build and construct a home in a matter of days. Once delivered, it is not tricky to make small changes. If you want a different colour, you can stain the timber. If you need a few centimetres off your boards, you can saw them. 

It should not be ignored that an entire frame can be made from Oak. With detailed specifications, oak framers can create precise joints and mouldings in the timber so that the planks slot together, reducing the number of additional materials needed on-site and speeding up construction.

Order an Oak Frame

At EcoChoice, we supply a wide variety of Oak products to construction sites across the UK. FSC® or PEFC-certified, it is the sustainable option for high-quality buildings. To learn more about how we can help you or to get the ball rolling on your Oak frame order, get in touch with our team today.