Are oak frame houses more flammable than other constructions?

The Great Fire of London did not do timber any favours in the public eye. Often blamed on the abundance of wood in the city, it aligns with the general opinion that timber burns quickly and is not always a fire-safe option for a building. But would you believe us if we told you that that was a myth? Let’s take a look.

Are Oak Frame Houses More Flammable?

No, contrary to popular belief, Oak frame houses are not inherently more flammable than other types of constructions. Mind = blown.

Oak is a hardwood which has a higher density and slower burn rate compared to softwoods, making it naturally more resistant to fire. That is not to say that it will not burn – it is still wood after all. But if you expose it to fire, you will see that it takes a lot for the wood actually to catch alight, and it is more likely to char than go up in flames.

However, it is important to consider that all buildings, regardless of the construction material, have a potential fire risk. Fire safety measures should always be put in place to ensure the safety of anyone inside and outside the building.

What are the Benefits of an Oak Framed House?

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.

Comply With Safety Regulations

Though Oak is not a bigger fire risk than other building materials, you will still need to take into consideration health and safety when building. This means complying with safety regulations, including having outlined escape routes, installing smoke detectors and taking measures to reduce the chance of fire spreading. Fire-resistant doors, for example, are a great way to make your structure more safe, as are sprinkler systems.

Incorporate Fire Resistant Materials

Alongside your timber, be sure you only use fire-resistant materials in crucial areas. For example, any insulation should be coated in a fire-retardent, keeping your walls and Oak frame safe from the rapid spread of flames.

Coat Your Exposed Oak Frame

If you are still concerned about using an Oak frame in a building, there are coatings you can apply to the wood to prevent the spread of fire. Intumescent coatings, for example, react when exposed to high temperatures and expand, forming a protective layer which helps slow down the combustion process and provides a barrier between the fire and the wood.

Speak to Experts

It is important to consult with local authorities, architects, timber experts and fire safety experts to ensure that all fire safety requirements are met during the design of your Oak frame house. By implementing appropriate fire safety measures, your building will be as safe as any other, giving you the peace of mind to sleep well at night.

Find Oak For Your Frame at EcoChoice

At EcoChoice, we are timber experts. If you are looking for high-quality, sustainable Oak to build your fire-safe house frame, get in touch with us today. We will be happy to answer any questions, offer professional advice and start your order, making it easier than ever to build a home you will love.

Image: Petrut Romeo Paul / Shutterstock.com