Vastern Timber supply sell larch cladding for the exterior of old and new buildings. Hardwood flooring supplier supplying oak beams and oak flooring

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Green British Oak

Weathered green oak feather edge cladding

Green British oak (Quercus species) (hardwood)

Otherwise known as wet oak or fresh sawn oak.

Oak grows widely across the whole of the British Isles and continental Europe and has been used in all aspects of construction, for centuries. Despite the loss of much of our native woodland, there continues to be a viable supply of British oak. We make every effort to ensure that all oak logs supplied to Vastern Timber originate from either FSC-certified woodlands or those managed under the strict guidelines of the Forestry Commission. Locally grown oak has many environmental benefits, including a reduction in carbon emissions from transport and the contributing of funds to our native forest management.  

Green oak when freshly cut ranges in colour from pink to pale honey. After the surface of the sawn wood has dried, the colour deepens to a golden yellow and then fades to natural silver as the wood weathers. 

The knot content of British oak will vary greatly. Character grade boards will contain many small pin knots, small knot clusters (cat’s paws), sound medium-sized knots (up to 25mm), and occasional larger knots, some of which may split as the wood dries. Boards may also show some tight heart splits and small fissures.

Green oak is a popular choice for cladding because of its density, strength, and durability. It is most suited to sawn sections such as feather edge and waney edge which create a natural and quite rustic appearance. Green oak is a relatively cost effective choice when compared to dry oak.  

One feature of green oak that must be considered is the high tannin content. During the first few years after the cladding has been attached, tannin will exude from the boards, resulting in streaks down the cladding and stains on masonry. Tannin also corrodes ferrous metal, so it is therefore important to use either stainless-steel or at least good galvanized fixings.

BS EN350-2 British oak is classed as durable and does not require treatment for external use, as long as the sap is excluded.  

Workability: Working properties vary widely. Green oak cuts well, and takes fixings satisfactorily. The tannins in green oak can corrode tools if not cleaned properly after use and will quickly corrode ferrous fixings causing blue staining of the oak. Fixings should always be pre-drilled.

Available with FSC certification

British-grown