Dry/Seasoned Oak Beams
Whilst the majority of oak used for construction is green (wet), dry oak beams are used when it is critical that shrinkage and movement of the beams is minimised, such as for floor joists. We stock dry oak beams, seasoned and semi-seasoned beams, and we offer a range of moisture categories to suit various projects.
Species
Quercus robur
Moisture content
Various from 15% upwards
Surface finish
Sawn or planed
Sections available
Max 100mm thick for KD. Max 150mm for AD. Various for semi-seasoned. Up to 6.0mt x 400 x 400mm for old-felled.
Dry/Seasoned Oak Beams
About Dry/Seasoned Oak Beams
Although the majority of oak used for construction is green (wet), it is occasionally necessary to use a dry beam, for example for floor joists, where it is critical that shrinkage and movement of the beams is minimised. However, although it is tempting to specify dry oak for whole structures because it seems easier and less risky, it is likely that the beams will not be available and dry oak is considerably more expensive.
Defining the qualities of a dry oak beam is problematic because to some suppliers dry means a couple of weeks outside whereas to an architect it means less than 15% moisture. Vastern Timber has a simple policy for dealing with this problem – if dry oak sections are available to cover your requirement, we will give you an indication of how old and dry they are and if they are not available, we will offer an alternative.
In order of dryness and expense, dry oak beams from Vastern Timber fall into four categories:
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Kiln dried oak beams (moisture approx 15%). Available in thicknesses of up to 100mm.
-
Air dried oak beams (moisture approx 25%). Available in thicknesses of up to 150mm.
-
Semi seasoned / weathered structural grade oak beams (moisture approx 20% – 60%). Subject to availability.
-
Fresh cut structural oak beams cut from old felled logs which have been ‘settling’ for over three years (moisture – wet). Cut to order.
Call us to discuss your project
Technical Specification
Species
Quercus robur
Moisture content
Various from 15% upwards
Surface finish
Sawn or planed
Sections available
Max 100mm thick for KD. Max 150mm for AD. Various for semi-seasoned. Up to 6.0mt x 400 x 400mm for old-felled.
Grading
Grading
Graded under BS5756
Grades available
Visual grade & Equivalent mechanical grade
TH1 D30
Top grade for sections equal to or less than 20,000mm2.
TH2 –
Lower grade for sections equal to or less than 20,000mm2.
THA D40
Top grade for sections of more than 20,000mm2.
THB D30
Lower grade for sections of more than 20,000mm2.
Durability
BS EN 350 Durable (Heartwood only)
Weight
Approximately 850KG / M3 when air dried and 700KG / M3 when kiln dried.
Shrinkage
KD
None
AD
Negligible
Semi seasoned
Dependent on age
Old felled
Less than 0.5% along the length. Between 5% and 7% across the section.
Modulus of elasticity
Kiln dried oak E = 10,000 N/mm2
Air dried oak E = 9,000 N/mm2
Old felled oak E = 8,000 N/mm2
Working properties
The more dried oak gets, the harder and more difficult to work it becomes. Dry oak will blunt tools quickly.
Chemical properties
Oak contains tannic acid which will corrode ferrous metals. When the two come into contact, a blue sludge is formed which will stain the oak and anything else it comes into contact with. This is less of a problem with kiln dried wood.
Insect attack
The ambrosia beetle can attack the wet timber (30% moisture +). However, the beetle will die as soon as the wood dries to less than 30%. Re-infestation will not occur. Other dry wood will not be affected. Sapwood is commonly attacked by the powder post beetle (Lyctus spp). However, sap is normally excluded from oak beams.
Fixings
All fixings used in conjunction with green oak should be stainless steel.
Fire
Surface spread of flame class 3 (BS 476-7)
Further information
Trada Technology. www.trada.co.uk
Vastern Timber is not able to offer structural engineering services or advice on section sizes required for particular applications.
Disclaimer
While the utmost care has been taken to provide accurate information, Vastern Timber shall not be held responsible for any consequences arising from any errors or omissions on this website nor for any damages resulting from the use of the information.
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