The popularity of oak has remained constant through the years, and for the longest time, it has been a well-respected type of timber used for construction, furniture, decorative pieces, flooring, wall paneling, and more. There are approximately 500 to 600 species of this timber, but apart from the timber’s variety, architects and builders favor it due to its immense durability, graining and aesthetic appeal, resistance to insect damage and rot, and strength, among its other fine properties.
But there’s a lot more to this timber than meets the eye. Whether or not you have a new build or are thinking of restoring an older property’s oak beams or support frames, here are the essential reasons why oak is a premium choice for building projects.
- The stability
Stability is essential if you are constructing beams and other supportive elements for a structure. If the structure or framework isn’t stable, the people residing or working in the building can be at risk because the structure may collapse. This is where the stability of oak comes in – it is a structurally stable timber and can support a lot of weight without any problems. This is why even older period properties still feature oak beams – whilst every other element may need to be changed through the years, old beams can still stand for decades. And if you have old oak beams featured in your property, beam restoration is always an excellent option. Oak is worthy of being preserved, and its age makes it look even more special and unique.
- The flexibility
Oak is indeed known for its flexibility as well, regardless of whether you are constructing a fence, wall, or pillar. Even if you are building a whole house’s structural framework, oak beams are an excellent choice in material.
Very little of the timber is wasted, too, because you can use oak for different purposes. You can use oak for various projects and applications because it is very flexible and has a lot to offer in terms of versatility.
- The maintenance aspect
The maintenance aspect is another aspect that makes oak wood a brilliant option for building or construction because it doesn’t require too much maintenance. It’s easy to clean because you simply have to wipe it down or sweep it if you have oak flooring, and you can do other maintenance activities such as sanding or varnishing once every few years. You can also wax the wood regularly, and this is often good enough to deal with scratches and dents on the wood and make it look as good as new.
- The durability
Lastly, oak is quite a durable material. It’s entirely reliable and can last for a very long time, making it superior to other types of wood.
Also, it is hardly damaged by infestation from pests and termites. Even exposure to the weather can lend more to its beauty because the material can acquire a silvery look if exposed to sunlight and a weathered look if exposed to rain. The reason for the durability of oak is that it grows slowly. Since it grows slowly, it is denser than softwoods that grow quickly. Because of its density, it becomes more durable as well.
