20 Dec 2016

Three reasons to build with oak

So, the decision has been made. You are going to build an extension, or even better, your dream home. Your head is full of plans and you are eagerly collecting ideas, creating a mood board. One of the first questions likely to pop into your mind is “What kind of building do I want?”.

The options are endless and you are probably weighing up pros and cons for a number of them. If you have toyed with the idea of using timber as a construction method, here are three reasons why oak frame is a truly smart choice.

Superior strength and flexibility

An oak frame provides a strong skeleton for a building, whether you are looking for a contemporary or traditional style. Yes, the timber shrinks and develops small cracks as it ages, but this only happens across the grain and modern oak framing design and construction methods allow for this process. Oak frames become stronger over time as joints tighten and the beams harden up as they dry. Being so versatile, an oak frame can be combined with traditional materials such as brick or render to build up the external shell, but if thermal performance is an important consideration, encapsulating the building with structural integrated panels (SIPs) is a more modern solution, providing superior U-values compared to traditional build up. The popular myth of oak being unsuitable for glazing has also been busted with the emergence of encapsulated glazing, which essentially floats atop the oak frame, allowing for the movement and shrinkage of the timber, without the risk of leaks.

More affordable than you think

Oak may be considered luxury, but with bespoke design services available from many oak framing companies, you can manage the cost of your build very easily. The cost of oak represents approximately a third of the total building cost and a good oak framing company will be able to advise you on what is necessary and what’s a nice to have to help you control the cost. Whilst it is true that an oak framed building will cost more than mass produced building turned out by some developers, but your investment will be rewarded in individual style and ultimately in the resale value of your property.

A genuinely sustainable option

Oak beams are the ultimate renewable resource requiring no industrial processing, as they can be used in their raw state, with minimal waste and energy expended. In the UK, the forested areas have grown considerably over the last 40 years, with 12% of area being covered in woodland. In Europe, this is even higher averaging at 37%. UK, along with most European countries operate a Sustainable Forest Management policy, which means forests are grown and managed to provide timber, wood products, recreation amenities and well-being, as well as being managed for the benefit of local wildlife. Providing your oak framing supplier sources oak from sustainable sources in Europe or the UK, you can rest assured that you are not harming the environment.

[email protected]     www.oakmasters.co.uk      01444 455455

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