Benefits Of Using Oak Beams In Your Home

Oak beams can be treated to resist moisture, rot and insect infestation. There is a variety of different treatments available depending on what you want the result to be like. The treatments generally range from ‘sealing’ the wood to making it look like white oak (hence the name). Green oak also called ‘white oak’ can also be treated to order. This has become an increasingly popular interior choice alongside cedar cladding and solid oak flooring.

Green oak beams can be stained and then finished using different types of paint. Different types of stains and finishes may be required according to the type of oak beams you have. Some European countries such as the United Kingdom, South Africa and India recognise the term trad Italiano for all types of wooden beams. These beams should however, always be treated for moisture resistance. Green, Australian and Chinese oak beams should be treated for both moisture resistant and insect-resistant using either sealant or an insect barrier product respectively.

Combining oak beams with solid oak flooring

Green oak beams can be used in a variety of applications including in solid oak flooring. Traditionally these were used to support buildings in the Middle Ages as well as buildings in other countries. These include the likes of castles in North America as well as those in Australia and India. This material is popular in building applications due to its light weight and resistance to the elements, which include temperature changes, acidity levels as well as some chemicals.

Treated oak beams should be given a thorough conditioning prior to use. This will involve applying a specialised wax known as “walnut pitch”. This is a water based product that gives the surface of the beam a smooth soft finish. It is very similar to the finish of hardwood floors.

Should you choose cedar cladding or oak beams?

The reclaimed oak beam or cedar cladding can be built up as part of the flooring of a building. This is achieved using two beams of varying lengths linked together by a series of long nails. This is normally done with wood but can be made from steel, if needed. There are a number of different methods by which this can be done. In many cases it is simply a matter of using long nails or even one solid oak beam next to the other to form a sort of primitive floor. Alternately people may opt to build the floors around these beams in order to hide any unsightly gaps.

A few decades ago it was usual for people to cut their own solid oak beams and cedar wood in order to provide a more authentic effect. This method had several drawbacks and one of them was the time factor. This process took a lot of time and even if the job did not go through it could take a while to build and then need to be completed again before continuing. This made it less than ideal for home owners who wanted their home to look unique. Today things have changed and there are a number of high quality ways in which to create traditional beams with oak that look great.

 

One of the main advantages of using hollowed oak beams for your home is the fact that they are incredibly durable. They are able to take a lot of damage without any impact on the underlying structure of the building. Even though they do not provide the traditional wood appearance that you would get from using solid wood they offer a similar rustic appearance and feel. Many people prefer to use hollowed oak beams for this reason because of the way they look. You can also choose to have either a round or oval top depending on your taste and the overall effect that you want to achieve.

If you want to make sure that the green oak beams you purchase are as strong as possible, you should look for ones that have been professionally sealed. Using air dried materials will ensure that the oak beams you purchase are as good as new. It is important to seal wooden beams so that they do not rot or warp when placed in damp conditions. Once you have bought your beams you will be able to enjoy them for many years to come. If you buy green oak beams made by a company that uses low density insulation, you will find that you will have to spend a little bit more on them but you will also save on heating bills in the long run.