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Oakmasters US : FAQ : Care and treatment of Oak

  1. Does oak need to be treated?
  2. How do you achieve such a high quality finish in your oakwork?
  3. How do you achieve such a rich hue in your oakwork?
  4. What other treatments do you offer?
  5. How do you treat an existing old oak beam?
  1. Q: Does oak need to be treated?

    A: Over a very long period of time natural tanins in an oak beam react with the surrounding air and the timber changes gradually from a light honey colour to a more silvered hue. By treating the beam with a chemical process this change can be speeded up and the oak turned to a rich, attractive nutty colour in a matter of hours.

    However don't assume that it is necessary to treat timber. It is rarely necessary for beams that have spent time in the outdoors and oak is one of the most durable and naturally defensive materials you will find. Essentially it is maintanance-free.

    Treatments will always affect the appearance of the wood and it is important to be discerning.It is all too easy to end up with a product that is simply sawn down to an unattractive finish, which is why Oakmasters in most cases refine the surface of their beams with a hand wrought finish.

    Colours become richer over time. Left untreated the oak will weather attractively in around a year but to maintain the original lighter colour, treat with oil or seal before exposing. It is recommendable to check the colour on an offcut of the same timber if you do intend to varnish.

  2. Q: How do you achieve such a high quality finish in your oakwork?

    A: After the four sides of an oak beam are squared up, the job is smoothed off using an adze. It is a simple, graceful tool that gives the timber a gently undulating surface similar to that of a pond on a breezy day, and can be as pronounced as required. This is known as a hand-wrought finish.

  3. Q: How do you achieve such a rich hue in your oakwork?

    A: The fuming process is peculiar to the use of green oak in construction. It is a specialist method which speeds up the aging process of the wood, and causes a richer, nuttier hue in the finished product. In the case of a single oak beam this process can be completed before delivery. However, where an entire oak frame is concerned it is often more advisable to fume the building post-erection so as to ensure an even finish.

  4. Q: What other treatments do you offer?

    A: Oakmasters only fume oakwork that we produce. Since oak requires very little care, and its hue is already highly attractive we tend to leave any further treatments to the discretion of our clients.

  5. Q: How do you treat an existing old oak beam?

    A: It is often best to have the wood completely cleaned to a hard core professionally and then polished in clear or antique brown natural beeswax. The rough surface of the old wood is wire brushed and then rubbed down with wire wool. Stains can be cleaned with oxalic acid before the oil or wax is applied.


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