As a native tree to Europe, oak has been used to build homes in this country for thousands of years. “Self builders choosing this material have the reassurance that they are using a high quality system with a great reputation,” says Mark Jones from Welsh Oak Frame. “Many homeowners express their love for its natural elegance, features and graining.”
Oak framing creates a standalone structural skeleton capable of supporting itself and the weight of the roof and floor structure, without the need for structural panels or sheathing. Green oak (recently felled timber) is used because it’s easier to cut and shape. The structure will dry out over time, shrinking into place and creating the unique splits that many homeowners find so alluring.
Although these trees take a long time to grow, this method is still an environmentally friendly construction option, especially if you use a local source (less distance to transport the material means less CO2 emissions). Plus, many suppliers go to great lengths to assist in the growth of sustainable woodland; Carpenter Oak plants 10 saplings for each tree the company uses, for instance.