Oak Timber Beam – 200×200 mm (8×8″) – 5000 mm

Oak Post

Oak is the timber Britain and Ireland have built with for a thousand years — and it still has the longest track record outdoors of any species we stock. There are oak buildings in this country older than the concept of warranty, and the species hasn’t lost a step. Boards arrive in a warm honey-brown with the distinctive open grain that gives oak its character, and weather over the first year into a soft silver patina that suits both period restoration and contemporary design equally well. Sourced from sustainably managed European forests and stocked in our yard for delivery across Ireland.

Why Oak?

Oak earns its reputation honestly. Durability Class 2, naturally resistant to rot, insects, and fungal decay — and unlike most timbers, the proof of its longevity is built into the landscape around us. The density (around 720 kg/m³) and the open grain combine to give finished surfaces a depth and presence that softer species can’t match. Oak’s high tannin content is the source of both its weather resistance and one of its quirks: it stains mild steel and galvanised fasteners with characteristic black streaks, so stainless fixings are non-negotiable. The grain is straight and strong, and oak takes oils and waxes beautifully if you want to hold the original colour. Specifying oak puts a thousand-year track record to work on your project.

Installation guidance

Posts are the load-bearing element of any timber structure — set them right and everything else follows. Set posts in concrete or use post anchors above ground level for maximum durability — direct ground contact shortens the life of any softwood significantly. Pre-drill all fixings and use galvanised or stainless-steel hardware rated for the load. Treat any cut ends with preservative for non-Class 1 species — we stock the right products.

Finishing & maintenance

You have two good options with Oak, and there’s no wrong answer. The natural route — leaving the timber untreated to silver to a soft grey over twelve months — is the lowest-effort path forward, and the patina suits restoration projects and contemporary architecture equally well. The preserved route — keeping that honey-brown tone — takes a little more attention but rewards you with a finish that holds its warmth indefinitely. If you choose to oil, use a hardwood oil specifically formulated for European hardwoods (we stock the right ones — ask us if you’re unsure which to pair with your boards). Apply within the first few months of installation and refresh every two or three years. Periodic gentle washing with a soft brush is all the timber needs beyond that.