Oak Beams and Boards

Our structural green oak beams are green (fresh sawn) European oak (Quercus robur), cut at our own sawmill in Corby. Green oak is unseasoned, so it is easier to cut and joint than dried oak. That makes it the traditional choice for oak frames, porches, pergolas, garages and gazebos. As the frame dries the oak shrinks, which tightens pegged joints.

Choose a standard section size: 100mm x 100mm, 150mm x 150mm, 175mm x 175mm, 200mm x 150mm, 200mm x 200mm, 225mm x 225mm, 250mm x 150mm, 250mm x 250mm or 300mm x 300mm, in standard lengths from 2.4m to 12m. If you need something else, use our custom cut green oak beams tool to order any size. Beams are cut to QP1 standard, and our on-site TRADA-qualified graders can grade to THA (D40) or THB (D30) for an extra charge. FSC/PEFC certified green oak beams are available on request. We deliver across the UK in up to 10 working days, with no length or weight limits, or you can collect from Corby.

What are green oak beams used for?

Green oak beams are fresh sawn oak beams, the traditional wooden beam for framing. Use them for:

• Oak frames and oak framed extensions
• Oak framed porches
• Pergolas, gazebos and garages
• Wooden posts for any of the above

Green oak or air dried oak?

Green oak is fresh sawn and still holds its natural moisture. As the frame dries, the oak shrinks and tightens the pegged joints. Like all fresh sawn oak beams, green oak naturally shrinks, moves and develops surface checks and splits as it dries. This is normal and doesn't affect strength. If you want a drier, more stable beam for indoor features, choose our air dried oak beams. For mantels, see oak beam mantels.

Posts as well as beams

The same fresh sawn oak sections work as wooden posts for porches, pergolas and frames. Order a standard size such as 150x150 or 200x200mm and we can cut it to your length.

Our air dried oak beams are seasoned European and English oak (Quercus robur), left to dry naturally in stacks before sale. Drying time varies, from 18 months upwards, but is usually a minimum of three years. Because seasoned oak has already done most of its moving, it is the right choice for mantels, fireplace beams and indoor work, as well as character beams in new builds and renovations.

Choose a standard section size: 100mm x 100mm, 150mm x 150mm, 200mm x 150mm, 200mm x 200mm, 250mm x 150mm, 250mm x 250mm or 300mm x 300mm, in lengths from 2.4m to 12m. Each comes rough sawn, planed all round or planed and chamfered. For any other size, use our air dried oak beams calculator. UK Timber is FSC and PEFC certified, with certified stock available on request. We deliver across the UK in up to 10 working days (up to 15 working days for Scotland, Wales and the South West of England), or you can collect from Corby.

Our oak beam and oak post production produces many boards in many dimensions from the edges of the tree. We air-dry and kiln-dry the boards here on site in the Midlands for our oak flooring and oak moulding production, however we generally have a surplus which creates an opportunity for UK Timber customers to buy high quality fresh sawn oak boards, air-dried oak boards and kiln-dried oak boards at a significantly lower price than you would normally pay for this type of material - fresh sawn green oak can be used for all sorts of external or landscaping uses or you can dry them personally for use internally. 

Mantel pieces don't only just provide structural support, they're also a statement piece and usually the focal point of your room, it can define your room and we know it is important to get it right - this is why we give you the option to customise your own. 

Our Oak Beam Mantels are made to order from partially dried, new untreated oak sleepers and are available in a rough sawn or planed all round (P.A.R) finish. Supplied untreated as standard, you're free to choose an oil that suits your requirements by taking a look at our range of Treatex Hardwax Oils - these hardwax oils are available in various colour tones, finishes and tin sizes.

As an additional service, if you would like us to oil your mantel piece for you, we can! Our workshop will oil your mantel in a clear gloss, clear matte or clear satin finish; simply add your preference to your basket along with your chosen mantel piece and we'll do the rest for you!

Are you restoring an old fireplace or do you just love the distressed look/adzed finish? We also offer the following Distressing/Adzing Services: 

• Small Uniform Adzing - this gives a 'manufactured' look by uniformly distressing the two front edges of your mantel, leaving you with a square edge to go against the wall for firm installation.
• Random Waney Adzing - this gives you a more natural look. We will randomly distress the two front edges of your mantel, leaving you with a square edge to go against the wall for firm installation.

Simply add your chosen service to your basket along with a mantel of your choice.

As our mantels are created from a natural product, each piece will be unique. Made from dried pieces of oak, they will contain surface cracks, splits and knots; there may also be one or two waney edges. As your mantel acclimatises to its surroundings, there may be further surface cracking and splits - adding further character to your beautiful oak mantel piece.

Oak dowels have been used for centuries in the construction of green oak and air dried oak framing joints.

Our Oak Dowels are of the highest quality, made from kiln dried European Oak once they are in place they will swell to size for perfect tight joints.

For additional confidence, our dowels have been used and continue to be used by framing companies across the length and breadth of the UK.

Bracing is required to withstand the wind pressure on a timber framed structure, so when it comes to that all important additional stability or simply creating a traditional look, our growing range of solid timber bracing can offer you bracing in various options to match and support your framework beautifully.

Solid European Oak Corbels - ideal for use with our wide range of solid oak mantels.