Frequently asked questions

What is Green Oak ?

Green Oak refers to the fact that the tree has been freshly felled, within the last 18 months, and therfore will be holding much of its water from when it was alive. This can be as high as 80% and takes several years (1 year per inch) to fully dry out down to 20-30%. During this time, it can be heard creaking as it relaxes through this process. In time, the surface will produce cracks and fissures adding character to the frame. Using green Oak is favourable as it is easier to work with while it contains moisture. Typically the trees will be felled in Autumn when the moisture content has reduced. 

What finishes are available?

Starting with the traditional rough sawn look, this finish is as it comes off the saw mill. All frames provided are cleaned with oxalic acid to remove any stains from ferrous saw blades (which react and blacken any contact areas) but also the tannins which are high in content within the Oak species. Any outside surfaces which are weathered will bleed tannins initially but it is short lived and the stains will disappear in time. We can provide sanded finish for a rough finish, shot blasted for an even rougher finish or planed all round (PAR) for a super smooth finish. 

Is the wood sustainably sourced?

Our wood is sourced from European suppliers due to their optimal growing conditions and their ability to consistently grow trees with straight grain. All our Oak is FSC and PEFC certified which requires the wood to be sourced from responsibly managed forest where controls are in place to ensure for every tree that is felled a number of trees are planted in their place.

What is shrinkage? 

As Oak starts ‘Green’ it will eventually shrink in diameter by 4.5% radially and 0.15% longitudinally. This is factored into the design and actually makes the frame stronger as it shrinks in both the wood and the joints. 

Are the Oak frames built by machines?

At Nexus Oak we build and cut all our frames by hand using hand tools and power tools precisely in one cut. By using century old traditional methods of joinery which have stood the test of time. We save money and time by producing sizeable waste off cuts which can be envisioned as blocks of wood, as opposed to CNC machines which create only saw dust. Requiring less costly blade sharpening. The scope of what can be built by hand far exceeds in terms of complexity and styles than a CNC frame, which accepts only perfectly straight wood, wasting much excess grain to get it to that shape. 

Does oak need treating?

Never. Oak has been used for centuries due to its ability to cope against the elements. Upon install, your frame will arrive in a typical wooden honey colour, especially after it has been washed in oxalic acid. Over time the wood will transition to a sliver grey colour and give it a much loved period looking colour. 

Why should I use Nexus Oak?

We pride ourselves in good craftsmanship resulting in tight joinery which will allow for less movement as the frames dry out. By focusing on the joinery first and foremost, and keeping the size within a limited scale, our options for tooling are greater allowing for more precise joinery. 

Do I need planning?

This depends on the circumstances of course. For garages, garden buildings and extensions which don’t increase the total footprint of the main dwelling by too much it is usually permitted under the regulations set out below. Visit the mini guides for a brief overview:

For garden buildings click here

For extensions click here

What options of Wood are there?

For the most part we use QP1 structural grade Oak. This is standard within the industry and is sufficient for most frames. A more premium grade of Oak can be used on request QPA (also known as D-30) but it isn’t  necessary for most projects. Where the frame is more visible we can incorporate a section of QPA which will have fewer knots per square metre. 

Air dried Oak is an option but rarely is there a need to use this. Air dried beams spend several years drying out in the elements which allow the timber to shrink with the changing atmospheric conditions. Kiln dried timber can only dry up to 100mm thickness, most frames start from 150mm² section size. 

In addition to Oak there is an option for Douglas fir, which has a more stable drying process, less shrinkage and can span long distances given the nature of that species. This type of wood can be used instead of Oak but it is not more economical. It can provide a more contemporary looking frame if that is desired. 

Larch is a great alternative cladding option as it has strong weather-proof capabilities, does not require the structural strength of Oak in such situations, and costs less. 

With advancements in timber engineering we can provide ‘thermo-wood’ cladding, which is engineered softwood having been heated near to burning temperature preventing moisture from entering the wood from then on. Similarly ‘accoya’ is another form of engineered softwood which instead of heat it is cured through an acetylation process (a bit like a very strong vinegar). This prevents the timber from absorbing water and becoming a food source for insects, resulting in rot. Accoya can be coloured / dyed and it is guaranteed for up to 50 years for external use.

Can our frame be glazed?

Of course, we can offer both direct and rebated glazing methods. Unlike most oak framing companies which offer either one or the other, with direct glazing you will get slightly improved resistance against the elements, useful if you live by the sea, but this will hide the Oak frame joinery from the outside. Most customers prefer the rebated method for its aesthetics. 

Whichever you choose, both will incorporate 28mm double glazed units argon gas filled with a ‘Low-E’ inner pane for its insulation properties. Solar control outer panes can be applied for frames which will catch too much sunlight in summer months, keeping the inside nice and cool. 

We can offer tinted glass in a colour of your choice.