Air Dried Oak Beams 3 X 100 X 100

Cracking, Marks and Staining in Green Oak

As Oak dries out over time, it can develop cracks and splits known as shakes. These tiny cracks run along the grain of the wood, which means that they do not affect its structural integrity. This cracking process happens faster in warmer weather, as the sun and wind speed up the drying process and can even cause shakes to form on recently cut green oak. As such, these should not be seen as faults, as it is a natural process. It is possible to reduce cracking in green oak by adding wood oil for protection. One of the main reasons for posts to rot is the constant wetting and drying of the post. To help extend the life of the post, you can slope the soil or concrete the post is set in so that water doesn't gather at the base of the post. Sealing the post with oil at the level it goes in the ground also helps extend the life as it reduces the moisture absorption into the post.In damp conditions you can get damp conditions you can get blue staining on green oak. This is a reaction between the tanin in green oak and metal. It will clear off easier with oxalic acid or builders acid or can be sanded off. It is natural occurance. There can be mud on sawn beams. The environment of a working sawmill means that mud can get on the beams, especially in winter. Whilst we try to ensure it is kept to nothing or a minimum, it can happen and will easily brush off when dry.