WHAT ARE OAK TREADLES?
Oak treadles are incredibly durable and will obviously last for many years to come and will become even more beautiful with age. We can make oak pedals with four sharp edges or with just the required visible edge or side. The other edges may have a curve with bark due to the greater curvature of oak wood.
Choosing oak wood stairs is a clean way to decorate your home or garden.
There are many reasons to choose oak treads. The main ones are that it is incredibly hard and durable and is valued for its beautiful, densely packed grain. Due to the density of the grain, it is naturally resistant to moisture, insects and mold. The basic properties of oak wood are hardness, strength, toughness and durability. Of our woods, it resists not only weather conditions but also the alternation of moisture and dryness the longest, which is why oak garden stairs are low-maintenance. Oak wood has always been popular in furniture, construction and gardening. In England, an entire century was named after it – the age of oak (1500 – 1600).
| PRICE IS AFFECTED BY – | QUALITY SELECTION AND FINAL STATE OF FINISHING: |
|---|---|
| quality – | visual, construction |
| final humidity – | dried interior 8-12%, dried exterior 15-20%, undried |
| surface treatment – | planed, unplaned |
| beveled edges – | without chamfer, 45° bevel, radius |
| most common dimensions – | 150x250mm, 150x300mm, 150x330mm, 200x200mm, 200x250mm, 200x300mm, 200x330mm |
WHAT OAK TREADLES CAN WE MAKE FOR YOU?
Rustic look with a higher proportion of knots and curls
The rustic oak stairs emphasize the natural beauty of oak wood without perfect industrial sharp-edged processing. The stairs processed in this way will take you back several centuries to a time when perfection was not emphasized. The more or less running edges of the stripped bark, small and large healthy knots remind you every time you look at this beautiful piece of wood that in the beginning there was a tree that had grown for tens or even hundreds of years with a natural curvature rising towards the light with a bushy branching in the crown of the tree. To make rustic-looking oak stairs for the garden, trunks with a larger number of cut branches (knots) and not completely straight are used.
Sharp-edged appearance with fewer knots
When producing exposed oak garden stairs, we emphasize the quality of workmanship so that all edges are sharp without curves and a large number of larger knots. Exposed oak stairs, with their clean appearance and quality, show the majesty of oak wood and are suitable for structural and luxurious design elements of various small and large building elements.
To make exposed oak stairs, trunks are used, in order, the first and second pieces from the bottom of the tree with a smaller number of cut branches (knots) and minimal curvature.
Freshly cut (castrated) oak treads with undetermined moisture content
The disadvantage of using unprocessed lumber can be a high water content and subsequent volume changes and deformations when drying to equilibrium moisture. Higher water content can also be problematic in terms of increased risk of attack by wood-destroying insects, molds and fungi, but this is to a small extent in the case of oak, as oak is resistant to these attacks.
When purchasing raw lumber, it is a good idea to choose the right quality for the type of use. Generally speaking, center-grained lumber, ideally radial, without any pith content, will be the strongest and most stable.
On the other hand, installing elements made of undried wood containing pulp can cause undesirable effects in the form of twisting, drying cracks, etc.
Technically dried, planed oak pedals
The profiles are made from technically dried oak lumber with guaranteed moisture content (usually 15% ±3%). For larger dimensions over 120mm, it is produced as center lumber or for smaller dimensions, the primary cut of the log is made with care taken to cut through the pith (center of the trunk). This guarantees higher dimensional stability.
SHOULD I TREAT OAK TREADLES OR LET THEM TURN GREY?
Oak does not need a finish in outdoor conditions, as it can last for about 20 to 30 years without decaying if not in direct contact with the ground. Untreated oak will turn grey in about 2-3 years due to sunlight and humidity. The color will first change from the points most exposed to the weather and will even out over a few years depending on the conditions. The greying of the wood can be slowed down by treating the wood with transparent wood preservatives. Exterior cladding made of oak also does not need to be finished, as the material oak can withstand UV radiation and humidity. However, the wood will turn grey over the years. Please note that during the greying process the surface tone may be uneven.
WHAT ARE THE PROPERTIES OF OAK TREADLES?
Oak treadles have several significant properties that make them ideal for outdoor use, especially in landscape architecture. Here are the key characteristics:
Endurance
High weather resistance : Oak wood is naturally dense and contains tannins that provide protection against moisture, rot and insects. This resistance means that oak pedal boards maintain their structure and appearance even when exposed to rain and sun for long periods of time.
Stability : Oak wood is known for its strength and stability, making it a suitable material for structures exposed to strong winds. Its structure prevents deformation and cracking.
Aesthetics
Natural look : Oak treadles have a natural texture and color that gives the garden a rustic and elegant look. Each piece is unique due to the natural processing, which contributes to the overall aesthetic impression.
Possibility of various designs : Thanks to their easy processing, oak pedals can be produced in various shapes and sizes, allowing them to be adapted to the specific needs of the garden.
Practicality
Functionality : The treads serve as a practical surface for moving around the garden, helping to keep shoes clean and protecting plants from damage. They are ideal for creating paths or walkways
Easy maintenance : Oak treadles require minimal maintenance; usually, an occasional sweeping or rinsing with water is enough to maintain their appearance.
These properties make oak pedal boards not only a practical element of the garden, but also an aesthetically appealing addition that increases the value of outdoor spaces.
WHAT IS THE LIFESPAN OF OAK TREADLES?
Often used as garden walkways or decorative features, oak treads can have a very long lifespan, estimated at 20 to 30 years if properly maintained. Key factors affecting their durability include:
Factors affecting the lifespan of oak treads
Wood quality : Oak is known for its high resistance to weathering and rot, making it an ideal material for outdoor use.
Maintenance : Regular maintenance, such as treating the wood with oil or varnish, can significantly extend the life of your pedal boats. This helps protect the wood from moisture and UV rays.
Location : Proper placement of pedalos in the garden, where they are not exposed to excessive load or stagnant water, is also important for their longevity.
Damage Protection : Using metal grills at the ends of the treads can help prevent the wood from cracking and the cracks from spreading.
When following recommended maintenance procedures and protecting against adverse conditions, oak treadles can serve for many years, making them a worthwhile investment in landscape architecture.
HOW TO CARE FOR OAK TREADLES?
Caring for oak treadles is key to maintaining their appearance and functionality. Oak wood is known for its durability, but it still requires regular maintenance to prevent damage and extend its lifespan.
Regular maintenance
Cleaning : It is recommended to regularly sweep or rinse the pedals with water to remove dirt and dust. Using a mild wood cleaner can help keep the surface in good condition.
Moisture protection : If water gets on the pedals, it is important to wipe it off immediately to prevent damage to the wood. Regular maintenance of the finish will help protect the wood from moisture.
Surface treatment
Oil or wax treatment : To protect and maintain the appearance of oak pedal boards, it is advisable to use a quality oil wax. This type of treatment helps protect the wood from UV radiation and wear, thus extending its lifespan.
Preventing greying : Untreated oak can turn grey within 2-3 years due to UV radiation and moisture. Treatment with transparent preservatives can slow down this process.
Inspection and repairs
Regular Inspection : It is important to regularly inspect your pedals for cracks, deformations or signs of damage. Any problems should be addressed immediately to prevent further damage.
Repairs : In case of damage, repairs can be made using wood fillers or by replacing damaged parts. It is important to use materials that match the quality of the original wood.
Proper care for oak treadles includes regular cleaning, surface treatment, and checking the condition of the wood. With these steps, you can ensure that your oak treadles remain beautiful and functional for many years to come.
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