We will produce, dry, plan and sand the material for larch bridges, footbridges, footbridges and other water structures. Of course, the lumber comes with a certificate for oak structural lumber.
WHAT MATERIAL FOR OAK BRIDGES, PONDS, FOOTPATHS CAN WE PRODUCE FOR YOU?
Rustic look with a higher proportion of knots and curls
Rustic oak lumber emphasizes the natural beauty of oak wood without perfect industrial sharp-edged processing. Beams processed in this way will take you back several centuries to a time when perfection was not emphasized. More or less running edges of 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 produce rustic oak beams, trunks with a larger number of cut branches (knots) and not completely straight are used.
Rustic oak lumber is suitable for use in larger square and rectangular dimensions of 150mm and more, e.g. in the form of a solid bench, table, or design element in the interior and exterior.
Sharp-edged appearance with fewer knots
When producing exposed oak lumber, we emphasize the quality of processing so that all edges are sharp without curves and a large number of larger knots. With their clean appearance and quality, exposed oak lumber shows the majesty of oak wood and is suitable for structural and luxurious design elements of various small and large building elements.
To produce exposed oak lumber, logs are used in the order of the first and second pieces from the bottom of the tree with a smaller number of cut branches (knots) and minimal curvature.
Exposed oak lumber is also suitable for use in smaller square and rectangular dimensions of 80mm and more, e.g. solid chairs, tables, design elements in the interior and exterior – gazebos, pergolas, exposed trusses and other solid structures.
Freshly cut (cut) oak lumber 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.
This product of basic sawmilling does not lose its popularity in traditional carpentry constructions, where a relatively wide range of cross-sectional dimensions is used – they are used in gazebos, pergolas, roof trusses, exterior structures, oak beams in the garden, bridge decks, sleepers and other
Technically dried, planed material for oak bridges, walkways, footbridges
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.
Four-sided planing or sanding and chamfered edges are a matter of course – for ceiling beams and other visual elements, we supply oak lumber with planed, sanded, decoratively milled edges, grooves or hand-planed edges.
We will be happy to advise you on choosing the right material…
TREAT MATERIAL FOR OAK BRIDGES, FOOTPATHS, TREAT OR LET IT 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 colour 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 TYPES OF OAK BRIDGES ARE THERE?
Types of oak bridges
Lower decks: Located on the lower part of the structure.
Upper decks: Located on the top of the structure.
Embedded decks: Embedded into the structure.
Intermediate decks: Placed between other structural elements.
Element bridge decks: They consist of individual elements, such as beams.
Plate decks: Made from solid plates, which ensures greater stability and load-bearing capacity.
Beam bridges: Suitable for shorter spans, often using beams made of durable wood.
Cantilever and suspension bridges: These are used for medium spans and combine beams with supports.
Glued arches: Modern structures that use glued wood to increase load-bearing capacity and aesthetics.
Wooden bridges, including oak ones, have a long history and are popular for their environmental friendliness and easy repairability.
LIFESPAN OF THE OAK BRIDGE?
The lifespan of an oak bridge is influenced by several factors, including the quality of the wood used, the structural design, and the conditions the bridge is located in. Oak wood is known for its exceptional resistance to weathering and mechanical wear, making it ideal for use in structures such as bridges.
Properties of oak wood
Durability : Oak wood contains high levels of tannins, which provide protection against moisture, insects and rot. This property ensures that oak structures can withstand rain and sunlight much better than other types of wood.
Strength and stability : Oak is known for its high density and strength, which means it can withstand heavy loads without warping. This is crucial for bridge structures that must withstand significant mechanical stress.
Estimated lifespan
According to expert sources, the natural lifespan of untreated oak wood is around 10 to 14 years , but with regular maintenance and appropriate protective coatings, the lifespan can be significantly longer. For example, roofing a bridge can significantly increase its lifespan by protecting the wood from direct exposure to weather conditions.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance is key to extending the life of oak bridges. It is recommended to:
Regular inspections : Check the condition of the structure for cracks or signs of damage.
Protective coatings : The use of appropriate coatings can significantly improve weather resistance and extend the life of wood.
Overall, oak bridges, if properly designed and maintained, can serve for many years, making them an effective investment in durable infrastructure.
FACTORS AFFECTING THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE OAK BRIDGE?
The design of an oak bridge is influenced by several key factors, which relate to both material properties and structural and environmental aspects.
Material factors
Wood properties : Oak wood is highly valued for its strength, durability and weather resistance. These properties ensure the longevity of the bridge and its ability to withstand mechanical loads.
Structural types : Oak decks can be used as separate elements or as part of a supporting structure. Depending on their location, they are divided into lower, upper, intermediate and suspended decks.
Design factors
Supporting structure : Bridges consist of a supporting structure and a superstructure, which can be road or rail. The supporting structure includes the main supporting elements, the deck, stiffeners and bearings.
Static schemes : The choice of static system (e.g. frame, arch) affects the overall stability and load-bearing capacity of the bridge. The correct distribution of the load on the supporting structure is also important.
Environmental and economic factors
Foundation conditions : The quality and type of subsoil have a fundamental influence on the design and stability of a bridge. Appropriate foundations are crucial to ensuring the safety and durability of the structure.
Aesthetics and landscape integration : Bridge design should reflect the surrounding environment and aesthetic requirements. This includes the selection of materials and the shaping of the bridge to harmonize with the natural environment.
Economic aspects : The costs of materials, construction, and maintenance play an important role in deciding on construction methods and materials used.
The construction of an oak bridge is a complex process that requires careful consideration of various factors including the material properties of the wood, static schemes, foundation conditions and economic aspects. These factors together affect both the safety and functionality of the bridge in its specific environment.
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