Oak prisms include square timber that has a cross section of up to 100mm (e.g. 100x100mm, 80x80mm, 80x100mm). It is usually off-centre, i.e. the centre of the log does not cross the length axis. The difference between a beam and a prism is the size and position of the cut in relation to the centre of the tree trunk being machined.
Oak prisms are incredibly durable and will obviously last for many years to come, and get even more beautiful with age. We can make oak prisms with four sharp edges or just the required look edge or side. The other edges may have a bark curve due to the greater curvature of the oak wood.
Choosing oak timber is a neat way to spruce up your garden or interior.
There are plenty of reasons to choose oak timbers for your garden. Chief among them is that it is incredibly hard and long-lasting, and is prized for its handsome, tightly packed grain. The density of the grain makes it naturally resistant to moisture, insects and mould. The basic characteristics of oak wood are hardness, strength, toughness and durability. It is the longest lasting of our woods, resisting not only weather conditions but also alternating wet and dry conditions, which is why oak garden steps 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 INFLUENCES – | QUALITY SELECTION AND FINAL STATE OF COMPLETION: |
|---|---|
| QUALITY – | postcard, construction |
| FINAL HUMINITY – | dried interior 8-12%, dried exterior 15-20%, not dried |
| SURFACE FINISH – | Planed, unplaned |
| BELEVED EDGES – | without edge shrinkage, chamfer 45°, radius R6 |
| MOST COMMON SIZES – | 100x100mm, 90x90mm, 80x80mm, 60x60mm, 70x70mm, 50x50mm, |
WHICH OAK PRISMS CAN WE MAKE FOR YOU?
Rustic look with a higher proportion of twists and curves
The oak prisms of the rustic style accentuate the natural beauty of oak wood without the perfect industrial edge treatment. Such a staircase will take you back several centuries to a time when perfection was not emphasised. The more or less rounded bark-free edges, the small and large healthy knots remind every time you look at this beautiful piece of wood that in the beginning it was a tree growing for decades or even hundreds of years, with a natural curve rising behind the light with a lush branching in the crown. To make oak sleepers for the rustic garden, trunks with more branches (knots) cut off and not completely straight are used.
Sharp-angled appearance with fewer twists
In the production of oak prisms for the garden we emphasize the quality of processing, so that all edges are sharp without curves and a large number of large twists. With their clean look and quality, oak stairs show the majesty of oak wood and are suitable for structural and luxury design elements of various small and large building elements.
For the production of oak prisms, logs are used in the order of the first and second pieces from the bottom of the tree with fewer cut branches (knots) and minimal curvature.
Freshly sawn (tarred) oak prisms with unspecified moisture content
The disadvantage of using unprocessed lumber may be the high water content and the subsequent volume changes and deformation when drying to equilibrium moisture content. The higher water content can also be problematic in terms of increased risk of attack by wood-boring insects, molds and fungi, but this is of little concern for oak, which is resistant to these attacks.
When buying raw lumber, it is a good idea to choose the right quality for the application. In general, centre sawn timber, ideally radial with no pith content, will be the strongest and most stable.
On the other hand, the incorporation of elements made of uncured wood containing pith can cause undesirable effects in the form of twisting, drying cracks, etc.
Technically dried, planed oak prisms
The profiles are made of technically dried oak sawn timber with guaranteed moisture content (usually 15% ± 3%). For larger dimensions above 120mm they are produced as centre sawn timber or for smaller dimensions the primary cutting of the logs is done by cutting through the pith (centre of the log). This guarantees higher dimensional stability.
TREAT THE OAK PRISMS OR LET THEM TURN GREY?
Oak does not need to be treated outdoors because it will last about 20 to 30 years without decay without direct contact with the ground. Untreated oak will turn grey in about 2-3 years due to sunlight and moisture. The color changes initially from the points that are most exposed to the weather and evens out over a few years, depending on conditions. The greying of wood can be slowed down by treating the wood with transparent wood preservatives. Exterior cladding made from oak also does not need to be refinished, as oak material can withstand UV and moisture stresses. Over the years, however, the wood will turn grey. Remember that during greying, the tone of the surface may become uneven.
HOW LONG DO OAK PRISM LAST?
Oak prisms are known for their high durability and resistance to weathering. Without direct contact with the ground, they can last 20 to 30 years without significant decay.
Depending on specific conditions, such as humidity and intensity of use, their lifespan can range from 10 to 40 years.
Location : Prisms placed in a humid environment or in contact with the ground have a shorter lifespan.
Maintenance : Treating wood can extend its lifespan and slow down the graying process.
Wood quality : Dried and high-quality wood is more stable and less susceptible to deformation and pest infestation.
Oak wood is also valued for its resistance to insects and mold , which contributes to its long life outdoors.
ARE OAK PRISM SUITABLE FOR OUTDOOR USE?
Resistance and durability
Oak wood is known for its high resistance to weathering, insects and mold. Without direct contact with the ground, oak beams can last up to 20 to 30 years without decaying.
Oak wood is an excellent choice for interior use due to its exceptional properties. Its hardness and wear resistance make it an ideal material for flooring, furniture and wall coverings. Oak floors are particularly popular as they can withstand heavy loads and frequent use without losing their appearance.
This long lifespan is due not only to the hardness and strength of oak wood, but also to its natural resistance to moisture and rot.
Aesthetics
In addition to its technical properties, oak beams also have an attractive appearance . The natural texture and color of the wood, which ranges from light yellow to dark brown, give garden structures an aesthetic character.
Oak wood ages beautifully and takes on a silvery gray hue over time, which can be a desirable effect for many projects.
Use
Pergolas
Terasy
Fences
Garden furniture
Raised beds
Due to their stability and minimal moisture content (typically 8-12%), they are ideal for structures requiring a high level of precision and quality.
Maintenance
Oak does not need a special finish for outdoor use, but regular treatment can help slow down the graying process of the wood.
High-quality workmanship and proper surface treatment can significantly extend the life of these products. Overall, it can be said that oak beams are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality and durable material for outdoor projects.
CAN OAK WOOD BE USED INDOORS?
Oak wood is an excellent choice for interior use due to its exceptional properties. Its hardness and wear resistance make it an ideal material for flooring, furniture and wall coverings. Oak floors are particularly popular as they can withstand heavy loads and frequent use without losing their appearance.
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