There are many reasons to choose oak garden sleepers. The main ones are that it is incredibly hard and durable and is valued for its beautiful, densely packed fibers. Thanks to the density of the fibers, 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 SLEEPERS CAN WE MAKE FOR YOU?
Rustic look with a higher proportion of knots and curls
Rustic oak sleepers emphasize the natural beauty of oak wood without perfect industrial sharp-edged processing. Stairs 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 make rustic-looking oak garden stairs, 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 sleepers, we emphasize the quality of workmanship so that all edges are sharp without burrs 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 produce exposed oak sleepers, 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 sleepers 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 frets
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 STREETS FOR THE GARDEN 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.
HOW LONG DO OAK SLEEPERS LAST?
Oak sleepers have excellent durability, which ranges from 10 to 40 years , depending on external conditions and the intensity of their use.
If placed out of direct contact with the ground, oak sleepers can last 20 to 30 years without significant decay. Oak is known for its hardness and resistance to moisture, insects, and mold, which contributes to its longevity.
To extend the life of the wood, vacuum-pressure impregnation can be used , which provides additional protection for the wood. However, without treatment, oak sleepers usually turn gray within 2-3 years due to UV radiation and humidity, which is a normal aging process of wood, but does not affect its structure.
WHERE ARE OAK SLEEPERS MOST COMMONLY USED?
Railway infrastructure
Oak sleepers serve as support elements for the tracks, keeping the rails at the correct distance and stable. These sleepers are made of hard oak wood, which is resistant to weather and vibration, ensuring their long service life.
Garden applications
In landscape architecture, oak sleepers are often used to create various structures such as stairs, flower beds or borders. Their durability and aesthetic appearance make them ideal for outdoor use.
Construction projects
Oak sleepers are also used in carpentry and construction for the production of furniture, terraces and other structures where high strength and durability are required.
Advantages of oak frets
Long life : Impregnated oak sleepers can last 20 to 40 years, making them an economically viable choice.
Flexibility and ease of processing : Oak wood is more flexible than other materials, which ensures less damage from vibrations and makes it easier to process.
Aesthetics : Oak wood has a natural appearance that adds value to both railway structures and garden projects.
Oak frets are therefore widely used in various areas due to their exceptional properties and versatility.
SURFACE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR OAK SLEEPERS?
Oak sleepers are known for their durability and longevity, making them a popular choice for a variety of applications, including landscaping and railway infrastructure. To ensure maximum durability and aesthetic appeal, it is important to apply appropriate surface treatments. Here are the main options:
Mechanical reinforcement
Metal grids: Nailing metal grids to the ends of the sleepers helps prevent the spread of cracks that can occur as the wood dries out.
Steel strips and wedges: Historically, steel strips and wedges were used to reinforce sleepers, which is still an effective method.
Impregnation
Chemical impregnations: The use of substances such as zinc sulfate or carbolic acid extends the life of sleepers by up to 20-40 years. Impregnation protects the wood from rot and pests.
Coatings
Special paints: The application of “green paints” based on synthetic resins and pigments can slow down the cracking of wood and protect it from weathering.
Transparent preservatives: These can slow down the process of wood turning gray due to UV radiation and moisture.
Surface treatment
Planing and sanding: Oak sleepers can be planed or sanded for a smooth surface, which improves their appearance and makes maintenance easier.
Chamfering: In some applications, edges can be chamfered to increase safety and aesthetics.
Natural aging
Unfinished oak wood can naturally turn grey within 2-3 years, which some users prefer for its rustic look. However, without maintenance, the surface tone can become uneven.
Oak frets offer a wide range of finishing options that not only extend their lifespan, but also increase their aesthetic value and functionality in various applications.
HOW TO PROLONG THE LIFE OF OAK SLEEPERS?
To extend the life of your oak sleepers, it is crucial to follow a few maintenance and protection principles. Oak wood is known for its natural durability, but the right practices can significantly improve its durability.
Regular cleaning
Surface Cleaning : Use mild soap and water. After cleaning, it is important to dry the wood immediately to minimize the risk of warping or rotting.
Protective coatings
Oiling : Using natural oils (e.g. tung or linseed) helps protect the wood and maintain its flexibility. It is recommended to oil 1-2 times a year.
Lacquering : Lacquer creates a hard protective layer that increases resistance to UV radiation and moisture. Occasional repainting is required.
Waxing : This method adds shine, but waxed surfaces are less durable than painted ones. Waxing should be done more frequently.
Impregnation
The use of water-based or solvent-based impregnation protects wood from rot, mold and pests. The impregnation penetrates deep into the wood, which is especially important for wood in contact with the ground or in a humid environment.
Proper fit and ventilation
Ensure adequate airflow around the structure by using pads or feet to prevent direct contact with damp terrain.
Preventive maintenance
Check the condition of the sleepers regularly (1-2 times a year) and make minor repairs immediately to prevent water from entering the wood.
Moisture and rot : Although oak wood is resistant to moisture, improper finishing can lead to water penetration into the wood, causing rot and mold.
Sunlight : Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause the wood to fade and the protective layers to degrade. The use of protective coatings can slow this process.
By following these methods, you can ensure that your oak sleepers remain functional and aesthetically pleasing for many years.
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