Nuances of the grain are clearly visible; the delicate, paler hue of semi-seasoned oak.

Whilst it would be fantastic if we were able to use well-seasoned oak in every circumstance, this is a totally impractical ideal. Oak requires very long periods of time to become properly established, and once fully seasoned is extremely hard. In contrast, semi-seasoned oak that has been maturing for just a few years is much softer and easier to work with. It is also far more readily available and therefore less expensive.

A building frame of semi-seasoned oak may take longer to settle but will, nevertheless, endure. It is an absolutely ideal material for all sorts of buildings; extensions, outbuildings, barn conversions and garages. Convenient and practical, stains caused in transport can be washed out of the wood quickly and it will not need to be sealed since semi-seasoned oak will weather to a slightly silvered colour over a period of months.

Fumed, hand-wrought surface finishes transform the final semi-seasoned oak product.

Although linseed oil will also darken it slightly this is seldom completely satisfactory for the interiors of period properties where beams are required to blend seamlessly with original features. With the aid of modern surface finishing techniques such as fuming, new decorative ceiling layout beams, wall cladding and fireplace beams can be crafted from semi-seasoned oak and given the look of genuine aged components.

The various finishes involved enhance the beautiful nuances of the wood in both hue and texture. In this way a semi seasoned oak beam can be used for purely decorative purposes inside an original period property or can be fabricated into a complete period style home with that authentic feeling of traditional warmth and atmosphere. In other circumstances, where a more modern style is required, it is possible to retain the lighter colouring of semi-seasoned oak by oiling.

In some cases it of course becomes necessary to use air dried and kiln dried oak. The former is generally used in exterior joinery whilst kiln dried oak is used in flooring, door and window frames and furniture as it will not move and crack.