Is Air Dried Oak still available?
Busting a popular myth
5th November 2024
In the world of construction and joinery, we find air-dried oak is often perceived as no longer being readily available. This misconception is largely a result of market shifts and the prevalence of kiln-dried oak.
In recent times, many European Oak sawmills have increasingly favoured kiln-dried oak, primarily because of the efficiency and speed of the kiln-drying process compared to the air-drying process, allowing them to turn their stock around more quickly and efficiently, and therefore shift larger volumes in the short term. Kiln drying makes commercial sense but is not always the right solution for the project.
Despite the dominance of kiln-dried oak, air-dried oak remains an essential requirement in certain applications and cannot be used synonymously with kiln-dried oak without serious repercussions. The slower, more natural drying process of air-dried oak offers some key advantages over kiln-dried oak:-
Superior Stability Externally: Air-dried oak tends to have greater dimensional stability compared to kiln-dried oak when used externally or in natural /unheated environment. The oak has reached a natural equilibrium with the surrounding environment. It will react less in the elements and remain resilient to environmental fluctuations. This stability is crucial for applications where precision and longevity are paramount
Enhanced Durability: The gradual moisture loss in air-dried oak helps preserve its natural oils and resins, making it more durable and resistant to environmental stresses over time. This increased resilience can result in a longer lifespan for furniture and structure.
Enhanced Aesthetic Qualities: The slower drying process allows the oak to develop richer, deeper colours and a more refined grain pattern, enhancing its natural beauty. Kiln Dring causes a reaction within the cells in with the oak can lose approximately 20% of its colour. Also the slower drying process minimizes internal stress, reducing the likelihood of warping, cracking, or checking, ensuring more stable, uniform wood.
Traditional Integrity: For restoration projects and traditionally built structures, air-dried oak is often preferred to maintain historical accuracy and authenticity.
Superior Workability: Air-dried oak is often easier to work with using hand tools. The natural drying process preserves the cell structure, making the wood more pliable and easier to shape, carve, and finish.
Environmental Benefits: Air-drying is a more sustainable option, as it relies on natural air flow and ambient temperature rather than consuming energy like a kiln. This lower carbon footprint can be attractive to environmentally conscious consumers.
Whilst the air-drying process does take longer than kiln drying, this process is essential to producing oak that has the necessary qualities for numerous external applications including, gates, exposed external doors, balustrades, cladding and decking. Also Air-Dried oak is often the ideal solution for heritage restoration projects. At Hewins, we are well-equipped to support projects that required the highest quality air-dried oak. Our commitment to quality ensures that you can rely on us for consistent, high-grade material for any of your schemes.
Contrary to the belief that this material is hard to source, we maintain excellent relationships with our traditional European sawmills that continue to produce and stock large quantities of air-dried oak. With Hewins, you can be assured of a continuous supply of air-dried oak for your projects, allowing us to meet even the most substantial of requests.
