Green Oak
Freshly cut oak or green oak is the preferred material for framing wooden buildings. It is easily cut and shaped and tends not to split. As the oak dries over preceding years it will shrink (although not significantly) over its longitudinal length. The structure will not get smaller but the girth (measurement around it) of each timber may. The way joints are cut and the use of seasoned oak pegs ensures that this shrinkage produces extremely tight joints.

Seasoned Oak
Seasoned oak has been allowed to dry naturally in its raw state. Kiln dried oak has much the same properties but a lower moisture content and is cheaper. Both can be used in applications where the customer wishes to experience less movement in the finished structure such as kitchen cabinets, however it is very hard and more difficult to cut and joint, therefore used less in large buildings.

Joints
Once the specification and design of the building or building element has been decided it is up to the carpentry team to decide how to join each timber together. A comprehensive knowledge of joints and techniques is essential. However it is sometimes essential that a structural engineer is employed to work out final timber dimensions and joint detail.

Draw Pegs
Each carefully cut joint is held together with hand shaped seasoned oak pegs, driven in with a mallet. Draw Pegs are affectionately known as tree nails.

Staddle Stones
The posts or legs of structures such as; porches and balconies, are often set onto shaped stones known as Staddle Stones. Staddle Stones are cut by local stone masons to suite the dimension of each oak post.

Douglas Fir
A softwood that can be used green (recently felled) for both framing and planking. It makes a perfect wall covering for car ports, garages and barns.