Oak Conservatories and Orangeries – A Conservatories Online Special feature

Oak conservatories come in two forms: Green Oak and Seasoned Oak.

It is green oak when the trees are first felled. It is much softer, full of sap and can be cut more easily. Green oak conservatories are constructed using large cuts of oak held together by beech pins. These tighten as the green oak dries and shrinks pulling the whole construction together. Green oak conservatories are considered ideal for period properties, which are single glazed, full of traditional nooks and crannies and where natural airflows are part of the appeal.

Seasoned oak is considered the superior material for conservatories. The key difference is that the oak is dried before the manufacturing process. Great slices of oak are racked in the open air through all seasons whilst the oak shrinks and hardens into its final position. The oak is now stable and can be carved to show intricate details seen on many a fine stately table or grand old oak door.

With seasoned oak, conservatories can be made to any taste or style from the plain contemporary glass building to beautiful classically shapes with traditional carvings.

Seasoned oak can also be painted. Many people are now opting for a natural oak stain on the inside of their properties, to accentuate the natural grain patterns whilst painting the exterior to match existing paintwork on the exterior.

There are a number of conservatory companies around who specialise in Oak Conservatories. One of these companies is: Richmond Oak Ltd - specialist designers of solid oak conservatories and orangeries. Each project is tailored to your home and built by traditional craftsmen to ensure it compliments your home.

>>> To request your free brochure on Hardwood and Oak Conservatories – Click Here <<<

For many Traditionalists - Nothing is more magnificent than a solid oak conservatory, with its beautiful mellow colour, classic grain and sheer strength. Oak has been at the heart of British tradition for centuries and many medieval buildings hewed from oak stand today bearing a legacy of its durability, beauty and timeless appeal.

The above example shows an example of an Oak Conservatory with a natural oak stain on the inside and a painted white finish externally

English Oak – a Little History

Oak buildings have been a symbol of British society since records first began. Known for its durability and beauty oak was the foremost timber used in ancient castles and shipbuilding. At one stage the UK was covered in oak forests, which were religiously planted for the benefit of future generations.

Such was the value of oak to the British nation that back in the 1600’s the Spanish government failed to implement a plan to destroy the New Forest in Hampshire as a way of stopping the British naval superiority.

Oak trees are intrinsically linked with British tradition. One of the ancient oak trees still living today in The Great Windsor park dates back to the year 1200 and has outlived 35 monarchs. Still today people flock to Nottingham Forest to view the oak tree linked with the legendary Robin Hood.

Oak is now the most popular European hardwood for conservatories and orangeries. Arguably the most beautiful of all woods used in these types of construction it is not an option for people on a restricted budget as the raw material is more expensive than standard timber. However, if you want a room that looks like furniture and want to add value to your home then oak may be the option for you.