Glulam Species: Why choose European Oak for your glulam project?
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“The wise old oak…”
There’s a reason why we talk about “mighty oaks from little acorns grow”. The European oak tree has been a presence in our landscape and culture for centuries, with individual trees living for over 600 years. Standing up to 40 metres tall with canopies stretching 25 metres wide, these majestic trees support more biodiversity than any other native tree species in the UK.
At Buckland Timber, we’ve seen European oak prove its worth across countless glulam projects, combining timeless beauty with remarkable structural performance.
Here’s why it might be the perfect choice for your project…
Where does European oak come from?
European oak, also known as English oak or common oak, is native to most of Europe.
European oak and British oak both come from the same species, the Quercus robur family. Although there are some slight differences in colour and hue, strength and durability are the resounding characteristics across all European oaks.
While we source a significant amount of our oak for glulam from managed British woodlands, in fact most of our manufacture is British sourced currently, we also work with carefully selected European suppliers to ensure consistent quality and supply.
What makes European oak different to other timber species?
Different glulam species lend themselves to different uses and projects – glulam timber offers real flexibility in this regard, so do look at our glulam timber species page as you begin planning your project with us.
European oak distinguishes itself mostly through its physical properties.
Its density, ranging from 700-800 kg/m³, significantly exceeds that of common softwood alternatives like spruce or Douglas fir and it is this density that contributes to oak’s legendary strength and durability, making oak a good choice for a range of projects if strength is particularly important.
What are the advantages of using oak glulam?
Aesthetics is one of the main reasons people are drawn to using European Oak. The wood features a distinctive straight grain pattern, occasionally marked by natural waves that create the immediately recognisable oak appearance so many admire.
When it comes to colour, European oak offers a spectrum from pale brown to warm honey tones, with the heartwood showing wonderful consistency in its colouring, and it is often this warmth people are referring to when they say they want a ‘natural’ look.
You’ll also find the compactness of European oak makes it very resistant to fungal infection, meaning the quality of wood harvested from a tree is generally high. If you’re looking to source timber which is high quality, you can’t go wrong with Oak.
If it’s right for you, the end result will be stunning, as you can see from this oak glulam project we completed in Surrey.
At Mill House in Shalford Village, we created a striking extension featuring an oak glulam framework that supports a contemporary bronze-clad roof. The design incorporated triangular roof lights to flood the new kitchen and dining space with natural light, perfectly demonstrating how oak glulam can blend historical context with modern design.
Oak glulam project, Surrey.
Is European oak stronger than other timber species?
We’ve mentioned the appearance, quality, and density but not specifically its strength.
Oak is a hardwood, and its strength comes from its density. Oak’s density comes from it being very slow growing, which means the grain is naturally very tight, and it is this strength which creates durability.
The characteristic bending strength often exceeds softwood equivalents, and its superior compression strength makes it particularly well-suited for columns and posts. According to EN 350-2, oak falls into natural durability class 2, classifying it as ‘durable’ – a significant advantage for many applications.
Like all glulam manufacture, moisture content is crucial when working with oak – we carefully control and maintain this at 12% (±2%) throughout production to ensure structural stability and prevent any future movement or distortion in the finished beams.
Compared with faster-growing timber species such as redwood (pine), Douglas fir, or spruce, European Oak is by far the strongest, however Oak glulam does not carry a CE strength certification grade as it’s not included in the CE glulam standards across the industry. We recommend designing to GL24 grade for our glulam beams.
Can European oak be used externally?
The durability of European oak makes it a more suitable timber for external use – along with Douglas Fir and Larch, you can rely on the timber standing up to the elements.
Of course this comes with the caveat that any glulam used externally is exposed to the elements, so you may want to consider optimising your design to get the best out of your structure over time – our blog, ‘top detailing tips for external glulam designs’ may be helpful here.
What are the disadvantages of using oak glulam?
There are several factors in considering oak glulam which may mean you make a different choice.
We’ve mentioned that oak glulam isn’t currently covered by CE certification standards, which might be something your project is required to provide.
Cost can also be a significant factor. With European oak being a slow-growing timber, simple supply and demand means you will pay more for a glulam beam in spruce compared with oak – there is less of it available and it takes longer to produce. You can take a look at our Glulam Beam Cost Calculator to compare beam prices.
If budget is a consideration for your project planning there are plenty of other options available – you might want to consider ash glulam, which is an increasingly popular hardwood option we offer.
Oak offers unique characteristics, which will undoubtedly make a lasting impact on the work you’re completing. But the beauty of working with glulam timber is the flexibility, both in design and application. It may be, European oak forms part of your design, while other glulam choices can serve you just as well across different parts of your project.
The key for anyone choosing their glulam timber is to ask lots of questions, and we’re confident we can help you. By speaking to us at Buckland Timber, you’ll find the answers to let you make the best decisions for your project