English oak is a term so ubiquitous, you have probably heard it even if you wouldn’t know what oak even looked like at a glance. Oak structures are so tied to the history of this country, that the wood has become part of our history and folklore. Keen to know more? No one loves English oak more than the Oak Porches team, so here’s our handy primer on all-things-oak!
From the dawn of time
You may not realize it, but there are many species of oak tree. They’re also technically part of the beech family! While they all share certain characteristics, like the dense fibres that make oak so appealing as a building material- each species has its own look, feel, and purpose. At one point in British history, the isles were covered in sprawling oak forests, and for early man there was no better building material. You’ll still find more oaks in the countryside than any other tree, even though the wild forestland has sadly shrunk with human activity.
English oak trees can live for extraordinary lengths of time- we know of some that are dated at 800-1000 years old! Oak easily adapts to the space it grows in. In forests, it stays slim and neat, stretching for the sky. In open land or meadow, however, it spreads out into the iconic shape beloved of active children who clamber in its branches. Oak is a remarkably forgiving tree, able to adapt to many niches. While it has an ideal soil pH and climate it prefers, it can grow almost anywhere- in poor soil and, perhaps most importantly in Britain, even in soil that is waterlogged for long periods. Most trees would rot away, but not English oak!
We’ve mentioned before how oak becomes harder and denser as it dries out. Drying is an inescapable part of the process of building with wood, so having access to a material that gets stronger, not weaker, as it dries enables people to dream bigger and bolder than ever. For such dense hardwood, it grows surprisingly fast over the first century, meaning it wasn’t all that hard to replace used forests, either. This sturdy nature means it lasts and lasts, resisting weather, dampness, and pests. There are still furniture pieces in circulation that date from the 14th century, and they look fantastic.
The tree of the Royal Navy
Oak structures aside, however, English Oak is near synonymous with the Royal Navy. In the era of sailing ships, there was no more trusty wood to use for robust, long-lasting warships that wouldn’t succumb to rot or shatter at the first cannon fire. If you’ve ever wondered about the naval nickname, ‘the wooden walls around England’, that’s where it comes from. The wreck of the Mary Rose, which was raised from the Thames a few years ago, is a splendid example of English oak shipbuilding at its finest.
Yet it’s in the many historic oak structures dotting England that this wood truly shines. Look up in nearly any medieval church or historic building, and you’ll see oak timbers that are centuries old, as strong as steel after their long tenure. It’s partly down to oak that many of our historic structures were able to be built at all, as it’s one of few woods that provide the right balance of strength and workability to allow for it to be easily used in framework and roofing alike, yet also capable of holding tons of weight. Only with the development of carbon steel and other modern building materials would oak fall out of favour, simply because they are quicker to produce, not intrinsically better or stronger. As a building material, oak is near impossible to beat.
A history of oak
Not that building was the only thing we use oak for! Back in history, oak was used to make charcoal, to smoke meats and cheeses, and oak galls were used to make ink. It was also used in folk medicine (perhaps unwisely), and the acorn has been both a child’s toy and a source of nutrition for centuries. Carrying an acorn is regarded as good luck, and they were popular charms. The ‘yule log’, a long-burning oak log in the fireplace, has been a traditional part of an English Christmas for centuries.
Perhaps the most notable use for English oak, besides building oak structures, is in the casks and barrels for alcohol production. Many wines and some spirits need to be stored in cool, dry, conditions to finish the fermentation process When using oak barrels, the tannins in the wood subtly interact with the alcohol, infusing it with a little touch of character and a unique taste profile. This is why many of the very best wineries use barrels that are hundreds of years old. Over time they cure and become even more critical to the taste of the vintages they nurture.
As you can see, our beautiful oak porches come from a proud, long history in Britain. In many ways, when you add one to your home, you’re carrying on the proud heritage of the country, and keeping the tradition alive. Plus, of course, all those factors that have made English oak such an exceptional building material through the millennia can be harnessed for your home, too. With an oak porch, you not only add character and space to your home, but you get the benefit of its soft lustre, its easy shaping, its warm character and insulative nature, and its gorgeous looks. What more could you want?
If you want to add a little touch of history to your home, consider getting in touch with the Oak Porches UK team today, so we can help you find the perfect match.