Are oak porches high maintenance? If you’re wondering how to make sure your beautiful oak structure looks good for decades, look no further. While oak will need a little care and maintenance throughout its lifetime, don’t worry- it’s very basic care you can easily handle yourself. Today Oak Porches UK breaks down everything you need to know about caring for your new pride and joy over the years to come.
Are oak porches high maintenance?
Not at all! In fact, by the strictest definition, oak porches don’t need any maintenance at all. Oak has long been one of the most robust timbers known to man, and it handles even the British dingy weather excellently, fading to a beautiful silver colour over time.
However, no one wants a home that hasn’t been maintained for years! How often you give your oak porches some love will also depend on how you chose to finish them off, how you use your porch, and what decor you have on it.
Using a UV protectant oak treatment
Many opt for an exterior-compliant UV oil if they are going to use any oak treatment at all. These either maintain the natural lustre of the oak, or stain it a colour of your choice. The constant beating from the sun will eventually take a toll on this oil, however. This will vary based on the direction your porch faces, how many hours of sunlight it gets daily, and other factors like strong winds and other damaging factors. But even the most protected oak building will take some weathering over time, and the UV will break down the protective coat, changing how it looks to the eye.
You can opt to leave the oak to weather naturally over time, or you can recoat it to maintain that ‘just installed’ look. The natural colour change oak undergoes isn’t a sign of damage or rot. It’s just a natural part of oak’s lifecycle as it ages and dries. The change is brought about when the UV rays of the sun react with the tannins (sometimes called tannic acid) in the wood, the same feature that makes it so bug resistant. Well-weathered oak has the classic silver-grey sheen we know so well. If you want to keep your oak looking just-installed, you will probably need to recoat every 3-5 years, or a touch-up if you spot a patch that looks rough or damaged.
If you’ve opted to do something unconventional, like paint over your oak, you will need to maintain the new protective coating with greater regularity than with a simple oak treatment. This is often very visible to the eye, so you’ll know when exactly to schedule a touch-up, but bargain on at least every two years.
Factors that will affect how oak porches weather
We already looked at one of the key factors that can cause damage to an oak structure over time- sunlight. UV damage is the number one reason for the deterioration of outdoor surfaces, no matter what they’re made of.
It’s not the only factor to consider, however. Your timbers can take stress and damage from many environmental factors. If you live in a sandy area, for example, with a lot of wind, you can see the exterior treatment degrade over time with the abrasive action of the elements.
Use can also add wear-and-tear to your oak building. If you’re repeatedly banging muddy boots on a supporting timber or the dog likes to chew on part of the post, you’re going to need to do more aftercare than someone who is lighter on the structure. Most damage or scuffs can be safely ignored or lightly sanded off.
In general, small cracks and splits in oak are not a problem. Oak shrinks across the grain as it ages, and most quality oak porches have a built-in allowance for shrinkage. Should you wish, a builders caulk can be used in these areas once the frame has fully matured. Obviously, if you spot a very large or concerning crack there’s nothing wrong with asking a pro for their opinion, but it’s likely to be nothing to worry about.
Maintaining oak porches
Try to make sure that you don’t get standing water pooling on your oak surfaces. Oak is very resistant to moisture damage and rot, but prolonged exposure to puddled water should be avoided. Likewise, make it a habit to brush down accumulated dirt and mud that may have clumped onto sections of the oak, especially if you have standing or hanging planters on your porch. Watermarks typically need an oxalic acid treatment to remove, and that may, in turn, affect any other treatment you’ve used.
Some natural condensation can occur on the oak frame directly after installation. This is part of the process, and you don’t need to worry about it. Likewise, most quality installers will remove any dark marks that appear on the frame as a result of construction.
Oak is one of the most consistent and durable building materials there is. It’s also incredibly easy to own, and if you don’t have specific looks or finishes in mind, needs very little maintenance over time. Some owners will opt for an oil or wax-based oak treatment to improve the visuals of the wood to something they enjoy, and this will need care and attention over time if you take this route. Otherwise, oak is very easy-care, and your oak porch will continue to be a great looking value-add to your home for decades to come.
Keen to get started on your oak journey? Why not get in touch with the Oak Porches UK team today, and let our experts help you explore the world of oak porches further?
