Traditionally framed buildings like these can last for
800 or more years. Peak acorn production for an oak tree is around
80 to 120 years. It takes about 150 years before an oak tree is
ready to use in construction. Planting and harvesting oak is a
very sustainable practice with buildings potentially lasting 3 to
4 times longer than the time to replace the harvested trees.
If you are building a traditionally framed home and oak is not
available, or too expensive, then larch is a good alternative but
not as durable. Alternatively Sweet Chestnut is very durable but
not as strong. Ben Law's book
Roundwood Timber Framing has a very good section on which
species of wood are best suited to which jobs. |