For all widths up to 180mm your Oak board will come as a single piece. For widths over 180mm, we may joint the boards but if we do, we will ensure that we try and match the colour and pay attention to the grain pattern trying to get it as close as we can.

We will supply you the individual oak boards in the finish you require, however you will need to trim, joint and glue furniture tops which are larger than sizes listed. Oak boards are not supplied with pre-drilled holes or bracing materials. If you’ve ordered accessories such as legs, these will be supplied and require installation by yourselves.

There are several methods depending on your project:

• Wood glue with clamps – Best for furniture or panelling.
• Pocket hole screws – Ideal for hidden joints in furniture.
• Dowel joints – Provides strong, seamless connections.
• Mortise and tenon – Traditional and highly durable.
• Biscuit joints – Useful for aligning and reinforcing boards

Yes, kiln-dried oak is ideal for woodworking projects where gluing or joining is required. Its low moisture content ensures a strong bond when using wood glue, and its stability means joints are less likely to shift over time. Clamping timbers together after gluing and jointing is recommended for at least 24 hours for a secure bond.

When cutting or machining kiln-dried oak, it’s essential to use sharp tools because oak is a hardwood. Dull blades can cause tear-out or burn marks. It’s also essential to wear appropriate PPE, as oak can produce fine dust that may cause irritation.

Yes, pre-drilling is highly recommended when working with kiln-dried oak. Oak is a dense hardwood, and without pre-drilling, screws or nails can cause splitting or cracking. To prevent oak from splitting at the ends, always pre-drill at least 2-3 inches from the edge. Use a smaller drill bit to create a pilot hole for nails or screws and consider clamping the timber while drilling to reduce stress.

While self-tapping screws may work in softer woods, pre-drilling is still advised for kiln-dried oak.

All of the Oak we supply will be squared (with the exception of a waney/live edge), planed and lightly sanded. If you request it, we will also add 2 coats of Osmo worktop top oil in a finish you can select (Matt, Natural and Satin).

If you’ve decided to finish the oak yourself it’s ideal to oil, varnish or wax the timber depending on your preferred look and end-use. Oak contains natural tannins which can react with stains and paints. In these instances it's important to follow manufacturer’s guidance and consider a primer or wood conditioner for even results.

We recommend starting with a 120 grit sandpaper and finishing with 180 grit to achieve a smooth finish.

Yes, oak often has knots which contributes to its charm. Most people want to showcase the natural character of oak, so you can leave them as they are. If you’re going for a more refined look, you may wish to fill any knots, use wood filler, resin, or wax to stabilize before sanding and finishing.

Kiln-dried oak is much more stable than green or air-dried oak. While it may experience movement in response to changes in temperature or humidity, this is significantly less than many other types of wood. It’s always recommended to let kiln-dried oak boards acclimatise to their installation environment for at least 7-14 days before use. This allows the wood to adjust to the temperature and humidity of the space, reducing the risk of movement post-installation.

It's important to look after you oak to keep it in good condition.

Remember:

• Dust regularly using a soft, lint-free cloth to prevent buildup.
• Wipe spills immediately with a slightly damp cloth and dry thoroughly to avoid moisture damage.
• If necessary, use very mild cleaners (like diluted dish soap) rather than harsh chemicals that can strip the finish.
• Don’t expose kiln-dried oak to direct sunlight for long periods of time. Like most timbers, over time sunlight alters the colour and can cause it to dry out. Applying a UV-resistant finish can help slow this process.
• Every 6-12 months to keep the wood hydrated, apply a light coat of finishing product such as oil. For lacquered or varnished oak, use sparingly a high-quality wood polish to maintain shine without build up.

• Apply oil, varnish, or wax to protect the timber against moisture ingress.
• Keep your oak boards and furniture indoors.
• Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading or warping.
• Use coasters and placemats on furniture to protect against heat and stains.
• Apply protective pads under heavy objects to prevent dents.
• Keep oak away from excessive humidity and heat to prevent swelling or cracking.