Oak is a truly wonderful material. Not only does it look great and have plenty of character, but also it’s strong, durable, solid and incredibly easy to clean and maintain. This is why it’s one of the most popular materials for exterior design elements such as fences, garage doors, gates, porches, sheds and other outbuildings.
One consistent style
With oak, it’s so easy to get one consistent style, and there are plenty of paints, waxes and oils to choose from so you can easily match your fences with the colour of your garage door and porch. It’s also rather timeless so it can play a big part in a traditional design, as well as a cutting edge contemporary design, but over the years it won’t date a great deal, and it will only pick up more character through the years.
Easy Maintenance
Oak is so very easy to clean and repair, but generally little maintenance is needed. You just need to make sure it’s protected against weather and that there are no clear split or cracks that could potentially lead to more damage, so a quick inspection and yearly coating may be all you need to protect it against the elements.
Strength
It is no secret that oak is strong. It’s been one of the most widely used construction materials in the UK and across the globe for centuries, so it’s certainly proven itself over time. Oak garage doors have proved to be particularly popular, even today, and nowadays there are many automated designs, such as sectional and roller garage doors which use oak panels.
Easy to replace
Whilst oak is super strong, it’s also rather easy to replace too. Whether you need to replace a fence panel, a beam or a section of your summer house which has corroded, you can easily add more oak and apply the right finish to fix the issue in a flash.
Stylish
Last but not least, oak is super stylish. It will of course depend on the type of wood you choose, as well as the finish, but it’s now very easy to choose a style that’s right for you and your property. A mahogany oak finish can add a more classical touch, whilst clean cut solid oak with a Danish oil coating can add a modern twinkle to the outside of your home. As discussed, you can choose to create one style for all of those external design features like fences, sheds and doors, yet you may decide to use different finishes for different areas, or perhaps apply paint to get the colour you need – so whilst being stylish, it’s also incredibly versatile too, especially in terms of finishing options.
If you’re looking to add a certain style or glamour to your external elements, why not consider solid oak? It may be a little bit pricier than other materials, but it will give you the strength and security you require, and it may never have to be replaced in its lifetime, so it could be a material worth investing in!
