Finishing a Timber Frame

6 Reasons Why You Should Finish a Timber Frame Using Natural Oil Finishes

Timber frames have specific finishing needs. The goal when finishing a timber frame is to protect the wood surfaces and enhance the appearance of the natural grain. Additionally, the finish should help slow down and even out the rate of moisture loss if you are using unseasoned timbers during fabrication. However, the finish should simultaneously prevent excessive moisture from entering the wood. 

Natural oil finish products are the best option for finishing a timber frame for these reasons. 

• Penetrating oils do not flake or peel with time. The only wear they suffer is that they will slowly dry out over time, depending on weather exposure.

• Penetrating oils are easy to maintain over a long period of time without resurfacing the timbers. A periodic maintenance coat will bring the finish back to life without stripping or sanding.

• Penetrating oils do not prevent wood from transpiring moisture over time, which leads to decay. Some might say “breathable”, but the proper term is “permeable”.

• Simultaneously, penetrating oils prevent excess moisture from entering the wood. Water will bead on the surface of the finished timber.

• Penetrating oils can help reduce excessive checking by slowing down the rate of moisture loss, especially through the end grain. This is especially useful for framers accustomed to working with green timbers.

• Penetrating oils create a surface that is easier to keep clean than raw wood.

Our Original Finish, Exterior Finish, and Liquid Wax End Sealer and the most common products that timber framers use to finish their frames.