French Oak Trading Company have suppliers throughout Europe, seeking out French Oak timber to give new life in contemporary architectural and interior projects.   The timber that we offer is old growth timber that embodies the quality only age can bring.

The trees from which the timber was derived grew in ancient forests, rich in biodiversity. The new French Oak has been felled in the last 5 years from 200 year old trees for the purity of its patina. Whilst the reclaimed antique French Oak was felled when they reached maturity often hundreds of years old and with this age comes features not possessed by the new timbers of today: denser grains, unmatched size, and richer, deeper colours. These features imbue the timber with an intrinsic beauty and durability that is unsurpassable by new timber.

Old growth timbers were carefully selected by the woodsmen of the past. A slower pace of life meant timber was milled by hand, left it to season, and air-dried for many years before being used to build. The timber then had the opportunity to stabilise-often for over a century before being re-discovered by French Oak Trading Company.

Whilst modern methods are more streamlined, the quality of our new French Oak timber has not been compromised in any way.  Our suppliers focus meticulously on the drying process to avoid issues arising.

Like the woodsmen of past, our team of experts carefully select each piece of timber for its beauty and quality. They salvage the antique timbers from the industrial forest ie old barns, homes and industrial buildings scheduled for demolition. The timber is then cleaned, de-nailed, milled and dressed, transforming these ancient treasures into beautiful contemporary building materials. The history of each piece of timber is visible through its patina, the hallmarks of time that give the timber depth and tell the story of its provenance.

In choosing our timbers for your project, you are not only choosing to work with a material that has stood the test of time, but you are making a sustainable choice. Using reclaimed timber saves the forest of today, and can contribute to environmental ratings for projects.

At French Oak Trading Company we pride ourselves on re-discovering the beauty of the past and creating the opportunity for this unique product to be shared and appreciated by generations of the future.

EVERY GRAIN HAS A STORY … AND THE STORY CONTINUES