Note that the characteristically golden shade will fade relatively quickly once installed and the timber will ‘silver down’ over time. This can be overcome by regular treatment with a UV-inhibiting surface coating.
Certain timbers such as oak have a high tannin content which is most common in fresh-sawn sections. Tannins appear as black streaks and markings and these will disappear as the timber weathers down. They can be sanded off when the timber is dry, or treated with a weak Oxalic Acid solution (maintaining suitable safety precautions).
Timber is a natural product and changes according to moisture levels. Once it is cut it can be used fresh-sawn or it can be air-dried/kiln-dried. However, all timber can split as it dries – this should be recognised as a natural feature and doesn’t weaken it structurally.
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