Oak was predominantly used in timber framed construction due to its strength and resistance to rot. Moreover, when allowed to dry naturally, oak improved, hardening with age to become even more durable. Elm was oak’s nearest competitor as it is able to grow taller than oak when in woodland conditions. Unsurprisingly, elm was used most commonly when extremely long lengths of timber were needed, such as wall plates and purlins. However, elm is inferior to oak in terms of susceptibility to rot and insect infestation. Nevertheless, elm was still used in the construction of large barns and farm buildings during the 17th and 18th centuries (Brown, R. J, 1986, p29).

It was not uncommon for different types of timber to be used on the same building. When used, oak would be the main timber and under the most stress, whilst elm was used for secondary timbers, such as studs. Sweet chestnut was also occasionally used; less resilient to rot than oak, though is almost indistinguishable once weathered. Other timbers known to be used were ash, willow, hornbeam, black poplar and even plumb, all variations of British hardwoods (Brown, R. J, 1986, p29).

Softwoods were widely used as flooring in medieval timber buildings for centuries but mid-way through the 20th century, softwoods took over from hardwoods as the traditional timber for wall framing (Brown, R. J, 1986, p31)
Oak would generally not have been seasoned before use as timbers exceeding three inches in diameter took an extremely long time. This made it impractical and usually meant that the timber felled would have been used within a year. In addition, oak was soft when fresh or green, allowing it to be cut and the joints made with relative ease. As the sap dried out, the timber hardened until it was almost impossible to work with. This also explains the warps and twists that are seen in many old timber buildings, and once constructed, the timber would continue to dry and warp for years after (Brown, R. J, 1986, p31)