Buying a Big Oak Slab: What to Check Before You Hand Over the Cash

The biggest oak slab we've got in the yard right now is 4.3 metres long, between 1.4 and 1.7 metres wide, and 65mm thick. It came out of a tree at Kirby Cane, near Bungay, and we milled it back in October 2023. It's a beast, and it's a good excuse to talk about what actually matters when you're buying a slab this size.

What People Use Them For

Most people who come to us for a big slab are after one of three things: a bar top, a worktop, or the top for a table they want to make themselves. Each of those asks something different of the timber, which is why we always ask what you're planning before we point you at a particular piece.

Don't Buy Green Wood

This is the one piece of advice I'd give anyone, whoever they buy from. Don't buy green wood.

Timber that's still wet will shrink, move and twist as it dries, and a big slab will do all of that on a big scale. You don't want to find that out after it's been fitted.

Buy a Moisture Meter

A half-decent moisture meter doesn't cost much, and it's the best protection you'll get. Here's how I'd read it:

• 8–12% is an acceptable moisture reading for a slab going into a project
• Above 16%, I'd leave it alone. It's likely to shrink and twist as it dries out

Check a few spots across the slab, not just one, and don't be shy about asking to do it before you buy. Anyone who's happy with their timber won't mind.

Every Piece Is Different

No two slabs are the same. Each one has its own character, and what makes one piece perfect for a bar top might make another a poor choice for a worktop. When someone asks about a slab, I ask what they're making and advise from there. It saves people money and a lot of frustration.

As a rough guide, we'd steer you towards oak for things like window sills, lime if you're carving, and sycamore for chopping boards.

Getting It Home

Our online timber goes out across the UK, with a delivery window of 2–4 days. For slabs and made-to-order pieces the timing is different, so it's worth getting in touch first. You're also welcome to visit the yard by appointment, or collect from us. We're sometimes out collecting trees or doing tree work on site, so give us a shout before you set off.

We sell to anyone, trade or not. Some tradespeople get a little off, but prices are broadly the same for everybody.