Oak RSJ covers required to look authentic

When veterinary ophthalmologist Chris Dixon telephoned Oak by Design in October 2016, he was looking for 2 aged looking, Oak RSJ covers for his farmhouse in Cumbria, which he was in the process of renovating.

There were many emails and telephone conversations between Chris and Joanne at Oak by Design, as living 3 hours travel time away, and being busy with work and family life, Chris preferred not to have to travel to the showroom if possible.

Everyone’s interpretation of ‘rustic’, ‘distressed’ and ‘aged’ is different, so lots of photo’s of oak RSJ Covers that Oak by Design had done for other customers were sent to Chris to clarify exactly what he and his family required for their home.

The finish decided on was:

Shaping to the lower edges to achieve an uneven finish along the 4.3 metre lengths, along with brushing to the 3 faces to achieve texture;

Knocks and dents added intermittently to add interest, and finally, slight flaming to the areas of interest (cracks, knots, knocks and dents etc.) to achieve an aged look.

The wax used was a Fiddes wax - Traditional (Fiddes call it Stripped Pine), which is a warm oak colour. This is an ideal colour when being used in an older property as it isn’t too dark and heavy, but neither is it too light coloured to not look natural within this type of property.

When the first oak RSJ Cover was ready, photos were sent out to ensure that the Dixons were happy with the finish. Once confirmed, Oak by Design finished the second one and then photos of them both were sent for approval.

Chris and his wife approved the photo’s and local delivery company, STS247, delivered the oak RSJ Covers in mid November, ready for installation before Christmas.

Reviewing Oak by Design on Facebook in February 2017, Chris said

“Joanne and her team provided us with beautiful oak beam covers. I have had numerous follow-up telephone calls and emails and I cannot fault their customer service. We will certainly use them again as we continue to renovate our house.”

In the following November Chris approached Oak by Design again, this time for replacement window cills. He needed a couple, one at 1315mm long and another at 1800mm. These were made to match the existing oak covers with an aged look. Receiving these a few weeks later Chris said ‘The window cills have finished off the room now, we’re so pleased with the cills and beam covers.”