At Cottage Beams, we prioritise sustainability by sourcing oak from responsibly managed forests certified by PEFC.
We are proud to collaborate with two tree planting partnerships, one being the Goosemoor Nature Reserve and the other is called One Tree Planted.

Oak Characteristics

The oak we use, which is either naturally air-dried or kiln dried, possess certain inherent traits. These are the result of the oak's reaction to environmental shifts and forces over time. These traits lend a distinct appearance to the oak and infuse a sense of "character" to every item we manufacture. As a result, each beam or shelf possesses its own unique set of traits and there will be variation between individual pieces. The following are the traits that are naturally found in our products:

Cracks (Checks)
Checks, or cracks that form in the wood, are typically the result of tension stress. These are less common in our kiln dried products and smaller cracks may have been filled.

Knots
Knots, often distinguished by a darker centre and a resin outline, stand out from the grain. They add unique character to the wood and lend authenticity to the timber boards as no two knots are identical.

Medullary Rays
These markings, known as "medullary rays", are a natural feature that enhances the rich character and beauty of all our oak products.


HANDCRAFTED AND UNIQUE

It's crucial to understand that since each of our products is handcrafted, there will be variations between each piece. Each beam or shelf will have its own unique grain pattern, cracks, knots, and splits that add to its natural traits. Please expect some further movement if placed above a heat source.

ITEM DIMENSIONS


Beam sizes might vary slightly due to the machining and sanding process. Please allow for a 10mm variance. These minor differences are not considered defects.

Weight Guidelines

We recommend that each concealed rod fixing for solid walls can hold approximately 15kg; however this will depend on the depth of the shelf purchase and the integrity of the wall which it is installed on. We may use 12mm round bar for any beam over 14cm in depth and 200cm in length

Plasterboard fixings can be installed onto standard12mm to 16mm plasterboard

PRODUCT COLOURS AND FINISHES

We offer a variety of colours however our most common colours are Natural, Warm, White and Dark. Please note colours may have slight differences from one piece to another. Although we try our best to match all colours and finishes, these variations are normal and not considered manufacturing defects.

FAQ

1. Can I return my product
a. If you're looking to return your product, we've got you covered. But heads up, if your item has been tailor-made or customized just for you, we won't be able to take it back.

Ready to start a return? Simply head to our website's returns center. Remember, you'll need to send the goods back to us unused and in their original packaging within 30 days of delivery. The ball's in your court to make sure everything gets back to us.

2. I can't find the size I want
a. Most of our products can be ordered in a variety of sizes. If you are unable to locate the size on the website please contact us here with your specifications and we will see if it's something we can do.

3. Does this product come with fixings
a. Absolutely! Rest assured, all of our shelves are equipped with the necessary fixings to suit your specific wall type, whether it be solid masonry or plasterboard. Usually 2 fixings will be supplied for products under 140cm, 3 fixings from 140cm - 210cm. If you need your fixings located in a particular place please contact us. If you're specifically looking to mount shelves on plasterboard walls, we have a range of products designed especially for that purpose. Just make sure to select an item with the "for plasterboard walls" label in the title.

4. Can the fixings be used on both solid masonry and plasterboard walls?
a. Unfortunately, our products are designed specifically for either type of wall, not both. They might work on a stud wall, but only if you can find the timber studs. If your wall is dot-dab, please reach out to us for guidance.

5. Do you offer colour samples
a.Yes we encourage you to purchase a sample pack.https://www.cottage-beams.com/products/wood-finish-sample-pack We've created a rustic and smooth finish on each sample so you can get a better idea of the colouration differences between our styles. Each individual sample is unique and beautiful, so use them as a guide to find the perfect finish for your project.

Our Styles Explained