The oak frame is constructed using traditional mortise and tenon joints held with seasoned oak pegs. A sawn face is exposed externally while, internally, oak members can be sawn, planed or given an adzed-effect finish. The frame is manufactured in our workshop, given a trial assembly, then packed in segments ready for delivery and assembly on site. The finest Restoration-grade English Oak is used for the main structural frames. We at Oakbourne have a policy of trading only with suppliers who operate established and approved comprehensive replanting and regeneration programs. Green (unseasoned) oak sourced from managed English woodlands is used for the frame structure. The two most common Oaks in England are the Commons Oak and the Sessile Oak. By using the best quality oak correctly converted, major splits and twists are avoided. The infill panels are made of highly efficient rigid foam insulation cut and fitted on site and sealed around the inside with expanding foam for a tight fit. Stainless steel metal lath is fixed to the outside of the insulation with an integral stucco bead stop around the edges. The panels are then ready for a stucco finish on the external face. Typically a plaster finish is used on the inside. Each panel has two special seals on the top and sides with a lead tray along the bottom. These allow for movement of the oak and prevent cracking of the stucco or water seepage. The panels are then ready for a stucco finish on the external face. Internally, a skim coat of plaster. Decoration is then applied. The external oak frame can either be left to weather to a natural silver gray color or can be stained with an appropriate woodstain. Internally, stain or wood oil can be used to mellow the wood members mellow to a natural honey color.