This guarantee does not cover the natural changes that occur from seasoning. Whilst built to a high standard, using modern techniques, and working to close tolerances, it is still a product of a carpentry process, not joinery or cabinetry. We do not consider shakes, checking, knots, twisting, gaps, or other distortions, of a non structural nature to be a problem and in fact are part of the appeal of traditionally built oak frames. No two pieces of oak will ever season the same way and each oak frame is unique. Whether realised consciously or not, it is this gentle modulation in shape and form of the timbers as they bed into their final arrangement that gives oak frame buildings their sought after character.
Oak is a natural and organic material, you must expect green oak to move, shake and shrink as it dries. This gives rise to localised distortion in the timbers rather than changes to overall building dimensions. The curves and cracks which occur in green oak reflect the nature of the material and are part of the attraction. Oak frames are designed to accommodate and restrict this movement. The bends and twists in the timbers are restrained by the joints, and actually cause the joints to lock up tighter than they might otherwise wise do if it had been made from dry timber.