No, you have a choice of timber. It’s true that we Brits love oak- it is ingrained in our national history and identity- and oak is certainly the most popular framing material. Another fine wood is Larch which has a lovely grain, lots of strength and naturally withstands difficult conditions. The same can be said for Douglas Fir and so these three awesome trees provide me with the bulk of my cutting stock. I have used a lot of Sweet Chestnut too- which has a stunning grain- but it is expensive. Sometimes I have cut a frame using a melange of woods- even apple, peach and cypress for braces and ties. All frames are cut from “green” timber- no matter the species.