oakbydesign
01423 593 794
Katrina and Andrew live in a red brick former barn in a village near Beverley, a town in the East Riding of Yorkshire. Their house was originally converted in about 1990 and was once used to store turnips!
The entrance to the home was via 4 brick-built steps which had handrails when they first moved into the property. Over time, though, these had disintegrated! A photo below shows Ozzy, their dog, modelling them!
They realised that the entrance to their home needed to be safer and to have a bit more wow factor!
They initially contacted Joanne at Oak By Design in January, wanting a canopy to sit above the door. After an initial quotation and a drawing, they then looked at various porches on Oak By Design’s website.
They started to then think that maybe they needed a full oak framed porch and needed to re think the steps.
Joanne sent them details of a porch that had steps within it to give them an idea of how it could look.
She recommended builder Jack Stout. Katrina spoke with Jack on the phone and he then visited the property. It was decided to build a wall on each side of the steps and to also build a short wall at the front to enable the porch to be wider overall.
Katrina and Andrew really liked what they had seen on the Case Study section of the Inspiration section of the website and asked for a quotation for one similar.
They liked the curved tie beam on the truss, and that the overhanging section of the front of the truss.
After a discussion with Jack, a drawing was created for how a similar porch would look based on their dimensions. Happy with this, and the quotation, Katrina and Andrew booked Jack in to start the initial works to creating the new steps.
Once the new steps were in-situ, exact measurements were sent to Oak By Design for the final draft drawing. These were approved by the clients for the visual aspect, and by Jack for the measurements. The pitch of the porch was determined by the existing pitch of the house. As the porch was being sited beneath the pitched roof it needed to be the same. In this case it was 36°. The complete porch was then manufactured in March.
They also chose to have 2 curved braces within the truss of the porch. The ends of the return beams were shaped as per the porch they liked on the website.
They chose to have the edges of all the main timbers finished with a stop chamfer detail.
The oil finish they chose was the Osmo Polyx UV oil in Natural (429). This is, as the name suggests, a lovely natural finish that highlights the natural beauty of the oak.
Choosing oak tongue and groove boards for the underside of the porch was the final decision to be made. A photo of this can be seen below.
Once it was complete, delivery was arranged for the 15th May. Jack took delivery of the kit and together with his team installed the components, finishing by the 16th May!
Katrina, Andrew and Ozzy are all pleased with the finished look.
By looking at various options and ruling certain ideas out, they finally came to their perfect porch. With Oak By Design, Jack and the couple working together the couple now have a safe access to their home and plenty of Wow Factor.
The couple’s black carriage lantern to the right-hand side of the door has provided the perfect glow on an evening.
Since the majority of the photo's were taken, the couple replaced their front door and the black ironmongery on the painted door have set the project off perfectly.
Speaking to Kate after all the works had been completed she said "We absolutely love the porch, as do the neighbours".
It's always a bonus when the neighbours are happy too!
Oak porches have long been a popular choice for homeowners seeking to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of their properties. With their timeless appeal, these structures seamlessly blend with various architectural styles, making them a versatile option for any home. They comprise of an oak truss and can be sat on a low brick wall. The inside view of a quality a kit enclosed or open porch is fantastic.
One striking feature of oak porches is their durability. The natural strength and resilience of oak wood ensure that these structures can withstand the test of time, enduring harsh weather conditions and everyday wear and tear. This longevity makes oak porches a cost-effective investment as they require minimal maintenance or repair over the years.
Moreover, oak porches offer an inviting entrance to your home. They create a warm and welcoming ambiance while also providing practical benefits such as shelter from inclement weather. Whether it's raining or snowing outside, you can comfortably greet guests or take a moment to enjoy the outdoors without being exposed to the elements.
In addition to their functional advantages, they add visual appeal to your property. Their elegant design and rich colour complement both traditional and contemporary architectural styles, adding character and charm to any home exterior. Furthermore, oak ages gracefully, developing a beautiful patina that enhances its natural beauty over time.
To conclude, they are an excellent choice for homeowners looking to elevate their homes' appearance while enjoying practical benefits. With their timeless appeal, durability, and aesthetic value, these structures are sure to make a lasting impression on visitors while providing a functional space for homeowners to enjoy year-round.
These types of oak are two distinct types of timber that differ in their characteristics. Understanding these differences is crucial for anyone involved in the construction or woodworking industry.
When comparing green oak to seasoned oak for for oak framed kits, one can draw an analogy with the concept of ageing wine. Just as wine needs time to mature and develop its unique flavours, green oak requires a seasoning process to achieve optimal quality.
During the seasoning process, green oak gradually loses moisture content through natural drying methods. This reduction in moisture not only improves the stability of the wood but also prevents excessive movement and shrinkage over time. It is comparable to how ageing wine develops complexity while maintaining stability. Although prices for green timber is cheaper, porches manufactured in seasoned timber are far more stable.
On the other hand, seasoned oak undergoes a different drying method. Once cut into sizeable timber pieces, it is left outside to dry naturally over an extended period. The exposure to open air allows for gradual moisture loss through evaporation, resulting in lower moisture content compared to green oak.
The metaphorical comparison of ageing wine helps illustrate how both processes require patience and time for desirable outcomes. Just as aged wine showcases its refined qualities after years of maturing, seasoned oak represents a stable and reliable material due to its prolonged seasoning period.
In summary, understanding the distinction between these oaks is essential when choosing timber for construction purposes. Whether opting for freshly felled or naturally dried wood, each has its advantages based on specific project requirements and desired characteristics.
Telephone: 01423 593 794
Locksley Park
Blind Lane
Tockwith
YORK YO26 7QJ
Opening Times:
Mon to Fri - 9.00am to 5.00pm
Bank Holidays - Closed
Christmas 2025- TBC
Oak By Design is the trading name of:
Oak By Design Ltd.
Reg Number: 04384416
VAT Number: 664 8012 33
