2 Magnificent Oak Trusses Will Create The Wow Factor

Andrew contacted Oak By Design in May. He was in the process of rebuilding an open 4 bay cart shed and incorporating it into a kitchen, within a 3 bedroom self-build home in Nottinghamshire.

Although a modern home, he wanted to reflect the barns rural heritage. He decided to do this by adding an oak framework to the external area of the kitchen extension to ‘mimic’ the 4 bays of the original cart shed.

This would be made up of 5 timbers, and these needed to be 170mm (deep) x 200mm (wide) x 1985mm (high). 2 same size timbers would form a tie beam across the full 9068mm head.

Joanne supplied a price for these, and these were ordered fairly quickly, in June, and they were ready to be delivered to site in July.

Andrew, and his wife Kate, chose the Osmo Polyx Protection Oil in 420 for the finish.

During this time, the couple had also been discussing 2 raised tie, oak trusses for the kitchen, along with oak purlins.

The trusses were to be non-structural but would provide some Wow Factor in the building by creating a pitched roof. These are often referred to as a cathedral roof or a vaulted roof.

After a few designs, it was decided just to have the trusses, without the oak purlins.

The timber sizes were finished at 240mm wide, and 120mm deep. The overall span of each would be approx. 5225mm. The pitch was 37°.

A quotation was arranged for these and the couple ordered them in August, ready for a September delivery.

To add some extra character to the trusses, the King post (the central upright timber on the trusses) was to be shaped. Wider at the bottom and the top, the timber is 50mm narrower in the main central area.

They also chose diagonal struts, and together with the other timbers they were finished with a stop chamfer along the edges. All the oak was to be finished in Osmo’s Polyx 3044 oil in Raw. This is the internal Osmo oil that is the equivalent colour to the 420 they chose for the external oak.

Once ready, the oak trusses were sent to site in their component pieces, ready to be installed.

Joanne checked with Andrew that he was happy with the trusses once they had received them. However, it wasn't until summer, the following year, that she finally heard the good news from him:

“A long time to the finish line but we have passed final inspection and hope to be moving in over the next couple of weeks.

We had an open day on Sunday and the oak outside and the trusses inside added to the “wows”!

A simple ‘thank you’ seems inadequate but is very sincerely meant. I have sung your praises

It was a pure chance that we found Oak By Design but from the outset you made things seem very easy"

The oak trusses and the external oak frames do look absolutely stunning. Together with the beautiful painted kitchen, oak worktops, brick finish and wooden flooring, the kitchen has a fabulous contemporary farmhouse look.

Working with Andrew was an absolute pleasure, and we’re pleased to have been a part of this fabulous new home.

We wish Andrew and Kate all the best in their beautiful new ‘cart shed’ home!

Should you be interested in any oak trusses to transform your home, please do not hesitate to get in touch by call us on 01423 593794