oakbydesign
01423 593 794
Local builder, Jack Stout, contacted Oak By Design in August 2019 as he was working on a detached property in a York village, for client, Judy Daniels and her husband. She was having various renovations to her home, and part of The Planning Process involved the addition of a glazed porch to the front of her very pretty cottage – ‘Orchard Cottage’.
Insulating the porch was important to provide the perfect, warm welcome to her home. The siting of the glazed oak porch was against a wall that stood forward of the front door, so the porch was to be different depths on both the sides. The RHS to be 2 metres, and the LHS to be approx. 1.1metre. The width of the porch to be 2.6 metres.
Joanne provided a quotation for the supply of the glazed oak porch, which Jack ordered relatively quickly after discussion with his clients.
The design that Judy chose was 2 glazed units to the deeper side of the porch (the RHS when viewing from outside), and one glazed unit to the LHS where the house stood forward. The truss would have 4 glazed triangular units, created by a King Post and 2 diagonal braces.
The pitch of the roof was approx.. 40° and this provided a good overall height to the enclosed oak porch.
All glazing provided by Oak By Design for the glazed porches is 24mm thick (made from 4mm glass with a 16mm spacer), toughened, Planitherm (efficient heat reflecting, strong, secure glazing) double glazing.
Jack had to divert some waste pipes from the bathroom on the first floor, that ran in the corner of the walls. He then built brick walls to support the porch and then confirmed all the final measurements. The porch went into production straight away.
Delivered to site in September, Jack and his team installed the glazed oak porch along with external fascia’s and the roof installed using red tiles to match the existing house roof.
Softwood rafters are generally supplied for glazed porches, as the insulation and boarding covers the rafters. Supplying oak timbers to create the look of the base of oak rafters is an option if a client requires the ‘exposed oak rafter’ look. Fixing these to the ceiling creates this.
Judy already had an oak boarded external door on her home, so this tied in perfectly with the new oak framed porch. Grey slates on the floor and window cills, along with the brick walls and oak timbers have created a warm welcome to this traditional home.
12 months later, after the completion of building work , Judy replaced all the doors in the home with Oak By Design’s traditional ledged oak doors, complete with black metal hinges and latches.
In an email to Joanne, Judy said, “We are really pleased with the porch you supplied, via Jack. It is much admired by passers-by!”
If you're not sure if you want an enclosed oak porch, or an open one, see our blog HERE
Air-dried oak, a type of timber that undergoes a natural drying process, offers notable advantages in construction projects. This article aims to highlight the benefits of using air-dried oak and its superiority over green oak, particularly in terms of stability and reduced risk of movement and shrinkage.
One anecdote vividly illustrates the stability offered by air-dried oak. Imagine constructing two identical wooden benches, one made from green oak and the other from air-dried oak. As time passes, seasonal changes introduce fluctuations in humidity levels. The green oak bench absorbs moisture during humid periods, causing it to swell and potentially warp or crack. In contrast, the air-dried oak bench remains relatively unaffected due to its lower moisture content. This highlights how air-drying reduces the risk of movement and instability associated with green oak.
Research indicates that green oak typically has a moisture content ranging from 60% to 80%, while air-dried oak boasts significantly lower levels due to natural drying processes over several years. On average, air circulation aids in reducing the moisture content by approximately 25mm per year for exterior timbers.
In conclusion, when considering timber options for construction projects, it is crucial to recognise the superiority of air-dried oak over green oak regarding stability and reduced risk of movement or shrinkage. The anecdote presented above serves as a clear metaphor for understanding this distinction visually. Moreover, data points reinforce these observations by highlighting significant differences in moisture content between these two types of timber. By choosing air-dried oak, builders can ensure long-lasting structures that resist warping or cracking caused by environmental fluctuations and maintain their structural integrity for years to come.
Double glazing, also known as a double glazed sealed unit (DGU), is a window consisting of two panes of glass separated by a spacer bar. The air gap between the glass panes is filled with an insulating gas, creating a thermal barrier that enhances energy efficiency within buildings. This article explores the primary benefit of double glazing - thermal insulation.
One notable advantage of double glazing is its ability to provide thermal insulation in buildings. By retaining heat within a room and preventing cold air from entering, double glazing contributes to enhanced energy efficiency and reduced heating costs.
The construction of a DGU involves sandwiching two sheets of glass with an insulating gas-filled gap. This configuration acts as a barrier against heat transfer, significantly reducing the amount of warmth lost from indoor spaces during colder months. Conversely, it prevents external cold air from infiltrating indoors and disturbing the desired temperature levels.
Furthermore, the presence of an insulating gas within the double glazed unit enhances its thermal performance. Commonly used gases include argon or krypton, which have low conductivity properties compared to regular air. As such, they minimise heat transfer through conduction across the insulated space between the glass panes.
Oak porches are a valuable addition to any home, providing both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits. These structures serve as an elegant entrance feature that enhances the overall appearance of your property. Similar to a well-crafted piece of furniture, an oak porch seamlessly blends with the architectural style of your house, creating a harmonious and visually pleasing effect.
In terms of durability and longevity, oak is renowned for its strength and resistance to decay. An oak porch, therefore, offers exceptional durability that can withstand harsh weather conditions and other environmental factors. Its robustness ensures that you have a sturdy structure that will last for generations with minimal maintenance required.
Moreover, an oak porch provides practical advantages by offering additional space for storage or sheltered areas. Whether it is used as a place to store muddy boots or as a cozy spot to enjoy the outdoors during inclement weather, an oak porch extends the functionality of your home.
Furthermore, these porches can increase the value of your property due to their timeless beauty and enduring quality. Potential buyers often perceive an oak porch as a desirable feature when considering purchasing a home.
In conclusion, investing in an oak porch brings numerous benefits to homeowners. From its elegant appearance that seamlessly integrates into any architectural style to its durability and practicality, this structure adds value both aesthetically and functionally. Consider adding an oak porch to enhance your home's charm while enjoying its long-lasting qualities for years to come.
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
