Alain O’Kane’s beautiful Durham home was short of one thing – a glazed oak porch – to provide protection from the elements.
Seeking inspiration from property and home magazines, and after looking at standard wood designs which didn’t match her style of the house, Alain decided she needed a bespoke enclosed, glazed oak porch. Their sister recommended Oak by Design as she had just had an open porch installed at her property nearby.
After contacting Oak By Design, and having various discussions with Richard, Alain received a quotation for a glazed oak porch and oak door. Alain accepted the quotation and Richard made a site visit to her lovely converted barn in a small hamlet on the outskirts of Durham. The deciding factor for Alain, was Oak by Design’s professionalism and assurance that she would receive a porch and installation finished to a high standard.
Alain arranged for a local builder to construct a random stone dwarf wall for her property whilst the glazed oak porch was being manufactured.
The enclosed, glazed oak porch consisted of an oak frame with a double-sided, solid oak external door and frame. It also had six double glazed windows, a lovely front truss glazed with four units between the uprights.
A stop chamfer to the main timbers creates a sharp finish to the porch. Two coats of Osmo Polyx UV oil applied prior to despatch, to ensure the porch is ready to contend with the weather.
Once the glazed oak porch had been made, the Oak By Design installation team travelled to Durham to complete the project; a local roofer finished the roof. During the installation of the oak rafters, the team installed oak under-boarding between the common rafters on the ceiling. The electrician used the area behind the oak boards to hide the electric cables for the lighting in the porch.
Fitting the black guttering to the side fascias completed the porch.
Oak porches are a popular addition to many homes, offering both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits. This article will explore the advantages of adding an oak porch to your home, focusing on three key areas: increased property value, enhanced curb appeal, and improved functionality.
One interesting statistic that highlights the value of oak porches is their ability to increase property value. According to a study conducted by the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA), adding an oak porch can increase the value of a property by up to 5%. This percentage may vary depending on factors such as location and size of the porch, but it demonstrates the positive impact that this feature can have on overall property worth.
In addition to boosting property value, oak porches also contribute significantly to enhancing curb appeal. The natural beauty and timeless charm of oak create an inviting entrance that immediately catches the eye. A well-designed porch not only adds character and visual interest but also complements the architectural style of your home. This attention to detail creates a cohesive look that appeals to potential buyers or visitors.
Apart from aesthetics, oak porches offer practical benefits in terms of functionality. They provide shelter from inclement weather conditions such as rain or snow when entering or leaving your home. Additionally, they serve as transitional spaces between indoors and outdoors, allowing you to remove outdoor clothing before entering your living area. These functional aspects not only enhance convenience but also add value by improving daily living experiences for homeowners.
Double glazing, like a masterfully constructed sandwich, offers numerous advantages to building construction. With its two panes of glass separated by a spacer bar and filled with an insulating gas, the double glazed sealed unit (DGU) acts as a formidable shield against the elements.
One key benefit of double glazing lies in its thermal insulation properties. Just as a well-insulated fortress retains its warmth while repelling cold invaders, double glazing efficiently traps heat within a room while preventing chilly drafts from infiltrating from the outside. This not only enhances comfort but also makes buildings more energy-efficient.
In addition to its exceptional thermal capabilities, double glazing provides sound insulation akin to a virtuoso performance by an acoustical maestro. By effectively reducing noise transmission through windows, it creates an oasis of calm amidst the cacophony of urban life. From bustling city streets to roaring traffic, the intrusive sounds that assail our ears are muted and transformed into mere whispers.
Furthermore, double glazing serves as an impregnable barrier against unwanted intruders. Like an impenetrable fortress wall guarding precious treasures inside, this window configuration deters potential burglars with its enhanced strength and security features. It acts as a visual deterrent while providing formidable resistance against forced entry attempts.
Moreover, double glazing exhibits remarkable durability and longevity reminiscent of ancient architectural marvels standing tall through centuries. Its robust construction withstands weathering forces such as wind and rain with grace and resilience. By resisting damage caused by external factors over time, it ensures that buildings maintain their structural integrity for years to come.
Overall, incorporating double glazing into building construction is a testament to wise foresight and meticulous attention to detail. Its multifaceted benefits encompass thermal insulation, sound reduction, enhanced security measures, and long-lasting durability—making it an indispensable component for any modern structure aspiring for excellence.
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