

In July, Dennis and Patricia decided they wanted to add an oak porch to the rear of their red brick home in Harrogate. They wanted to add one to provide some weather protection, shade and character.
They knew exactly what they wanted in respect of design and size.
Joanne provided a quotation, and discussed with the couple about having the optional oak boards for the underside of the roof.
Dennis and Patricia accepted the quotation and asked if Oak By Design had a recommendation for a builder for the installation as their team didn’t have any available installation time for quite some time.
Joanne recommended Jack Stout, a builder who had installed a number of their glazed and open porches over the years.
After contacting Jack and discussing their requirements, he visited the couples’ home and arranged a quotation for installing the porch and roofing it, and confirmed the dimensions.
Joanne provided an initial drawing of the proposed porch showing the dimensions and design, for approval by the Duerden's.
The porch was 3200mm wide, 1070mm deep and the overall height 3100mm. The porch was to be a ‘lean to’ with a pitch of approx. 20°. As the porch was quite wide, a traditional pitched roof porch would have been too high for the house, if it was to have a proportionate pitch.
This style of porch accommodates a wider porch.
The Duerdens were happy with both quotations, and the drawing, and the installation booked in for September. Jack also confirmed the dimensions and the porch went into production.
They decided on oak boards for the underside of the roof. These give the porch a fully finished look.
Jack completed the porch in September. He also provided concrete pads underneath their existing stone flags where the posts were to stand.
Afterwards, Pamela provided a review on Facebook saying
“Excellent planning advice. They kept us well informed about the progress of our porch, and finally the installation by a very good builder they had recommended”
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.
Green oak and air-dried oak are two distinct types of timber with contrasting characteristics. This analysis aims to highlight the disparities between these two materials, focusing on their moisture content, seasoning process, and resulting stability.
Green oak is derived from freshly felled trees and possesses a high moisture content ranging from 60% to 80%. As this timber undergoes a natural seasoning process, its moisture content gradually decreases. In contrast, air-dried oak is cut to size and exposed to the elements for an extended period. The circulation of air aids in reducing the wood's moisture content over time. On average, air-dried oak experiences a drying rate of approximately 25mm per year. The duration of seasoning for air-dried oak varies depending on the thickness of the timber but can range from three to ten years.
Due to its lower moisture content, air-dried oak exhibits greater stability compared to green oak. The reduced water content minimises movement and shrinkage within the material, making it less prone to warping or distortion over time. In contrast, green oak's higher moisture levels render it more susceptible to dimensional changes as it continues its seasoning process.
In summary, green oak and air-dried oak differ significantly in terms of their moisture content and resulting stability. While green oak starts with a high level of moisture that gradually decreases through seasoning, air-dried oak is naturally dried over an extended period outside with adequate air circulation. Ultimately, understanding these distinctions is crucial for selecting suitable timber materials based on specific construction requirements or woodworking projects.
Telephone: 01423 593 794
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Christmas 2025- TBC
Oak By Design is the trading name of:
Oak By Design Ltd.
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