oakbydesign
01423 593 794
Potential client Jane Bastow wanted a natural oak porch to be fit to the front of her farmhouse property.
She approached Oak by Design at the beginning of September 2019 after looking through their website and realising that they made everything to order.
She spoke to Joanne on the phone and detailed the problems she had.
Unfortunately, a large bathroom waste pipe ran above the main door entrance and down the left-hand side of where a porch would sit. At present, a beautiful climbing plant made a marvellous job of disguising the rather ugly pipework!
Due to having a downstairs window quite close to the doorway, there was only one position the back porch posts could sit and that was exactly where the waste pipe was!
There was also a small window above the doorway, offset to the right, which restricted where the open oak porch could be sited.
After looking at various options, (such as making the porch slightly larger than required) but ruling them for obvious practical reasons, an idea began to form!
Usually, if a back post can’t sit against a back wall, the return beam, which runs from the front post to the back post, can be made slightly longer and then can ‘sit’ within the outer wall of the house. Unfortunately, pipework was also in the way for this!
The main timbers of the oak porch would need to be 140mm x 140mm due to the size of the proposed porch (1765mm wide x 885mm deep).
To ‘mimic’ a back post – a 3-sided cover would sit around the piping on the back wall.
The return beam would then be made with extended sides that would wrap around the upright post cover. As the pipework was at least 5inch, the back beam would need to be made to appear like a larger beam. If this one was, so was the right hand side one too!
To disguise the pipework above the door, Jane planned to use reclaimed oak panelling, retained from a previous project.
The back rafters of the porch would, therefore, sit forward of the house wall to accommodate the panelling.
Jane’s builder was very much part of the discussions which went back and forth. Eventually, between Jane, Joanne and Richard at Oak by Design and the builder, they resolved the problem with the above ideas being put onto a detailed drawing for approval by the builder.
Jane ordered the natural oak porch.
Cutting back the plant to reveal the piping and replacing some of the smaller pipework, creating a clear area to install the porch.
The photo’s show the porch in-situ and the back posts, made from air dried oak, like the other posts, look solid.
Jane wants the porch to age and weather quickly so it ‘silvers off’ and gives the impression of having been there for some time. She therefore, chose not to have an oil finish applied after manufacture.
She has also got her fingers crossed that the cut back plant starts to flourish and grow around the back post giving the ‘lived in, been there forever’ look she craves!
Jane said. ‘I think it has made a big difference to the house, and a fantastic job in covering the pipes’
Oak porches have long been admired for their timeless beauty and exceptional durability. These structures, crafted from the finest oak timber, add a touch of elegance to any home while providing practical benefits that stand the test of time.
The craftsmanship involved in constructing an oak porch is truly remarkable. Each piece of timber is carefully selected for its quality and strength, ensuring that only the finest materials are used. The intricate joinery techniques employed by skilled craftsmen result in a seamless and sturdy structure that exudes sophistication.
One cannot help but be captivated by the natural beauty of oak porches. The rich tones and grain patterns of the wood create a warm and inviting atmosphere, making them a welcoming addition to any property. As sunlight filters through the open design, casting enchanting shadows on the floor, one is transported to a tranquil haven where nature seamlessly blends with architectural splendour.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, oak porches also boast remarkable durability. Oak is known for its resistance to decay and insect damage, making it an ideal choice for outdoor structures that are exposed to the elements. With proper care and maintenance, an oak porch can withstand harsh weather conditions year after year without losing its charm or structural integrity.
In conclusion, oak porches offer both visual delight and functional longevity. Their exquisite craftsmanship combined with their inherent strength make them an investment worth considering for those seeking to enhance their homes with enduring elegance.
The utilisation of timber in construction is a time-honoured tradition, with oak being a popular choice due to its durability and aesthetic appeal. However, there are distinct differences between green oak and air-dried oak that warrant careful consideration when selecting the appropriate material for building projects.
Green oak is derived from recently felled trees, retaining a substantial moisture content ranging from 60-80%. As this timber undergoes seasoning, which refers to the gradual drying out process, its moisture content diminishes. The visual imagery of water gradually evaporating from the wood aptly depicts this transformation.
In contrast to green oak, air-dried oak is cut into desired sizes and exposed to natural elements for an extended period. This exposure allows for air circulation between the timbers, facilitating the reduction in moisture content over time. The pace at which air-dried oak dries out is captured by the evocative phrase "25mm per year," highlighting the slow but steady progress of drying.
Air-dried oak possesses lower moisture content compared to green oak due to its lengthy seasoning period, typically ranging from three to ten years depending on thickness. This reduced moisture content enhances stability and minimises movements or shrinkage associated with timber use in construction projects.
Understanding the distinctions between green oak and air-dried oak grants building experts invaluable knowledge when making material selections. By considering factors such as moisture content and stability, professionals can ensure optimal outcomes in their construction endeavours without compromising quality or longevity.
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
