oakbydesign
01423 593 794
Social media played an important part in Lisa and Andrew’s oak porch story!
Lisa runs a successful online interiors business from the home she shares in Yorkshire with partner Andrew, a builder.
Together they were renovating and extending a dated bungalow.
Lisa mentioned on her Instagram page that she was looking to cover an RSJ in the property with an oak cover. Oak by Design’s Joanne, who followed Lisa
@fern_and_foxglove_interiors, contacted her and recommended Oak by Design.
Lisa rang Oak by Design the next day and said ‘Never mind the oak cover, I’ve just seen the oak porches on your website, and we want one!’
Andrew had wanted a porch to finish off their home and they had just been let down by another company who should have been supplying them with one, so the timing couldn’t have been better.
Lisa referred to a porch similar to what she wanted on the website, and had some additions to make. Joanne then supplied a quotation and lead-time, and the porch ordered.
Andrew then set about building the dwarf walls, and then provided Oak by Design with the finished measurements. Oak by Design provided a drawing which Lisa approved the design of, and Andrew approved the measurements of.
The porch is 2800mm wide and 1500mm deep.
The pitch of the roof is 30°.
They chose to have a seat incorporated to the left hand side of the porch, engraved with the house name – Bay Tree House, along the front edge.
Between the front and back posts, the couple had intermediary upright posts, finished at approx.. 70mm x 70mm.
The porch Lisa saw on the website had 2 curved braces on the truss and it was this she chose for their porch.
Apart from renovating and extending the home, Andrew had replaced the front door of the home, and then started building the walls ready for the porch, causing passers-by and the neighbours to keep commenting on their progress.
Once the installation of the porch commenced, cars slowed down for the occupants to check on the progress of the new installation!
Andrew chose not to have oak boards on the underside of the roof, preferring to see the battens and roof tiles, finished off beautifully, when looking up.
Since the porch has been finished a number of people have stopped and asked where the porch was from. Whenever Lisa shows the porch on her Instagram page, it receives lots of compliments.
Shortly after the porch completion, one of Lisa’s local customers contacted Andrew to build an oak sunroom for her Mum after seeing their oak porch. She then contacted Oak by Design to make it.
The Case Study for this stunning sunroom, on a converted washhouse, will feature on our website soon, as will a few more porches supplied by us to their friends, and built by Andrew.
Read the Case Study HERE of Amy and Peter. Amy worked near to Lisa and Andrew’s house and passed everyday and decided she too would like an oak porch.
A great friendship has been formed between Lisa and Andrew and Joanne and the Oak by Design team. Over the years Lisa and Andrew have referred customers to Oak by Design for porches, and likewise, Joanne has referred customers to them!
Many people are now enjoying their Oak by Design oak porches, installed by Andrew, with interior ideas from Lisa. Thanks to Instagram!
Oh, and they did order an oak RSJ cover too, to finish off their staircase!
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.
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
