oakbydesign
01423 593 794
When Kim and her husband were looking to add character to their listed Cotswold cottage, they initially thought they wanted an enclosed porch.
However, as other renovation work was carried out on their home they decided they needed more of a statement at the door entrance, but at the same time, something that provided them with a practical solution for the taking off of wellies and drying the dog down after a rainy walk.
After looking at other properties in their area, exploring the Internet, and looking at historic buildings, they decided it had to be oak, and this was deemed acceptable for their listed home.
They spoke to various suppliers but after speaking to Joanne at Oak by Design, Kim said: ‘From the first time we spoke to them on the phone they were cooperative and helpful. They had air-dried oak, which was exactly the material we were looking for. It gave us a ready-made ‘aged’ look that would fade to a lovely silvery grey colour over time’.
The porches are usually finished with 2 coats of Osmo Polyx UV oil but Kim chose not to have this so that the oak would silver off quicker.
Their builder built the dwarf walls and then Oak by Design supplied drawings of the proposed porch. Both Kim and her husband, and their builder then approved these.
After production, photos were sent of the finished porch, and then it was sent down to The Cotswolds where it was installed by their competent builder.
Oak By Design also supplied them with an oak seat top that was engraved with the house name. This was fit along one side of the porch. This provides the perfect place for sitting and removing wellies, or for sitting and enjoying a cuppa.
The underside of the seating area provides perfect storage for logs, wellies, gardening bits, and other items that usually build up outside the door!!
Kim chose to have 6 curved brackets within the design. The 2 curved brackets to each side and to the face add character to this picture box home!
Even the builder loved the oak porch and recommended Oak by Design to other clients of his.
After the installation, Kim said: ‘We are thrilled with our porch! It has been the final part of an 18th-month renovation project and has really added beauty to the front of the house’.
A few years ago Kim rang to speak to Joanne about having an oak fireplace beam made. She said how thrilled she was now that the oak had 'silvered off' over the years. Joanne asked Kim if she would send some photos of the darkened porch.
Although not everyone's choice, oak will turn black/silver in colour if it isn't maintained with an external oil. There is nothing detrimental about this - it's just personal taste!
Below you can see the porch before the porch was installed, the porch installed, and the porch after 6 years.
Designing an oak porch presents an opportunity to create a striking and welcoming entrance to your home. This article will explore three design ideas that can inspire your oak porch project: traditional charm, contemporary elegance, and rustic simplicity.
One popular design approach for oak porches is embracing traditional charm. This style pays homage to the timeless appeal of classic architecture by incorporating elements such as intricate timber detailing, decorative brackets, and pitched roofs. The use of handcrafted joinery techniques further enhances the authenticity and craftsmanship of the porch. By opting for a traditionally inspired design, you can create a warm and inviting entrance that exudes character and nostalgia.
For those seeking a more modern aesthetic, a contemporary oak porch design may be the ideal choice. Clean lines, minimalist finishes, and sleek materials characterise this style. Large glass panels or glazing can be incorporated into the design to maximise natural light while maintaining a seamless connection between indoors and outdoors. The juxtaposition of oak against other materials such as glass or metal creates an interesting visual contrast that adds sophistication to your home's entrance.
If you prefer a more understated look that emphasises natural beauty, consider a rustic-inspired design for your oak porch. Exposed beams, textured finishes, and earthy colour palettes contribute to this style's relaxed yet charming atmosphere. By using reclaimed or weathered oak in your porch construction, you can achieve an authentic rustic appearance that blends seamlessly with its surroundings. This design idea is perfect for homeowners who appreciate simplicity and want their porch to blend harmoniously with nature.
Green oak and air-dried oak are two distinct types of timber commonly used in the construction industry. Understanding their characteristics is essential for any building expert.
Green oak, obtained from freshly felled trees, typically contains a high moisture content ranging from 60% to 80%. As the oak undergoes seasoning, a natural drying process, its moisture content gradually decreases. Seasoning can occur through air drying or kiln drying methods. However, in this discussion, we will focus on air-dried oak.
Air-dried oak is cut to size and left outside to dry naturally over time. During this period, proper air circulation between the timbers aids in reducing the moisture content. On average, air-dried oak dries at a rate of approximately 25mm per year. The duration of seasoning for air-dried oak depends on its thickness and can range from three to ten years.
One notable advantage of air-dried oak over green oak is its lower moisture content. This reduced moisture level makes air-dried oak more stable and less prone to movement and shrinkage compared to green oak. Consequently, using air-dried timber in construction projects minimises the risk of warping or cracking due to changes in humidity levels.
Moreover, because green oak contains higher levels of moisture, it may continue to shrink as it dries out after installation into a structure. This ongoing shrinkage can lead to gaps appearing between joints or connections within the building elements.
In summary, while both green oak and air-dried oak have their applications in construction projects, understanding their characteristics is crucial for selecting an appropriate timber type based on factors such as stability and resistance to movement or shrinkage during use.
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
