oakbydesign
01423 593 794
When Alice Beresford moved into her new home in 2018 she inherited a curved roofed aluminium framed conservatory that ran the full width of the front of the house in Selby.
The conservatory was separated into 2 sections.
The first section formed an entrance porch and was accessed by a door on the side, this then lead to a white glazed panel door with a large side light to the left hand side.
The second section of the conservatory was accessed by doors from the living space directly into it.
These can be seen on the photo below.
As this was on the front of the house, it created a goldfish bowl effect. Everyone could see directly into the house.
Once they were ready to renovate the house, Alice contacted Joanne at Oak By Design in February. She explained that she wanted an open porch, on dwarf walls, which would lead to a new door with sidelights to both sides.
The existing conservatory would be removed and the doors from the living space returned to being a window on the brick built home.
Joanne asked Alice if she had a builder who would be able to arrange the following:-
- demolition of the conservatory,
- the building of the dwarf walls
- installation of the oak porch
- installation of the porch roof
As she didn’t have one in mind, Joanne recommended Jack Stout
Joanne then provided an initial drawing and quotation for Alice, based on her initial measurements and design.
Happy with the quotation, Alice rang Jack, who visited Alice at her home to discuss her upcoming project.
She also wanted the driveway replacing as the existing Indian stone and pavers were badly laid and needed replacing.
He provided a quotation for all the works required.
Happy with everything, Alice paid her deposit to Oak By Design, and the porch was factored into their manufacturing calendar.
Once Jack had built the dwarf walls, he remeasured the porch requirements and sent them to Joanne. A revised drawing was produced and approved by both Jack and Alice.
The final confirmed dimensions were 2460mm wide (outer front post to front post) x 950mm deep (front of oak porch to house wall).
Alice chose to have the oak porch finished with 2 coats of Osmo Polyx UV Oil - 429
Once the porch was ready, Joanne liaised with Jack to ensure he was on site to take delivery of the porch. The delivery took place in June and Jack installed the porch as soon as he received it.
Along with a new door and sidelights in a dark anthracite colour, and new black lantern, the porch has a very contemporary look.
Once installed with Indian stone copings and flooring, Jack then resurfaced the driveway.
The gravel used to resurface the drive is Yorkshire Cream.
The new porch and driveway have created a lovely welcome to the home, and the other renovations have changed the look of the whole property.
Alice very kindly left a Google review afterwards:
"We decided to get an oak porch to make our home more attractive and we are so glad we did as it really is beautiful! Joanne and the Team have been professional, friendly and just a pleasure to deal with!
Thank you so much!!'
We spoke to Alice just before Christmas and she said "we are still getting compliments from our neighbours". We can see why! The neighbours must be thrilled with the improvements to the home. Alice also sent us a couple of photo's of the porch decorated for Christmas. It looks absolutely fabulous and so welcoming.
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 splendor.
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.
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 minimizes 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
