oakbydesign
01423 593 794
Keith’s home in Staffordshire had a painted softwood canopy above the entrance and a slight ramp. This made accessing the house awkward and they felt it was in need of an additional feature.
He wanted to replace the canopy with a bespoke oak porch but had to sort out the ramped area first. He also needed to allow for windows on both sides of the door and above the canopy. There was also a drain for access in the area where the porch was to be sited, together with an outside light.
He found a bespoke oak porch he liked on the website and contacted them with some initial questions about foundations and design.
Between Keith, his builder, and Oak By Design, they decided on the size and design. A design that took into consideration all the different factors that seemed determined to stand in the way of Keith’s porch ideas being an easy procedure!
His builder built dwarf walls to approximately 960mm tall in the same bricks as the house was built. Then, a raised area in the base of the porch created the correct height for accessing the door. Staffordshire blue coping stones finish the wall tops off beautifully.
With the new bespoke oak porch which had been finished with 2 coats of Osmo Polyx UV oil installed and the roof finished, it fitted in neatly below the window on the first floor above the door. The posts fit neatly between the windows to both sides of the door. The manhole cover is still accessible and the electrician changed the outside light to sit on the back post of the porch.
The porch has now created a very welcoming aspect of Keith’s home. It is clear now how to approach the front door without having to step up onto the ramp area.
Keith chose to have the underside of the roof boarded out with oak boards. These are fit on top of the rafters once they have been installed. The roofing materials fit on top of these. These create a finished look when looking up when inside the porch.
Building an oak porch is a significant investment that requires careful consideration and planning. This article will discuss three key factors to consider when embarking on such a project: architectural compatibility, planning permission requirements, and maintenance considerations.
One crucial factor to consider when building an oak porch is its architectural compatibility with your existing home. It is essential to ensure that the design of the porch harmonises with the overall style and aesthetics of your property. This can be achieved by selecting materials, finishes, and detailing that complement the existing architecture. By doing so, you create a cohesive and visually appealing structure that adds value to your home.
Before commencing any construction work on your oak porch, it is vital to research and understand the planning permission requirements in your area. Different regions have varying regulations regarding the size, height, and location of porches. Familiarise yourself with these guidelines to avoid potential legal issues or delays in your project. Engaging with local authorities or seeking professional advice can help you navigate through this process efficiently.
Lastly, it is crucial to consider the maintenance requirements associated with an oak porch. While oak is a durable material known for its longevity, regular maintenance is necessary to preserve its beauty and structural integrity. This may involve periodic cleaning, treatments such as oiling or staining, and occasional repairs if needed. Being aware of these maintenance tasks beforehand allows you to plan accordingly and ensure that your oak porch remains in optimal condition for years to come.
In the realm of timber, green oak and air-dried oak represent two distinct categories with discernible disparities in their properties. This analysis aims to shed light on the dissimilarities between these types of timber, providing an objective evaluation of their characteristics and potential applications.
One fundamental disparity between green oak and air-dried oak lies in their moisture content. Green oak, freshly derived from felled trees, exhibits a notably high moisture content ranging from 60% to 80%. This high water saturation stems from the recent felling process and subsequent lack of adequate seasoning time. In contrast, air-dried oak undergoes a lengthier natural drying process facilitated by exposure to ambient air conditions. Consequently, it attains a significantly lower moisture content as compared to its green counterpart.
The seasoning process plays a pivotal role in transforming freshly cut green oak into more usable timber with diminished water content. As time progresses, the inherent moisture within green oak gradually evaporates through natural processes such as diffusion and evaporation. Conversely, air-dried oak bypasses this seasoning phase altogether due to its extended exposure to external elements during the drying period.
The variance in moisture content between these two types of timber has profound implications for their stability and susceptibility to movement or shrinkage. Due to its higher moisture levels, green oak is inherently less stable than its air-dried counterpart. It is prone to dimensional changes when subjected to varying environmental conditions such as humidity or temperature fluctuations.
In contrast, air-dried oak's lower moisture content renders it considerably more stable and resistant to movement or shrinkage under similar circumstances. This increased stability makes it an ideal choice for various construction applications where durability and structural integrity are paramount.
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
