

Oak by Design has the pleasure of working with a great number of builders and joiners within Yorkshire. Chris Smith, based in York, is one of them.
He had worked on the renovation of a mutual client's property, installing a number of oak products supplied by Oak By Design, a number of years ago.
A client of Chris’s, John Russell, asked him to provide and install an oak porch. After Chris recommended Oak by Design, John looked at the case studies on their website to get a feel for the types of designs they had previously done.
He found this part of their website extremely helpful, as the measurements of previous clients' porches are shown. This enables potential clients to envisage their own porches and see the proportions.
After studying the photos John saw a design that caught his eye! He chose a porch that had an extended ridge over the front of the oak porch, creating a cosy overhang. The design for the truss had 2 curved braces within it.
The final overall width and depth of John’s at 3 metres by 1.5 metres is very similar to the one he initially liked.
John’s design has steps and dwarf walls incorporated into the design. This created a rather grand entrance to his family’s double-fronted, bay-windowed red brick home.
John also chose to have the underside of the oak porch roof, over clad in oak tongue and grooved boards.
These create a very ‘finished’ look to the underside of the roof.
There is no ‘correct’ procedure as to how the underside of the roof should look. Many people like to look at the underside of the roof and to see the back of the slate tiles.
The oak porch was finished with Osmo's exterior UV oil and now provides a great entrance to the property.
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.
Green oak and air-dried oak are two distinct types of timber with contrasting characteristics. This analysis aims to highlight the disparities between these two materials, focusing on their moisture content, seasoning process, and resulting stability.
Green oak is derived from freshly felled trees and possesses a high moisture content ranging from 60% to 80%. As this timber undergoes a natural seasoning process, its moisture content gradually decreases. In contrast, air-dried oak is cut to size and exposed to the elements for an extended period. The circulation of air aids in reducing the wood's moisture content over time. On average, air-dried oak experiences a drying rate of approximately 25mm per year. The duration of seasoning for air-dried oak varies depending on the thickness of the timber but can range from three to ten years.
Due to its lower moisture content, air-dried oak exhibits greater stability compared to green oak. The reduced water content minimises movement and shrinkage within the material, making it less prone to warping or distortion over time. In contrast, green oak's higher moisture levels render it more susceptible to dimensional changes as it continues its seasoning process.
In summary, green oak and air-dried oak differ significantly in terms of their moisture content and resulting stability. While green oak starts with a high level of moisture that gradually decreases through seasoning, air-dried oak is naturally dried over an extended period outside with adequate air circulation. Ultimately, understanding these distinctions is crucial for selecting suitable timber materials based on specific construction requirements or woodworking projects.

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