oakbydesign
01423 593 794
Katey approached Oak by Design in January. Together with husband Andrew, they were in the throes of building a new house and required a quality oak porch. The front of their new home required a talking point, something special.
The property is situated in a small village in the borough of Doncaster.
They liked the proportions of the porch in Oak by Design's showroom, but theirs was to be over 3 metres wide. The one shown in the showroom is 1.8 metres and would cover most entrances.
A quotation was sent out initially for a quality oak porch with finished timbers at 140mm x 140mm, as per the showroom porch. However, they then decided they needed chunkier timbers on theirs to create the same proportions.
An amended quotation was sent out showing the front main posts as 190mm x 190mm timbers. The truss face timbers showing 190mm, with 90mm depth. They also wanted oak returns to sit on the dwarf wall and these, along with the back leg posts, were finished in 190mm x 90mm timbers.
The king post on the truss and the 2 intermediaries, finished at 140mm on the face. Using bigger timbers could have looked too bulky.
The clients agreed on the final design, the porch went into production and was finished with 2 coats of Osmo Polyx UV oil then was delivered to the site in April.
Their builder installed the porch and a few months later Katey reviewed Oak By Design via Facebook and this is what she had to say:
‘Fantastic quality and service at a fair price. Oak by Design made a beautiful oak porch for our new build which gives it the ‘wow factor’ we were hoping for. It is the first thing every visitor comments about….. we couldn’t be happier with it.’
Oak porches are becoming increasingly popular in residential and commercial properties due to their numerous benefits. One interesting statistic that highlights the growing demand for oak porches is the significant increase in their sales over the past decade. According to a report by Oak By Design, a leading supplier of oak porch structures, sales have risen by an impressive 75% between 2010 and 2020.
The surge in the popularity of oak porches can be attributed to various factors. Firstly, oak is known for its exceptional durability and strength, making it an ideal material for constructing outdoor structures such as porches. Unlike other types of wood or synthetic materials, oak has natural properties that allow it to withstand harsh weather conditions and resist rotting or decay. This longevity ensures that an oak porch will remain aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound for many years.
Another key advantage of oak porches is their timeless aesthetic appeal. The natural beauty of oak brings a touch of elegance and sophistication to any property, complementing both traditional and contemporary architectural styles. Whether used as a standalone structure or integrated into an existing building, an oak porch adds character and charm to the overall design.
Furthermore, oak porches offer practical benefits such as shelter from inclement weather and additional storage space. They provide a welcoming entrance area where residents or visitors can take off coats or shoes before entering the main building. Additionally, an oak porch can serve as a storage space for gardening tools, bicycles, or other outdoor equipment.
In conclusion, the increasing sales figures indicate the rising popularity of oak porches among property owners. With their durability, timeless appeal, and practical advantages, it is no surprise that more people are choosing these structures to enhance their homes or businesses.
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
