In May, client Justin decided to have an oak porch installed on his beautiful 18th Century Farmhouse in Oxfordshire.
After much planning between himself and Joanne, at Oak By Design, the porch was finished. Complete with an owl engraving, (in memory of his Godmother) the beautiful porch was sent down to his home, where his builder, Ben Tolson, installed it.
The Case Study for this is here
He had no sooner had the porch installed and finished when he announced a glazed oak sunroom was the next item on the house’s requirement list!
The plan was to build the oak sunroom at the back of the house, out from the kitchen, the views across the surrounding countryside making it the perfect spot.
The plan was to re-use the existing bi-fold doors that were already in the kitchen. Justin had been researching and referenced the lantern roof of a previous project Oak By Design had completed.
Initially the plan was to have the room approx. 5.5m x 4.5m. Joanne’s colleague Jamie came up with some initial ideas, based on Justin’s requirements and they were sent to him for perusal.
Their plan was to use the room for relaxing and watching TV so the room needed to accommodate an L-shaped sofa, coffee table, chair and the tv. After discussing with partner Jon, they decided on fully glazed with a lantern roof.
Joanne arranged a quotation and Justin spoke to Ben and they made the decision to get the oak sunroom ordered in August. The intention was to have the sunroom ready in October.
They did, however, request that Jamie make a site visit, prior to manufacturing and he visited at the beginning of September. The finer details such as the roof pitch (37°) and the lantern design being confirmed at this time.
A few weeks later, after some discussions with their local planning office, the size of the building needed reducing slightly. After re measuring they decided to amend the depth of the building from 4.5metres to 4 metres and the Planning Department were happy!
Justin and Jon then managed to get away to a Greek Island for some much needed sun. There they planned the rest of the build and how they would furnish their new room. Joanne, meanwhile, holidayed in Northumberland, with café and pub recommendations from Northumbrian born Justin!
The building was finally ready in October and just prior to sending out, Justin asked for some engraving on one of the external oak fascia’s. All the external oak was finished with Osmo Poly UV Oil in 420 colour This done, the delivery arranged for the beginning of November – 3 Sprinter vans leaving York for Oxfordshire.
Jamie and Darren, Oak By Design’s Production Manager, managed to make another visit to see Justin and Ben before the build started, but after the oak and glazing was on site.
Justin couldn’t wait for the sunroom finishing, sending Joanne plenty of updates as Ben completed various stages. These are shown below.
Finally, with the sunroom installed, the couple said “We completely love the room and actually don’t need the rest of the house as it’s where we spend all our time now!”
The addition of a new puppy, Molly, made the home perfect!
So, after finally finishing the home they had lived in for 10 years, what next?
They’ve only gone and put the house on the market!!!!!
They have more plans. They want to downsize to another home locally, but if possible, try and buy a Northumberland home where they can spend time in the area they both love.
We wish them all the best with their new plans, and as they’re hoping to add a sunroom to their home, this might not be the last we see of this home improving pair!
Oak conservatories have emerged as a quintessential architectural addition, elegance and sophistication. This timeless structure seamlessly blends with any landscape, augmenting the aesthetics of both traditional and contemporary settings. The unparalleled charm of oak conservatories lies in their ability to harmonise with nature, creating a sanctuary that encapsulates tranquility.
One notable advantage of oak conservatories is their exceptional durability. Crafted from robust oak timber, these structures exhibit remarkable strength, ensuring longevity that surpasses conventional building materials. The solid construction not only withstands the test of time but also serves as an enduring testament to masterful craftsmanship.
Moreover, oak conservatories offer an abundance of natural light through their expansive glazing panels. These ethereal spaces become sanctuaries bathed in a soft luminosity during daylight hours, fostering a connection with the outdoors while providing an immersive experience within the comfort of one's home.
Furthermore, oak conservatories seamlessly merge indoor and outdoor living spaces, offering a seamless transition between the two realms. This spatial integration fosters a sense of harmony and unity between architecture and nature—a symphony where boundaries dissolve into nothingness.
In conclusion, oak conservatories are more than mere architectural marvels; they embody an embodiment of grace and beauty that transcends time. Their durability, ability to invite abundant natural light, and seamless merging of indoor and outdoor spaces make them an exquisite choice for those seeking to create a haven within their homes—a sanctuary where one can escape the chaos of everyday life and immerse themselves in serenity offered by nature's embrace.
Air-dried oak, a type of timber that undergoes a natural drying process, offers notable advantages in construction projects. This article aims to highlight the benefits of using air-dried oak and its superiority over green oak, particularly in terms of stability and reduced risk of movement and shrinkage.
One anecdote vividly illustrates the stability offered by air-dried oak. Imagine constructing two identical wooden benches, one made from green oak and the other from air-dried oak. As time passes, seasonal changes introduce fluctuations in humidity levels. The green oak bench absorbs moisture during humid periods, causing it to swell and potentially warp or crack. In contrast, the air-dried oak bench remains relatively unaffected due to its lower moisture content. This highlights how air-drying reduces the risk of movement and instability associated with green oak.
Research indicates that green oak typically has a moisture content ranging from 60% to 80%, while air-dried oak boasts significantly lower levels due to natural drying processes over several years. On average, air circulation aids in reducing the moisture content by approximately 25mm per year for exterior timbers.
In conclusion, when considering timber options for construction projects, it is crucial to recognize the superiority of air-dried oak over green oak regarding stability and reduced risk of movement or shrinkage. The anecdote presented above serves as a clear metaphor for understanding this distinction visually. Moreover, data points reinforce these observations by highlighting significant differences in moisture content between these two types of timber. By choosing air-dried oak, builders can ensure long-lasting structures that resist warping or cracking caused by environmental fluctuations and maintain their structural integrity for years to come.
In the realm of building construction and design, the implementation of effective insulation systems plays a pivotal role in ensuring optimal thermal performance. One such prominent solution is double glazing, which has gained significant attention due to its ability to augment energy efficiency within enclosed spaces. This article aims to explore the fundamental characteristics and benefits of double glazing as a means of retaining heat while preventing cold air infiltration.
Double glazing, also known as a double glazed unit (DGU), comprises two glass sheets that are separated by a spacer bar. The resulting air gap between these panes acts as an insulating barrier, enhancing the window's thermal resistance properties. By effectively trapping air or employing insulating gas fills, this innovative system creates a protective shield against external temperature fluctuations.
The concept of double glazing can be likened to a delectable sandwich - two layers of bread encasing an enticing filling. In this analogy, the glass sheets represent the sturdy bread slices that protect and encapsulate the room's interior from external influences. Meanwhile, the air gap serves as the tantalising filling that ensures utmost comfort by preventing heat loss and cold intrusion.
As discerning building experts, it is crucial to acknowledge the significance of incorporating efficient insulation solutions like double glazing into our designs. Through their exceptional thermal insulation capabilities, these units facilitate energy conservation by minimising heat transfer across windows. By utilising metaphors such as sandwiches with delightful fillings, we can evoke emotional responses in our audience while maintaining an objective academic writing style throughout our discourse on this essential subject matter.
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 2024 - TBC
Oak By Design is the trading name of:
Penny Bricks & Timber Ltd.
Reg Number: 04384416
VAT Number: 664 8012 33
Left us a
star reviewWe ordered two bespoke doors and two bespoke porches for our house build from Joanne at OByD. We were specifically delighted with Joanne's attention to detail (and patience! lol) making the overall customer experience excellent. The product was equally fantastic, the product quality was truly beyond our expectations. Joanne is super helpful and knowledgeable, and kept my spirits up throughout our project. We would 100% recommend OByD, and specifically Joanne, for all your standard and bespoke oak requirements. H&D
From start to finish Oak By Design have been incredible, nothing was too much trouble. Our new Oak doors are beautifully made and have really been the icing on the cake to finish our house renovations off. We have also had a fabulous outdoor oak structure with heating and we are very much looking forward to making the most of it in the months ahead. Thank you to the whole team I would throughly recommend.
We can thoroughly recommend Oak by Design. Not only did they provide the best of oak floors and oak staircase to suit our new, contemporary home, but they returned to make good a problem which was not their fault. Going the extra mile separates great companies from ordinary firms. Thank you Jamie & Billy. From Mike & Barbara, York.
Oak by design were a fantastic company to deal with. They made us some treads for a bespoke stair case from large pieces of air dried oak. They were very thorough in making sure that they understood exactly what we wanted. They made excellent suggestions for small changes to our own design in order to produce a better finished product and to manage the cost. We were very happy with the treads when they were delivered. They look fantastic and fitted perfectly to the steel frame which was made by a third party. I could not recommend them more highly.
We were looking to have a bespoke oak and glass atrium for the front of our new house renovation. We wanted to find a company we trusted, who clearly understood our brief and could manufacture and install a high quality product at a competitive price. A big ask, but OakByDesign ticked all our boxes. Jamie and the team from the initial discovery meeting to completion of the installation were fantastic. The design, material quality and installation were first class and I would highly recommend you to include them within your project plans. Thank you all. Ben and Lindsay.
We got a fantastic garden structure from Oak by Design. It is a very handsome building and the design process was very patient, to say the least. We didn’t really know what we wanted, so we had to be guided through it. And we are delighted.
On behalf of Shears PHG Our customer was looking at having an oak porch built for their property in the West Midlands we got in contact with Joanne at Oak by Design and she was really helpful, always friendly on the phone and polite nothing was too much trouble. Joanne kept us up to date through every stage and our customer is really pleased with the results of the Porch it looks great and we wouldn’t hesitate to use them again in the future
Four years ago we took the decision to completely gut an old farmhouse and start again with it, we started looking for a supplier of oak to refit all of the internal doors, door casings, skirting and flooring. Our carpenter recommended Oak By Design. He wasn't wrong! All of the oak has been completely top notch. As the old house has settled into it's new skin it has moved and cracked in various places, the only thing that has been stable and unwavering is the oak. The customer service has been superb, with them continuing to supply exactly the same items, with the same quality over the course of 4 years. They even indulged our designs for furniture for our "boot room", with Shoe pigeon holes and a bench which we could store wellies under (as pictured). The doors supplied by them are reassuringly heavy and sturdy, with a proper "thunk" as you close them, cutting off sound from the rest of the house. There may be other, cheaper suppliers of oak out there, but none with the same level of quality, longevity and customer service as Oak By Design. If you want to do it right (& once!) use these guys.
My wife and I recently purchased an oak porch from Oak By Design. We are delighted with the porch and it has been much admired. We did get some help assembling it but everything fitted together perfectly.
We are ‘over the moon’ with our beautiful oak porch made by Oakbydesign .From our initial enquiry to delivery and installation the service and attention to detail has been outstanding! A very big thank you to Joanne who was so helpful and friendly from start to finish which made the whole process such a pleasure. Highly recommend anyone looking for an oak porch to choose Oakbydesign . Yvonne Grant.
We purchased some engineered oak flooring and oak covers from Oak By Design and couldn't be happier with the finish and quality. They are spot on. Joanne was extremely helpful throughout the whole process and provided plenty of advice when necessary. Thank you
Excellent customer service. Very friendly. Explained in detail. Product is beautiful. Would recommend. Company sent photos of finished product prior to dispatch to confirm our happiness with their work.
We worked with Jamie from Oak By Design on a super project near Wetherby. There was plenty of oak in this design for the team to really show their worth - and they did. The attention to detail was excellent. If anything was not quite how the client wanted it, they were straight back to attend to this. The customer care was superb. We look forward to working with Oak By Design on another project soon.
From the beginning the customer service has been superb, excellent help and advice when choosing the flooring, delivery arriving when promised and a product which is extremely high quality. We have replaced the majority of our flooring downstairs and we are so pleased with the result that we would have paid more. Fantastic.
A great company to deal with. Professional from start to finish and always there to assist with any queries. Highly recommended.
We were delighted with our new porch. Right from our initial contact with Joanne at ObD, through the design and the installation by Jack and his team the service has been excellent. We would have no hesitation in recommending ObD and Jack to anyone thinking of a high quality oak porch. Thank you to all involved.
Oak by Design were extremely helpful at all stages of my project from helping and advising me to choose the most appropriate beam through to advice on fixing the beam. They were extremely patient with changes to my beam dimension requirements finally providing a solution to suit my project. They provided photographs on completion of the beam prior to dispatch to ensure that my requirements had been met. I was extremely impressed by the quality and finish of the beam which has become the focal point for my fireplace project. Oak by Design provided customer care of the highest quality and I would highly recommend their services.
Amazing craftsmanship from this company. The customer service from Joanne was superb. My questions and indecisiveness were never an issue and she was always on hand to offer advice and find the answers to my questions. Our oak porch has transformed the house and we are over thd moon with it. Would highly recommend Oak By Design. Joanne is an asset to the sales and promotion of this company and is very knowledgeable. Would give 10 stars if I could!
Found this company by accident whilst passing through Harrogate, but well worth a visit.Great products choice with helpful friendly service. The wooden flooring and beams look great in situ and we are very pleased with the transformed room. Would recommend and use again.
Found Oak by Design searching for a new front porch to replace a canopy and knew immediately that this was company for the job and I was not disappointed. I already knew what I wanted and Richard, very patiently, developed my basic requirements, with a number of iterations, into a full detailed design. As I live outside their site working area I decided go for supply only and to install the porch myself. It was delivered as promised and it looked great even on the pallet! It took me a while to fit but it was very satisfying and the result is fantastic. The quality of the aged oak and carpentry of the timbers is excellent. I’m delighted with the porch supplied by Oak by Design - it looks superb.
First class service and product . Our car port and steps look fantastic and blends in with the existing buildings beautifully. Would definitely recommend them.
Oak by Design have made 2 oak framed rooms for us, sunroom at the front and and "moonroom" (photo) at the back which encompasses a shower room, work area and storage. They have been helpful at every stage and the outcome is simply brilliant. They make the whole house feel roomier and brighter and are beautiful places to be. GE North Yorkshire
Amazing customer service from beginning to end . My builder was in awe at the quality of the oak porch components. Call them and ask for Joanne - what she doesn’t know isn’t worth knowing! It’s not every day you invest in a “proper” porch so do it right. You’ll definitely be delighted!
Having lived with our porch for over 2 years I can honestly say it’s the best addition to our house we ever made. Not only does it look fantastic the quality is outstanding. I love that it keeps the mud out of the hall and provides a seating area to remove muddy boots.
Posting on behalf of my Mother in Law, Shirley Abbott "Having planned to shop around, Oak By Design was my first stop. I had no need to look any further. Joanne patiently and professionally guiding me through the confusion of choosing the right flooring. The service and support from the staff was exceptional, efficient and helpful. And - my floor looks amazing!"
From the moment we visited the Oak Design showroom, we knew that we were dealing with a top quality local company. Richard the owner, showed us around his design works with real pride of his product and service offering. Jamie as sales executive has discussed and agreed the options & design with costs to us and we have now implemented the first phase of our home improvement, with more work to follow. We are highly delighted with the finished product and would strongly recommend Oak Design to other interested clients. I also suggest that you pay them a personal visit at the Home Building & Renovation exhibition in Harrogate, as well as their wonderful showroom of Oak Solutions in Tockwith to get a personal guided tour.
Oak by design provided our engineered oak flooring. From our initial meeting and supply of samples to the final delivery we have been provided with excellent service. Carl has been in touch throughout the process and provided updates about the lead time and expected delivery dates. We are delighted with the flooring. Very happy to recommend Oak by design.
I first used Oak by Design in 2021 for a oak porch, I used them again 2023 for an oak pergola. Both times my clients have been Delighted with the finished product. Both times the product was delivered when stated, everything i needed was on the delivery. Oak by design listened to what I required for both jobs. The quality of the oak is excellent, all joints fit correctly & if I had a problem I only had to ring and speak to them. R Brown Carpentry always recommends Oak by Design when asked about oak structures.
Excellent quality workmanship and materials. Very easy and friendly to deal with on the phone. Everything done on time and no problems at all. Will definitely use again next time I need an oak porch or any other oak structures.
From the initial quotation right through to the delivery and after service Joanne has been brilliant and given me an excellent product. I have just ordered another porch for another project from them and I will continue to do so for future projects . Thomas and Bell Building Contractors Ltd
When embarking on a large renovation project assembling the right team of skilled work people is vital. It involves the need for skill, imagination and trust. It was important to us to use a local company and Oak by Design seemed to tick the right boxes although we had not dealt with them or indeed heard of them before. We soon came to realise that the combination of Ben, Billy, Jamie, Matt and MIck ( listed strictly in alphabetical order ) was a great success. Skilled: highly, imaginative: an excellent creative talent, trustworthy: 100% but also such great team players that all the other trades on site benefitted from their cooperation and great good humour. I would endorse the other reviewers who have commented on the quality of the materials used, whether in the replacement windows, the light oak internal doors. the fantastic oak staircase, the secret bookcase and the pièce de résistance: the oak conservatory. It has been a great project and much of that I attribute to the work of Oak by Design. A big thank you to you all.
Working with Oak By Design on our project was a pleasure and we were delighted with the results. Joanne was extremely helpful, quick to answer any questions and generally a great person to deal with! The quality and finish of the products - RSJ covers and Oak Windows & Doors were superb and look great. Would highly recommend working with Oak By Design and would not hesitate to use their services again for future projects!
From the start of our enquiry, the service provided was excellent. Joanne was a great help and the oak porch structure looks fantastic on our new build. It completely changed the look of the house. Very quick delivery could not recommend enough.
Great personal service to ensure we got what we needed specific to our personal requirements. Quality is outstanding and there was a helping hand there all the way. The porch we ended up with was not cheap but having looked at others the quality of the Oak by design product shines through. Very pleased with the result and the complements from both neighbours and our builders keep coming.
We are delighted with our porch, from Oak by Design. Not only is the porch of excellent quality and finish but their customer service could not have been better. They bent over backwards to make sure that we were happy with the porch and I would happily recommend them to anyone.
I could not recommend Oak By Design more highly. Joanne and the team worked tirelessly to resolve an issue that was the result of my mistake when I ordered the porch. Great customer service.
Great service from start to finish, Joanne was great help. Designs were spot on and so happy with the porch. 10/10. Fully recommend.
My company has ordered 2 porches with Joanne from oak by design, and have more planned in the future. They've been brilliant from start to finnish. Great communication right through. And the quality of the product is exceptional. Do not hesitate to order.
Firstly, the product quality was superb, a beautiful oak mantle piece for my fire place, gorgeous. The installation was quick, efficient and fitter very friendly. The price was very reasonable, actually very good value. But what makes it all SIX STAR, ( but we I can only give 5!), was the customer service. When walking in the shop I was perfectly attended to, I was given samples to take home and they remembered to call soma days later to see what I thought. Order to install time was very fast for such a bespoke service. My experience was world class, great to deal with a brilliant local/small business, I totally recommend.
Spectacular service from start to finish! great design work and support from concept to installation. The builders were amazing! So pleased with the outcome! Thankyou so so much !
Very impressed with Oak By Design. Customer service is fantastic and they were very patient in helping me ensure what I needed was the right size. Photos sent of oak cover before it was sent to me and end product was great. It was also not the most expensive either. Would definitely recommend.
On behalf of John Docherty: Oak By Design were a great company to deal with; helpful, knowledgeable, professional. The quality of the oak supplied to us for our bespoke porch was first class. Nothing was too much trouble for this company, and we will definitely be using this wonderful company again in 2022.
Great company, always on the end of the phone to talk through design, measurements, fitting. The Oak is very high standard, looks amazing.
A first rate service from start to finish. We've used this company in the past for our floor - 40 foot of solid oak! 2 beams and 2 RSJ covers. This time a beam for our new kitchen inglenook and another RSJ cover. More than impressed with the products which more than met our spec. A very friendly and helpful team who I'd recommend to anyone.