oakbydesign
01423 593 794
Kim Shears, fromShears PHG , based in Tamworth, Staffordshire rang Joanne in April to request a price for an oak porch for a client.
The porch was to replace the softwood, painted porch that had stood at the client's cottage for sometime.
The existing dwarf walls, at approx.. 800mm high were to remain. These have a return on the front, leaving a gap between them of 1130mm. The new porch would be similar to the existing one but with slightly larger timbers and a different roof design. The existing porch roof had a rather high tie beam that gave the roof an unusual look.
A quotation, alongside an initial drawing went out to Shears and an order placed. Joanne dealt with Danielle who liaised with their customer with regards to the overall design and finish.
After a few tweaks to the drawings, and a drawing supplied by Shears PHG's joiner, Andy, a final design had the finished measurements at 1200mm deep, although the wall is only 999mm. The roof overhangs the front of the porch walls and the truss.
The width of the oak porch is just short of 2 metres and the overall height, including the wall is approx.. 2800mm. The pitch of the roof is 45°.
The clients chose a curved tie beam on the truss.
Using a 250mm oak beam enabled the joiners to create a 'curved beam' that looked the same size as the rest of the timbers on the porch. They cut away on the underside to create the curve required.
The client also chose to have curved braces within the truss itself. The truss depth is 120mm.
The tie beam of a truss usually sits on the horizontal timbers that run from the top of the front posts to the top of the back posts. Due to the pitch of the roof, and the clients wish to have a high tie beam, the front post had to extend above the return beam.
They also chose to have the ends of the horizontal timbers that sit on top of the dwarf wall, and the ones on the top of the front posts, shaped at the ends.
Completion of the porch was towards the end of July and delivery took place the second week in August. Andy, the joiner, wasted no time in installing the porch and roof. The raised, curved tie beam, shaped ends to the return beams, along with the 200mm overhang and extended front posts, have created a rather lovely whimsical look to the porch. The cottage has the perfect fairy tale entrance it deserves now.
Danielle reviewed Oak By Design on Google:
"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".
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 splendour.
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.
In the realm of construction, the choice of timber plays a crucial role in determining the longevity and stability of structures. Two prominent types of timber used are green oak and air-dried oak. This article aims to explore the benefits associated with air-dried oak, shedding light on its superior qualities as compared to green oak.
One interesting statistic that highlights the advantages of air-dried oak is its lower moisture content. Green oak typically possesses a high moisture content ranging from 60-80%, while air-dried oak undergoes natural drying over an extended period. As a result, air-dried oak achieves a significantly lower moisture content level than its counterpart.
The reduced moisture content in air-dried oak contributes to its enhanced stability when used in construction projects. Moisture causes wood to expand or contract, resulting in movement and potential shrinkage over time. However, due to its lower moisture levels, air-dried oak exhibits minimal movement and shrinkage tendencies compared to green oak.
Air drying requires time for proper seasoning, which allows for gradual reduction in moisture content. On average, air-drying reduces wood's moisture by approximately 25mm per year. Depending on the thickness of timber, this seasoning process can take anywhere from three to ten years. The prolonged period ensures thorough drying, enhancing the durability and strength properties of air-dried oak.
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
