Oak Frame Conservatory – Your Simple Guide

Are you looking for a way to add more space to your home without compromising on style? Look no further than an oak frame conservatory.

These beautiful structures are the perfect way to create extra living space, while still being environmentally conscious.

This guide will provide you with all the information you need to know about oak conservatory, including types, design and construction, regulations and suppliers, as well as the benefits of having one.

So, if you’re keen to find out more about this wonderful addition to your home read on!

Overview and Types

You can welcome natural light and stunning garden views into your home with the addition of a beautiful conservatory, orangery, or garden room – all crafted from the timeless material of oak.

If you’re considering an oak frame conservatory, it’s important to understand the different types available; as well as the design and construction elements that come into play when building one.

A conservatory must have at least two thirds of its roof made from glass or translucent plastic and at least 50% of its wall area constructed from translucent materials.

Orangeries are characterised by flat or mansard roofs with glazed lanterns and windows rather than fully glazed walls.

Garden rooms generally feature solid roofs topped with tiles, combined with large windows or glazed walls for natural light and air flow.

Designing an oak frame conservatory is simple thanks to customisable options such as shape and roof style; while air-dried oak is used to fabricate structural components due to it being for more stable than the more commonly used, green oak.

Face glazing is also a solution that allows for natural movement of the frame, while softwood elements internally can help reduce costs.

Ventilation is essential for preventing overheating in summer months; solar gain can be used alongside underfloor heating, electric panel heaters or portable electric heaters instead of radiators if desired.

Log burning stoves offer an alternative way to heat a space while creating a focal point too.

Building regulations may apply depending on size and location – so make sure you check these out before starting construction!

Design and Construction

Designing your conservatory can be a fun and creative process, with plenty of options to choose from in terms of shapes and roof types. Framing options include air-dried oak for visible structural skeletons, glazing solutions such as face or direct glazing that allows for natural movement of the frame, and roof types like flat or mansard roofs with glazed lanterns.

The construction is nearly always mortise and tenon joints with kiln-dried oak dowels to secure the joint.  Everything is pre-assembled and undergone a dry-fit to ensure the construction follows the pre-made drawings created before the manufacturing process starts.

Ventilation systems are important to prevent overheating during summer months and are normally via roof lights and windows.  Solar gain can be used to heat the space in cooler months and underfloor heating provides another route to warming the space during the winter season. Log burning stoves offer a potential alternative to heat the space while also acting as a focal feature.

Ground conditions for footings and research into roofing materials must also be taken into consideration when constructing an oak frame conservatory, which will always be treated and sealed before being exposed to wind or rain. A solid roof is beneficial if you want to avoid contributing to overheating inside your conservatory, but this may require Building Regs approval depending on its size and location.

Softwood elements are normally used for roofing elements; however glazed gables and exposed oak rafters will add more cost due to their complexity design-wise. When it comes time for construction there’s no limit on how many bays you can have in an extension – just remember that conservatories must adhere certain guidelines on size according to Planning rules that cover any other home extension project.

It’s possible even for a competent DIYer who wants a challenge but suppliers offer standard designs and finishes as well as bespoke options tailored exactly towards meeting your needs!

Regulations and Suppliers

When it comes to regulations and suppliers, you’ll need to consider Permitted Development (PD) rights and Building Regulations depending on the size and location of your structure. PD rights mean that, providing you meet certain guidelines, you may not need to apply for formal planning permission.

This will depend on where exactly your oak conservatory is situated in relation to your property’s boundaries. It’s also important to remember that Building Regulations may be required if the size or type of extension exceeds certain limits or requires specific safety features such as fire protection.

There are a number of reputable oak frame conservatory suppliers on the market offering standard designs but we offer completely bespoke options tailored to your needs. We provide a professional installation service or supply only service depending on your location. We can design, supply, give construction costs estimation, provide building regulations advice, and tips on completion.

If you’re looking for a more cost-effective solution without compromising quality then consider a supply only service for your oak frame conservatory – though this is only recommended for extremely competent DIYers, we can advise a contractor on the ‘easy to assemble’ process that we offer.

Everything at Oak By Design is pre-done for you.  Sanding, oiling, hole drilling, glazing templates, ironmongery, drawings and kitchen sink.

Whatever route you decide to go down when constructing an oak conservatory make sure you research thoroughly so that you get exactly what you want with no unexpected surprises along the way.

Oak Conservatory Benefits

You’ll be surprised to find that not only is adding an oak frame conservatory a sustainable and durable choice, but it can also add value to your home!

With its natural light, aesthetic appeal, lasting quality and property value benefits, you’ll be delighted with the outcome.

From a sustainability standpoint, an oak building has the potential to last hundreds of years when properly maintained.

Quality traditional oak frames used in construction are made from air-dried oak which is harder to work but for more stable than green oak.

As well as being incredibly strong and resilient, the oak adds character which will give your home the added charm you’re looking for.

Plus, due to their timeless style and natural beauty, oak frame conservatories have become increasingly popular in recent years – making them a great investment for your property’s future.

So why wait? Get ready to enjoy all of these benefits by adding an oak frame conservatory today!

Conclusion

You may be considering an oak frame conservatory for your home, but wondering if the costs and effort are worth it.

The answer is yes! Not only are you investing in extra space, but you’re also making a conscious decision to be environmentally friendly.

With the right regulations and suppliers in place, you’ll have peace of mind that your new addition is designed and built to last.

Investing in an oak frame conservatory will provide long-term benefits that make it worthwhile.

Working alongside you and/or your contractor, we can advise and provide working drawings specifically designed for your dream oak conservatory.

So don’t hesitate – give us call, pop in for a coffee and start planning your own conservatory today!