How to Design Oak Conservatories and Oak Conservatory Ideas
oak by design
oakbydesign
01423 593 794
oak by design
Richard
"Designing An Oak Conservatory"

How to Design Oak Conservatories

If you any questions. we are hear to listen, advise and help. Call 01423 593794.

Are you dreaming of a beautiful oak conservatory that seamlessly blends with your home and adds a touch of elegance to your lifestyle? Look no further!

In this article, we will guide you through the process of designing your own and how it connects with your home.. From understanding planning permission requirements to considering cost and design options, we’ve got you covered.

Get ready to create a space that not only enhances your home but also brings you joy for years to come.

Planning Permission Requirements for Conservatories

Are you wondering about the planning permission requirements for oak conservatories? Understanding the regulations and guidelines can help you ensure that your project meets all the necessary criteria.

Planning consent is typically required for oak buildings, but there may be instances where you can take advantage of permitted development rights.

It’s important to familiarise yourself with the specific rules and limitations in your area to avoid any potential issues during the construction process.

You’ll need to consider planning consent before constructing your oak conservatory. Planning permission requirements for oak conservatories may vary depending on your location, home design and the specific regulations set by your local planning authority.

Generally, if your oak building meets certain criteria, such as being within permitted development rights, you may not need planning permission. However, it’s always recommended to check with your local planning authority to ensure compliance.

Factors that may affect planning consent include the size, height, and how it is situated against your home. as well as whether it’s considered an extension or a separate structure.

Keep in mind that oak conservatory kits or oak frame conservatories may have different planning requirements compared to other types of oak buildings or oak frame buildings.

It’s advisable to consult a professional to determine the necessary planning consent and to estimate the potential impact on the conservatory cost.

Permitted Development?

You can determine if your oak building falls under permitted development by checking the specific regulations set by your local planning authority. Permitted development allows you to make certain changes to your property without the need for planning permission. However, it’s important to remember that each local planning authority may have different regulations, so it’s crucial to consult with them before proceeding.

When it comes to oak conservatories, the use of air-dried oak can be a significant factor in determining whether it falls under permitted development. Air-dried oak is a popular choice for conservatories due to its durability and attractive appearance. It’s important to ensure that the use of air-dried oak in your conservatory complies with local regulations to avoid any potential issues with planning permission.

Cost and Design Considerations for Your Conservatory

When it comes to designing an oak building against your home, there are various design options to consider.

From the shape and size of the conservatory to the type of glazing and roofing materials, each decision will contribute to the overall look and functionality of the space.

Choosing Air-dried or seasoned oak over green oak will give you a huge advantage when it comes to glazing!

Additionally, cost factors such as materials, labor, and any additional features or customisation will need to be taken into account to ensure that the design aligns with your budget.

Design Options

An oak conservatory offers a range of design options that can fit both your budget and desired aesthetic. When designing your perfect addition, there are several factors to consider, including cost and design considerations.

First, determine the size and shape of your conservatory. This will depend on your available space and how you plan to use the area.

Next, consider the type of roof you want, whether it’s a glass roof for maximum natural light or a tiled roof for a more traditional look.

Additionally, think about the doors and windows. Choose between bi-fold doors, French doors, or sliding doors, depending on your preferences.

Lastly, consider the interior design elements, such as flooring, lighting, and heating options.

Cost Factors

Consider the size and materials of your extension, as well as the complexity of the design, to determine the overall cost.

Today, the size of your conservatory will have a significant impact on the cost, as larger structures require more materials and labor.

Additionally, the materials used can greatly affect the price. Oak is a premium material, known for its durability and beauty, but it comes at a higher cost compared to other options.

The complexity of the design is another factor to consider. Intricate designs with unique features or customisations will require more time and expertise to build, resulting in a higher cost.

It’s important to carefully consider these factors when planning your dream extension to ensure it aligns with your budget.

Oak Suppliers and Construction of Oak Framed Buildings

You should contact multiple suppliers to get quotes for the construction of your oak building. This will help you compare prices and choose the one that fits your budget. When selecting suppliers, make sure to consider their reputation, experience, and the quality of their materials. It’s important to work with a reputable supplier who’s a proven track record in their construction.

Once you have chosen a supplier, you can move on to the construction phase. It’s advisable to hire a professional contractor who specialises in solid oak projects. They’ll have the necessary expertise and knowledge to ensure that your conservatory is built to the highest standards.

Before construction begins, it’s important to obtain any necessary permits or approvals from your local authorities. This will ensure that your building complies with all building regulations and codes.

During construction, it’s important to regularly communicate with your contractor to ensure that the project is progressing as planned. Regular site visits will allow you to monitor the progress and address any concerns or issues that may arise.

Once construction is complete, make sure to conduct a thorough inspection of the conservatory to ensure that everything is in order. This will help identify any potential issues that need to be addressed before they become major problems.

Glazing Options and Building Regulations for your Oak Conservatory

When it comes to choosing the glazing, there are several options available to consider.

From double glazing to triple glazing, each option has its own benefits in terms of insulation and energy efficiency.

Additionally, it’s important to be aware of the building regulations that govern the use of glazing in conservatories, ensuring that you comply with safety and structural requirements.

Glazing Types

To ensure compliance with building regulations, it’s important to understand the different glazing options available for your oak conservatory. The type of glazing you choose won’t only affect the overall aesthetic of your conservatory but also its thermal performance and energy efficiency.

There are several glazing types to consider, including single glazing, double glazing, and triple glazing. Single glazing consists of a single pane of glass and is the most basic option.

Double glazing, on the other hand, consists of two panes of glass with a gap in between, providing better insulation. Triple glazing offers even higher insulation properties with three panes of glass and two gaps.

When choosing the glazing type for your oak conservatory, it’s important to consider factors such as your budget, desired level of insulation, and local building regulations.

Building Regulations

To ensure compliance with building regulations, consider the glazing options available for your frame conservatory. Building regulations dictate specific requirements for glazing in order to ensure safety and energy efficiency.

When it comes to glazing options, you have a few choices to consider. Double glazing is a popular choice as it provides better insulation and noise reduction. It consists of two glass panes with a layer of air or gas in between.

Another option is triple glazing, which offers even higher insulation properties and soundproofing.

Laminated glass is recommended for safety purposes as it holds together when broken, reducing the risk of injury.

Finally, toughened glass is a durable option that’s resistant to impact and breakage.

Consider these glazing options to meet building regulations and create a safe and efficient oak structures.

Benefits, Maintenance, and Longevity of Solid Oak

You’ll appreciate the durability of oak conservatories due to their low maintenance requirements and long lifespan. Oak is a hardwood that’s known for its strength and ability to withstand the elements. Unlike other materials, oak conservatories require minimal upkeep, making them a practical choice for homeowners.

One of the main benefits of ‘oak framed’ extensions are their low maintenance requirements. Oak is naturally resistant to rot and insect damage, reducing the need for regular treatments or repairs. Simply cleaning the conservatory periodically with a mild soap and water solution is usually sufficient to keep it looking its best.

In addition to being low maintenance, oak conservatories have a long lifespan. When properly cared for, an oak conservatory can last for decades, even centuries. Oak is a dense and sturdy material that can withstand the test of time, making it a worthwhile investment for homeowners.

To ensure the longevity, it’s important to address any minor issues promptly. This includes repairing any damaged or loose joints, as well as addressing any signs of moisture or water damage. Regular inspections and maintenance will help to prevent any major issues and extend the lifespan of your new home addition.

Conclusion

So there you have it, designing homes with extensions that can be a rewarding and practical endeavour.

With careful planning and consideration of cost, design, and suppliers, you can create a stunning addition to your home.

Remember, it’s not all about the glazing options and building regulations, but also the benefits, maintenance, and longevity of oak conservatories that make them a worthwhile investment.

So why wait? Start designing your own oak conservatory and bring a touch of elegance to your living space.

After all, life is too short to live without a beautiful oak conservatory. Show it off!

3 October 2023
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Jeremy Smith
Jeremy Smith

Left us a 5 star review

Great service by a friendly professional team, a pleasure to work with. The end result of our oak glazed leisure spa and outdoor kitchen looks fantastic. Great job

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.

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

We 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

Fantastic staff with fantastic craftsmanship. Great communication and always on the ball. I would highly recommend oak by design, I don’t think you could get a better quality oak porch anywhere. Extremely pleased with ours , always getting compliments from fellow villagers

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.

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.

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.

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.

Super friendly people helping me with my self build porch!

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!"

I wish I could give more starts!! We looked at many companies before finally choosing Oak by Design. We are so glad we chose them. They were excellent from start to finish. They worked with us to find a workable design that was to our liking. Our door looks amazing (despite the building site that still surrounds it!). Their customer service is of the highest standard, Joanne could not do enough to help us. I would not hesitate to recommend them.

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.

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.

My client was looking for ways in which to make his conversion (of an early seventies house into a period family farmhouse) “stand out from the crowd”. whilst maintaining a commercial eye on his expenditure, as the house was being converted for resale profit. Making the choice to meet with Richard and explore possibilities for incorporating some Real solid Oak features into his plans proved to be the making of the project. By taking lots of advice from Richard on both the size and structure of the components we were able to incorporate three key features. The beautiful and bold roof trusses and purlins for the open plan kitchen are simply a joy to behold. The stunning full height gable window which is directly glazed into the large framework can be appreciated from both the the kerbside and of course from within the cosy snug on the ground floor or the amazing first floor main bedroom where we incorporated some additional exposed roof beams just purely for effect. All in all it is fair to say that these significant choices certainly created the wow factor my client was looking for. Having managed to pre sell the property well before completion it in itself demonstrates the benefits of keeping these sorts of real oak features as part of a modern build. I have no hesitation whatsoever is saying that if anyone is looking to get advice and is serious about investing in quality oak products they should have no need to look further than Oak by Design. Thanks again Richard for all your help , guidance and continued support which is a credit to you and the craftsmen you employ.

I firstly used oak by design a couple of years ago for an open oak porch. They were extremely helpful and everything was delivered on time to the highest quality. The porch went together with the oak dowels provided and looked great when it was all slated in. They have also supplied me with a oak beam for a fireplace natural random finish and it looks good.

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.

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 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

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.

Ordered an oak mantle beam from Oak by Design and they quickly called to check the finer details. Unfortunatly, the beam was slightly damaged on arrival by the courier company. Oak by Design immediately arranged to have it picked by DHL, transferred back to Yorkshire from Kent, repaired and sent back within 2 days, with no quibbles. The beam is beautiful, as is the high quality customer service by these people. Fully recommend using this company. Anthony Slater, Tonbridge. Tonbridge.

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!

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.

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.

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.

First class service and product . Our car port and steps look fantastic and blends in with the existing buildings beautifully. Would definitely recommend them.

As the owner of a local joinery business, Robert Davis Joinery, I have had the pleasure of using Oak by Design on several occasions over the last 8 years. They have produced bespoke interior products for me including Oak doors and timber moldings. The staff in the office and the workshop are always very helpful and friendly and the standard of the workmanship and materials are always of a very high quality.

Fantastic service from start to finish, I would have no hesitation in recommending this company or using them again. Very professional and helpful. Joanne was great in assisting us with choosing both styles and colours of the beams and cladding.

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.

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.

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.

This is the second time that we have used Oak By Design for oak products and once again we weren’t disappointed. We recently ordered some internal oak doors and from the very start they were a pleasure to deal with. Joanne especially was extremely helpful and friendly, nothing was too much trouble. We were kept updated about the progress of our order. Unfortunately we needed to delay acceptance of the doors for a few weeks and Oak By Design happily agreed to store them in their workshop until we were ready for them. The quality of the doors is very high, they are very well made and finished, far better than any oak doors that you will buy “ off the shelf. “ They are all installed now and look fantastic. I would highly recommend Oak By Design and we will certainly use them again in the future if we require any more oak products. A huge thank you to Joanne and the whole team for a great service and a great product.

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!

Really delighted with the new porch by Oak by Design. It adds a super feature to my converted barn. Thanks to Joanne and the team.

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.

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.

What can I say, Oak By Design have been the most fantastic company to deal with. Joanne was so helpful, friendly and professional. She really seemed to care about our project, which made such a difference. We had 4 oak RSJ covers made and 2 fireplace mantles. The finish is outstanding. Everyone believes they are solid beams, which was just what we wanted. The care and attention this company will give you is 2nd to none and I would highly recommend them. Pictures will follow when we complete our project, thanks again Oak By Design. x

Great company, always on the end of the phone to talk through design, measurements, fitting. The Oak is very high standard, looks amazing.

A great company to deal with. Professional from start to finish and always there to assist with any queries. Highly recommended.

We decided to get an oak porch to make our home more attractive and we are so glad we did as it really is beautiful ! Joanne and the Team have been professional, friendly and just a pleasure to deal with ! Thank you so much !!

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.

Marvellous place, so many wonderful things made from wood.

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.

Great service from start to finish, Joanne was great help. Designs were spot on and so happy with the porch. 10/10. Fully recommend.

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.

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.

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.

Perfect from start to finish. The service is above and beyond. Pleasure to install

Very professional. Excellent product and service. Highly recommended.