FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The following are some of the most common questions and our answers, if you have any others or want to discuss ideas then do contact us.

Are Planning Permission and Building Regulation Approval required?: Usually yes, but garden structures and small works most often not. The best thing is to telephone the Planning and Building control department of your local authority and explain your proposal.

Costs?: This obviously depends on size and complexity and specification. As a very rough rule of thumb, based on floor area - £30 per sq ft for framing and £80-120 per sq ft overall build cost (incl. framing) depending on specification.

What materials can be used for infill/enveloping?:  Virtually any; brick, block, stone, render, plaster, weather board, insulation etc. Enveloping is preferable because of shrinkage.

How easily can a frame be glazed?: We recommend a system that is simple and proven.

What about shrinkage/movement?: Timber will move - this is unavoidable, but it is taken into account at the design stage so that problems are obviated as far as possible at the outset.

How far afield do you go?: Anywhere, but distance obviously adds to cost.

Does the oak need treating?: No, oak contains tannic acid - a natural preservative, hence its longevity and why there are 800 year old buildings still in use. There is no reason why a timber building will not last forever if maintained. Most people sandblast the inside, which then stays a pale honey colour, while the outside weathers to a silver grey, unless oiled, which tends to yellow it.

What about insurance?: We do not hear of this being a problem.

Is Planning Permission harder to obtain?: Planners often look favourably on oak frame proposals due to their traditional nature and harmonious feel.

What about insulation?: Various types of insulation are readily incorporated within a frame.

Do you do kits for self erection?:  Whist the buildings come to site as single components, quite a high degree of skill, knowledge and familiarity with the building are required for erection. However we are happy to work on a supply only basis to those with the confidence - for instance builders requiring roof trusses.

Isn't oak scarce and expensive?: Green oak is comparatively cheap - around a quarter the cost of seasoned. We buy from managed plantations and as such is an infinitely renewable resource, with no evident shortage created by current demand.