Development in Britain is controlled by the planning department of local councils who stipulate what can and cannot be done. In most areas councils stress the importance of using local materials and follow regional building techniques.

In ancient times, woods of oak, ash and elm covered southeast England. The oak trees provided the timbers for the ships of the British Navy and also gave rise to the half-timbered houses seen today right across the south. Oak endures and this is reflected in the historic and much loved buildings seen throughout England today.  As Oak is slow growing and has a tight grain, it is much stronger and more durable than other woods.  As it dries, the stronger it gets. Traditional methods of joints and pegs are used because oak shrinks as it dries thus tightening the joints making them stronger. The oak that ‘Crown Oak’ uses is from managed woods so the trees are replanted making it a resource as well as providing a habitat for flora and fauna.

As the forests across the southeast were gradually felled, house building continued to use oak as a frame although it was often concealed behind facades of brick or rendering, the original form still showed. Clay became a dominant building material both as bricks and tiles; the latter not only used for roofing but also hung as an external cladding on a timber framed structure.

Oak Framed Buildings:  First Steps
Before taking the next step of deciding which Oak Framed Building would suit your needs, consider if planning permission is required, however, we strongly recommend seeking advice from the relevant authority.

Is your property:

• In an area of natural beauty or conservation?
• A listed building?
• Is the proposed oak building less than 5 metres from the house, 20 metres from the road?
• Is the oak building to be located near to the road, pedestrian path or neighbour’s house?
• Will the oak building be over 30 square metres?

We have many designs and our architect can draw plans to your specified requirements. We can submit your planning application to the relevant local authority or you may, of course, use your own architect and apply for planning permission yourself. Crown Oak wants every step to the completion of your traditional Oak Timber Framed Building to be easy.

Our price list shows the cost of the Oak Timber Frame and weatherboarding, therefore please consider the following:

• Do you require a DIY self-assemble frame?
• Groundwork – before building can commence foundations are required. Depending upon the ground, foundations are usually excavated to a depth of one metre.  Concrete is poured in and courses of brick are laid below ground level and three above ground level.
• The Oak Timber Frame sits on specially made staddle stones. Crown Oak Buildings can carry this out this work or you may prefer to engage a local contractor.
• The type of roof tiles that you require – should they match the existing property or be new machine made tiles?
• The type of weatherboard required – softwood or oak?
• Joinery – do you require garage doors and windows?  These can be constructed in either clear Protim treated softwood or Oak.

If you have any queries,  require more information, or a copy of our latest brochure and price list, please contact us.