FAQ's
1 How much do your timber frames cost?
There are many factors that will affect the price of your a timber frame. The main factors are straight forward such as; how large the frame may be, how complex the design is and how many joints there are in the frame. Other less obvious things might be to do with access to, and conditions at the site of the build.
To produce a free and useful estimate of works, we would discuss your project in detail to understand your requirements. Our initial estimates will be based on these discussions, which aid the process that will shape the final design.
If you know what you are looking for, please go to our information request form (link) or telephone us on 01225 789978.
2 Do you offer a design service?
Yes. From an initial meeting or discussions we can provide design drawings tailored to your specific requirements. Our rates are as follows:
• 2D Construction drawings: £50 per hour + VAT
• 3D CAD visuals: Price on request
3 What other parts of my build can English Oak Buildings supply?
We specialize in designing, fabricating and raising Green oak timber frames.
We can also tender for cladding of various types, as well as wooden-shingle roofing projects (see typical build schedule).
We work along side a number of specialist contractors in other areas who can provide frame glazing, internal and external joinery, frame cleaning and specialist flooring. We can provide estimates for these elements as part of our main contract or as separate items.
4 Can a green oak timber frames be used for all types of building
Green oak timber frame can be used in huge range of buildings from; houses and garages to bridges and pagodas, from extensions and roofs to swimming pools and offices.
5 Do I need an architect?
We advise all our clients to involve an architect on larger complicated builds and we recommend that you employ one who has a good understanding of oak-frame buildings. An architect will give you a rough cost per square metre for a complete build plus their design costs.
For a list of architects who we recommend, click here.
If you are already using an architect we can work along side them to produce a design for the oak frame that work with their overall scheme.
6 How long does it take to get my timber frame?
There are a few general factors that will affect the timescale of your timber frame project. Planning issues and architectural/ structural design work in all forms are obviously the main factors before any construction can take place. The time these items take to resolve varies enormously, but is generally dependant on the suitability of the site to the build and the complexity of the design.
With these issues resolved a deposit cheque will secure your place in our workshop schedule.
First we will order the timber, which will take approximately two weeks. On the arrival of the timber we can then start fabricating the frame in our workshop. The fabrication time is dependant on; how large the frame is, how complex the design and how many joints there are in the frame. A ‘typical’ 3-4 bedroom house frame will take six weeks to make in the workshop.
The frame is then ready to raised on site by our team using an appropriate crane and our ‘appointed person’. Our ‘appointed person’ is the member of our staff who has the relevant certification to produce a lift plan and risk assessment for the crane work. The raising of this typical frame would take approximately three days.
We will do everything we can to see that both of our schedules are running in tandem so the frame fits seamlessly into your overall build plan.
7 Do you use other woods as well as oak?
Yes, although oak is generally what we would recommend for timber frame buildings we also use quality softwoods sourced from the UK, such as, Douglas fir and larch.
8 Do you supply frames that come in kit forms?
No, all of the frames we make are bespoke. Our frames will arrive on site in pieces or together in small sections, every piece having its own number. The frame is then pieced back together into larger sections and lifted into place with a crane. Although some ‘kit’ house will arrive and be put together in a similar way, they are very different. Most will be machine made using inferior materials and techniques.
9 How long do timber frames last?
There are many examples of oak frames all over Europe that have stood for hundreds and in some cases thousands of years. With good design, sensible use of other materials and appropriate maintenance your frame will last for hundreds of years.
10 Does English Oak Buildings carry out restoration of older existing timber frames?
Yes, we do. To discuss your requirements and see examples of our restoration and conservation work, please contact us.
11 Does the green oak move and crack a lot?
The oak in our frames stays where it is and does not move. However, each timber does shrink a little as the moisture content decreases over time. This shrinking occurs in cross-section and barely affects the length of each timber. The cracks, called shakes in the timber industry, appear as the oak dries.
With knowledgeable timber selection for the appropriate members of the frame, these shakes are kept to a minimum, although such characteristics of a timber frame are considered to be part of its charm and beauty.
12 Do I have to treat the oak in my timber frame?
You do not have to treat the oak with anything. Oak is naturally strong and very resistant to decay so we do not recommend any further treatments to enhance its longevity.
