What makes an oak frame special?

Oak Framed BuildingsOak makes an extremely suitable building frame for many reasons:

Strength
Robustness is obviously vital for most building frames. Often, the structure must support the heavy load of a roof and possibly a storey above, and of course, it will also need to withstand the huge forces of nature; any failure could be catastrophic. Your frame will be designed to make the most of the material's strength. For instance, specific attention is paid to high stress areas where particular cuts of timber are chosen to utilise the natural strength of wood from different parts of the tree.

Durability
If a frame is designed well, built from the correct material, and in the correct way, it will last many, many, years — and very probably longer than a typical modern building.

Attractiveness
Natural wood is a very beautiful building material. Not only is the wood itself exquisite, but the structure is open to artistic input and personalised design elements. A traditionally constructed oak framed building is not just a practical structure, in the right hands, it can be a work of art.

Low maintenance
Oak is a naturally hard and durable material, increasingly so as it ages. It is best left in its natural state.

To utilise all the benefits of oak takes a wealth of experience. Your building will be planned, designed, constructed and assembled by someone who deeply understands what can and what can't be done with this wonderful material. If you have the capability and choose to assemble yourself, or have your own contractor, then frames can also be produced on a 'supply only' basis, with a full advice service.

Pictures showing oak framed building construction

Paul Rigden Specialist Carpenter and Joiner