For centuries, oak has been the backbone of British architecture, celebrated for its timeless beauty, strength, and connection to the natural world. At English Heritage Buildings, we continue that legacy by crafting bespoke oak-framed homes and extensions that honour traditional craftsmanship while embracing modern precision.
As the first oak frame manufacturer in the UK to hold Q-Mark certification, we guarantee a level of quality, durability, and attention to detail that stands apart. Every oak-framed structure we create, from garages and garden rooms to extensions and porches, is designed to bring warmth, longevity, and value to your home for generations to come.
We’re also proud to be specialists who know a great deal about oak itself, which we are happy to share with you here.
Why Homeowners Choose Green Oak
When you choose one of our oak-framed buildings, you’re choosing green oak. This is freshly cut timber that still contains natural moisture. It’s the same method that has been used in English carpentry for centuries and is renowned for creating frames that grow stronger and more characterful over time.
Green oak remains the material of choice for discerning homeowners because:
It’s Naturally Strong and Long-Lasting: Oak has an unmatched ability to stand the test of time. Many oak-framed buildings have lasted for hundreds of years, demonstrating the material’s enduring strength and resilience.
It Has a Precision Fit That Improves with Age: As green oak naturally dries, its joints tighten, locking the frame together for exceptional stability and strength. The result is a building that gets stronger over time.
It’s Completely Sustainable: Oak is a renewable, ethically sourced material that requires minimal processing. English Heritage Buildings’ wood is sourced from one responsibly managed forest that cultivates trees specifically for this purpose, and plants extra in their place.
It’s Warm, Inviting, and Full of Character: The subtle variations in oak’s grain, tone, and texture create a rich, authentic aesthetic that brings a sense of warmth and natural beauty to any home.
The Benefits of Oak for Your Home
Once you’ve decided on and installed a green oak-framed building, structure or extension, you’ll notice some other benefits for your property:
They’re Built to Last for Generations: Oak’s exceptional durability means your building or structure will continue to stand proudly long into the future, becoming part of your family’s story.
They’re Naturally Energy Efficient: Oak offers excellent natural insulation, meaning an extension, garden building, or closed garage will keep cooler in summer and warmer in winter, reducing energy costs while maintaining comfort.
They’re Low Maintenance, High Reward: Once in place, your oak frame requires little upkeep. With its natural resistance to moisture and decay, oak remains stable and beautiful with minimal intervention.
They Add Value and Elegance: An oak-framed extension or garden room enhances the use and visual appeal, and therefore the value, of your home, offering a timeless feature that future buyers or renters will appreciate.
Green Oak vs. Kiln-Dried or Air-Dried Oak
You may have heard of kiln-dried or air-dried oak, but when it comes to oak-framed buildings, nothing matches the benefits of green oak. Kiln-dried oak is dried artificially to speed up the process, but this can compromise the natural strength of the timber.
Meanwhile, air-dried oak takes years to dry fully, making it less practical for large structural frames.
Green oak, on the other hand, is cut and shaped while it’s still full of life. This allows for precise joinery and ensures the timber settles naturally once installed, creating the strong, seamless joints that oak framing is famous for.
What’s Involved in Drying Oak?
Drying oak beams involves removing moisture from the wood to reduce its weight. This, in turn, prevents warping or cracking and increases overall strength. The correct length of time for drying oak beams depends on the cross-section size, initial moisture content, and drying conditions.
In general, air drying is the most common method for drying oak beams. The beams are stacked with spacers between them to allow air circulation and are left in a dry, well-ventilated area where they will be protected from direct sunlight and rain.
It’s also important to note that not every oak frame manufacturer will be air-drying their oak correctly, or for the right length of time. Some may not be allowing sufficient time for the timber to dry fully, or may even be using substandard timber that has not been properly prepared for air drying.
How English Heritage Buildings Ensures Quality Oak
Every oak frame that leaves our workshop has been carefully selected from a responsibly managed French forest site that we’ve worked with for decades. It’s then graded at our workshop and cut to perfection. We only accept timber that meets our strict standards, from its grain angle to the quality of its knots. This meticulous approach guarantees a frame that is both beautiful and built to last for decades to come.
We’re proud to be the first UK oak frame manufacturer to hold BM TRADA’s Q-Mark certification, meeting 22 rigorous industry standards. As part of this, all grading is done by our in-house team of qualified experts, ensuring it meets exact specifications for your project.
Bring Heritage Home With an Oak-Framed Building
Whether you’re dreaming of a garden room, extension, garage, or porch, our expert team can bring your vision to life with a bespoke oak frame that stands as a true piece of English heritage. Request a brochure or get in touch with our friendly team to discuss your project and discover how we can help you bring timeless craftsmanship home.
