Oak Porches Guide: Everything You Need to Know
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Add character, shelter, and extra space to your home with one simple addition.
An oak porch is a stunning architectural feature that offers a range of advantages to your home.
If you’re considering an oak porch for your home, our guide will help you understand the types of porches available, the budget you will need, planning regulations and requirements, and much more.
Benefits of Oak Porches
There are many reasons why installing an oak frame porch on your property is beneficial; we explore some of these reasons below.
Durability and Longevity
Oak is particularly durable, with a natural resistance to rot, fungal infections, pests and insects, and will retain its integrity for decades if properly cared for.
Adds Aesthetic Value to Your Home
Increase the kerb appeal of your property with oak – one of the most aesthetically pleasing materials you can build with.
Provides Extra Space
By installing a porch onto your property, you can extend your storage capacity, with additional room for shoes, coats, umbrellas, and so on.
Increased Home Value
The above benefits increase the value of your home; this is especially true when working with oak, a luxury material.
Protection from the Elements
With an overhead canopy, porches provide shelter from the rain when accessing or leaving your property. Enclosed porches further buffer the wind and act as an insulating barrier in the colder months.
Types of Oak Porches
There are several different common types of oak porches available, ensuring no matter your style preference, budget, or practical requirements, there will be a suitable porch type for your property.
An open porch is a four-posted structure with an open front and sides; some open porches may feature a brick plinth or dwarf wall to partially enclose it.
Enclosed Porches
This porch features brick walls or glazing to fully enclose the structure, making it an extension of the home which is suitable for the storage of items or a seating area.
Canopy
The canopy is the simplest porch structure and consists of an overhead canopy that adds character and dimension to a home.
Oak Porch Kits
A final option is ordering an oak porch kit. No matter the style and size of the porch, at Enville Oak, we can provide porch kits that are ready for easy installation.
These kits are designed to help you create a beautiful oak porch for your home. While putting them together yourself is a budget-friendly option, it may take some time and effort. You'll need the right tools to make the process easier. You will also have to arrange any additional materials, such as glazing or brickwork.
Things to Consider Before Building an Oak Porch
There are several more elements to consider before investing in an oak porch to make sure the process is as smooth as possible.
Local Planning Regulations and Requirements
Porches typically fall under permitted development, meaning you don’t have to secure planning permission. However, there are some exemptions to this you need to be aware of; see our guide to timber frame regulations for more on this.
Budget Considerations
Your budget is an important element to consider, since it will dictate the size and design of the porch. Brickwork, glazing, the amount of oak used, and the complexity of the design will all affect material and labour costs.
Design Options and Styles
Oak is easily personalised, especially when working with oak specialists such as Enville Oak. Because of this, there are many design options and styles to choose from, whether you’re drawn to something more complex or prefer to keep things simple.
Complementing the existing style and size of your property is often a priority for many homeowners when designing their porch.
Purpose
The purpose of the oak porch should also be a consideration in these initial stages; do you require a porch for additional storage space or is it simply for aesthetics?
Maintenance and Care for Oak Porches
One question many people have when it comes to building with oak is its maintenance requirements.
Oak is a low maintenance material and does not need any treatment if you prefer to be completely hands-off. However, for those looking to preserve colour and enhance natural properties, your oak can be treated with preservatives, finishes and coatings. Treatment will need to be reapplied every few years.
A porch is a great addition to your home, and oak is a leading material to work with if you’re considering this. With its versatility and timeless look, it is a durable and low-maintenance option to create your bespoke porch.
For more information on building with oak, reach out to Enville Oak today.
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