Unsure if building an oak frame house is right for you? Here are some answers to questions you might have.

I’m not keen on a traditional look, can you design a modern home?

The beauty of an oak-framed house is you can choose how much oak to have on display. Some self-builders love a traditional feel where the whole skeleton of the oak frame is exposed and can be seen throughout the house. For a more contemporary look, conceal the smaller ‘ribs’ of the frame (which can be made from softwood so you are not covering up oak) and keep the focus on the main oak timbers. You’ll still be able to appreciate the oak detailing and handcrafted finish.

My house needs to feel warm and be energy efficient, can an oak frame do this?

Absolutely. An oak frame is infilled with insulated panels. Or go a step further and make your home airtight by wrapping the frame with structural insulated panels (SIPs). You can install triple glazing, underfloor heating, a woodburner – and any kind of renewable energy system. Some self-builders have been able to build an oak frame house to Passivhaus standards.

I’ve already got a design, do I have to start again?

No, we can work with architect’s drawings and turn them into a buildable oak-framed house. We’ll involve you in the process and make suggestions so you can be sure the revised design maximises the opportunity of building in oak. That said, we also have an in-house team who can work with your ideas from scratch. We’ve got plenty of off-the-shelf designs to get you thinking but ultimately our goal is to create a house that’s exactly right for you.

I want to build the house myself, is that possible?

Yes! At Welsh Oak Frame we offer a flexible way of working. Once the design has been signed off we’ll give you a delivery date and plans for the foundations. While you’re handling the groundworks, we’ll be building your oak frame in our workshop – you’re welcome to come along and see the process in action. One of the team will come to site and check the foundations before delivery. We’ll put together the large A frames ready to be craned into place on site while the remaining components will be packaged together, ready to be built by hand. When the frame is erected and we have installed any other products included in your package, you’ll pick up the reins. But we’ll be at the end of the phone or email to answer any questions until your house is finished.

I saw an oak frame house with black marks on the wood, is this permanent?

No. Tannin leaks from the oak as it dries out and if it isn’t wiped away can cause dark staining. It’s a good idea to clean the whole frame once the house is weathertight. You can remove any marks with oxalic acid. An oil or wax finish will help preserve the natural honey colour inside. Oil and seal outside if you don’t want the oak to silver in the elements.

I’ve heard the oak moves after the house is built, how does it remain structurally sound?

An oak frame is built from green oak that contains moisture. Over time, the timbers dry out and shrink, which tightens the joints and causes the house to become stronger and more stable. This is why it’s important to work with an experienced design team who will have engineered the design to deal with this. For example, surface-mounted glazing with a flexible joint allows the frame to move without causing problems to windows and doors.

Am I limited to the type of cladding I can have?

No, an oak frame house can be clad in brick, stone, timber boards or rendered, offering many style options, which can be combined. This is ideal in areas where the planning authority expects your new home to tie-in with the local vernacular.