Are you considering building a garage? If so, have you ever thought about the charm and durability that timber frame garages, specifically oak, might bring to your property? Let’s embark on a journey that will lead you to the solid oak garages, a timeless addition to your home that blends functionality with aesthetics.
Key Takeaways
- Timber frame garages offer aesthetic appeal, durability, and better insulation compared to other materials. They represent an eco-friendly option as they are built using sustainable practices like planting three new oak trees for each one harvested.
- There are various types of timber frame garages, including single-storey, multi-bay, and garages with rooms above, offering flexibility for different uses such as additional living or workspaces. Each type allows for customization in terms of design, size, and features to suit individual needs.
- Understanding planning permission is crucial when building a timber frame garage, with requirements varying depending on the garage’s size, height, and location. Maintenance involves simple but regular inspections to prevent issues like rotting timber or infestations, ensuring the longevity of the structure.
Benefits of Timber Frame Garages
Oak framed garages serve multiple purposes beyond housing your car or storing your tools; they demonstrate the aesthetic appeal and versatility of oak wood, epically when alongside a timber frame house. Oak frames impress with their durability and resistance to the elements, ensuring the longevity of oak garages, a feature that sets them apart from other oak buildings constructed from different materials.
But what about the environment, you ask? Well, you might be surprised to know that every oak framed garage is a small victory for the environment. Oak trees, from which the beams for the garage are sourced, have a capacity to absorb CO2 emissions. Plus, for every oak tree harvested, three new ones are planted. This makes the construction of our oak garages a sustainable practice, contributing to the reduction of carbon footprint.
Regarding insulation, timber frame garages clearly outperform their peers. The cellular structure of timber contains tiny air pockets, which allow it to retain heat better than other materials like steel or masonry. This makes oak framed garages a cosy haven in the winter months, a feature that is sure to be appreciated by any hobbyist needing a warm space to work in.
Types of Timber Frame Garages
Choosing timber frame garages offers a great deal of flexibility. With an array of types to choose from, you’re bound to find a design that suits your needs and preferences. You have a plethora of choices, including:
- A single-storey garage for your car and outdoor storage
- A multi-bay garage for multiple vehicles or additional storage space
- A garage with rooms above for versatile living or working spaces
Single-Storey Garages
Single-storey garages, as the name suggests, are compact and practical. Here are some examples:
- Highgrove oak framed garage: boasts a full-height depth and no cat slide roof
- Canterbury garage: a larger carport with 3m bay widths, perfect for larger vehicles
- The Cotswold: maximizes space with the Little Gloucester footprint
These garages, made from oak tree wood, provide strength and durability that you can rely on. With all our garages, you can be confident in the quality of the materials used, including the garage doors.
Regarding customization, there are numerous possibilities. For instance, the Canterbury garage offers various roof ends and stores, and can be extended up to a depth of 6.4m. Plus, you can even include log stores if needed. And if you’re worried about planning permission, suppliers like Oakwrights provide all essential planning drawings for submission and offer guidance throughout the entire planning approval process.
To top it off, you can either have the garage installed by the supplier’s team or opt for a garage kit for a DIY assembly.
Multi-Bay Garages
If you need a larger space for multiple vehicles or extra storage, multi-bay garages could be a good fit. These garages offer:
- A cost-effective alternative to brick or block garages
- A sturdy and long-lasting framework that ensures durability
- Thicker walls that naturally insulate the garage, a significant advantage.
A multi-bay garage can accommodate multiple vehicles with options available from single to four-bay arrangements. For instance, a triple oak framed garage may have dimensions starting at 9.1m (30’) x 5.4m (18’) and featuring 3.0m (10’) wide openings for each bay. But the versatility doesn’t end there. These garages also offer customization options like the incorporation of upper floors for increased storage space and a selection of roof styles to improve both the appearance and functionality of the garage.
Garages with Rooms Above
If you’re looking to maximize space and functionality, then garages with rooms above are the perfect choice. The benefits of these structures go beyond just parking your car. They provide additional living or workspace options, such as:
- a workshop
- a studio
- a home office
- additional living space
The roof pitch can be adjusted to accommodate the desired height and appearance of the rooms above, making it suitable for various roofing materials, including cedar shingles.
The rooms above can be customized to accommodate various living or working spaces such as:
- extra living accommodation
- home gyms
- outdoor music rooms
- hobby areas
These garage kits feature a durable oak frame construction, made with high-quality green oak timbers and traditional timber frame joints, providing strength and a classic look. The room above adds versatility to the structure, offering potential for various uses. They are available with either open or closed end stores, a choice of roof ends, and offer two depth options, thus catering to a myriad of individual needs and enhancing the overall aesthetics of your home.
Customizing Your Timber Frame Garage
The appeal of a bespoke oak garage extends beyond its aesthetics to its adaptability. You can personalize the garage with tailored plans, adjusting the bay width, depth, and height to cater to your specific requirements. This means you can create a garage that fits perfectly into your space and meets your unique needs.
Plus, you can select from a variety of design elements to personalize your garage. Whether it’s opting for a gable roof design, adding unique features, or selecting various cladding materials, the possibilities are endless. Plus, you can select from various window types such as hopper, egress, transom, casement, flush, and awning windows, each offering unique style and functionality.
Building Materials and Techniques
The construction of oak timber frame garages employs traditional jointing techniques such as birdsmouth joints for rafters and mortice & tenon joints for studding. These contribute to the creation of a robust and long-lasting structure. This is a testament to the belief that the strongest, most durable, and most aesthetically pleasing garages are constructed using carefully selected timber, with an emphasis on craftsmanship and expertise, particularly when utilizing oak.
The construction of oak timber frames for garages involves the use of sustainable materials like high-quality oak beams from Europe’s best forests and environmentally-friendly sealants such as OSMO 420 protection oil for optional boarding. To maintain structural integrity, it is recommended to pre-drill the oak battens. Moreover, Solid Oak Garages provides a detailed PDF booklet that offers further information on proper fitting techniques.
Planning Permission and Regulations
Understanding the planning permission requirements is a key consideration when planning to build a timber frame garage. In some cases, single-story, one and two bay timber framed garages may not require planning permission, as long as they are under 30m2 in floor area and under 4.0m in ridge height. However, it’s always advisable to consult with your local planning authority as regulations may differ.
For multi-bay timber frame garages and garages with rooms above, the planning laws and regulations differ. Depending on the structure’s size and height, planning permission may be necessary. Furthermore, if a garage exceeds 15m² in floor area, it will require building regulations approval regardless of planning permission.
In the case of garages with rooms above, it is imperative that they are not constructed on the side of the property, and if the structure surpasses 10 square meters in floor area, planning permission is likely to be necessary.
Assembly and Construction Process
The assembly and construction process of timber frame garages promises a smooth process. Here are the steps involved:
- The delivery time for an oak structure is estimated to be 9-11 weeks from the agreement of final drawings.
- The garage arrives in kit form, packaged on a pallet.
- This kit form allows for easy assembly whether by yourself or by a team of professionals.
Before leaving the workshop, the garage is put together, raised, labelled, and taken apart to guarantee the presence and accuracy of all components. It is necessary to enlist the expertise of a builder to establish the foundations for your Oak kit and to subsequently assemble the Oak structure.
Maintenance and Care Tips
Maintenance is relatively simple once your timber frame garage is installed. Oak frame garages generally require minimal maintenance due to the inherent resistance of the timber. It is advisable to:
- Seal and treat the wood before the final installation to preserve its original colour.
- Despite the natural occurrence of splits and fissures, they do not weaken the wood.
- Regular inspections are recommended to detect any possible issues at an early stage.
However, be aware of possible disadvantages of timber such as:
- damaged or rotting timber
- deteriorating finishes
- wet and dry rot
- insect or fungal infestations
- dampness
To protect your garage from pests, methods like the mechanical impregnation of timber at the factory, manual timber processing, or the application of wood preservers that prevent mould and rot can be utilized.
Timber Frame Garage Gallery
The Timber Frame Garage Gallery, offering a collection of images from previous projects, can serve as a source of inspiration. Here, you’ll see how the use of diverse building materials and techniques can shape the overall appearance and individuality of each garage. However, please bear in mind that these images are protected under copyright law and cannot be used for your own purposes without proper permission.
Choosing the Right Supplier
Expertise and quality should be your primary considerations when selecting a supplier for your timber frame garage. Some reputable suppliers for timber frame garages include:
- Oak Timber Structures: They employ staff with a background in the timber sector, offering valuable knowledge on every facet of utilizing oak for structures.
- Hortons Group
- Passmores
- Quick Garden
Before choosing a supplier, make sure to ask about:
- The data they require for an accurate estimate
- Their competence in answering common questions about timber garages
- Where they source their timber
- Advice on selecting the correct garage size
- Their recommendation on the type of timber best suited for constructing a wooden garage
Look for excellent communication, a willingness to assist and respond to inquiries, and the provision of superior build quality and workmanship – these are indicators of good customer service.
Cost Considerations
It’s essential to understand the cost factors associated with building a timber frame garage. The primary determinant of the cost of oak framed garage kits is the material costs. Moreover, customization does not result in additional charges, enabling personalization without incurring extra cost.
The cost of constructing an oak framed garage varies depending on the size of the product, and builders usually assess the 3D drawings before furnishing a quotation. And to assist you in your decision-making process, prospective purchasers have the option to acquire a cost-free, non-binding quote for oak framed garage kits.
Summary
From understanding the benefits and types of timber frame garages to exploring customization options, building materials and techniques, planning permissions and regulations, assembly and construction process, maintenance and care tips, and cost considerations, we’ve travelled a long way in the world of solid oak garages. Choosing the right supplier and getting inspired through the Timber Frame Garage Gallery brings us to the end of this journey. But remember, every end is a new beginning, and your adventure with solid oak garages has just begun.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need planning permission for an oak garage?
Yes, you will usually require planning permission for an oak framed garage with room above. To be certain, it’s best to book a meeting with your local planning authority to review your plans and seek advice.
How long do oak garages last?
An oak garage can last over two hundred years if constructed and maintained properly, with many historic buildings in Britain and Europe serving as examples to support this.
How much does it cost to build a wooden garage in the UK?
Building a wooden garage in the UK can cost anywhere from £5,000 to £12,000, depending on the size and quality you choose.
What are the advantages of a timber frame garage?
Timber frame garages offer numerous advantages, including eco-friendliness, durability, timeless aesthetics, and superior insulation properties. These benefits make them a great choice for a garage.
How can I customize my timber frame garage?
You can customize your timber frame garage with tailored plans that include adjustable bay dimensions, design elements, and window types, allowing for personalization and flexibility in the construction process.
