5 Benefits of Building With Oak Frame

Much of the appeal of oak frame construction is down to the charm and character that the wood adds. It creates instant focal points throughout the building, providing interest and wow factor in even the smallest corner. But there are many reasons why this construction method is a brilliant choice:

1. Eco-Friendly & Energy Efficient

Oak is a sustainable and energy efficient building material. The process of harvesting, preparing and transporting oak uses less energy compared to the manufacture and transportation of some other building materials.

Oak is a natural insulator and is non-toxic. It can be incorporated with all the different eco tech out there to maximise your sustainability goals. Most suppliers source their timber from sustainably managed woodlands, where more trees are planted than taken.

2. Versatile Design Potential

Oak frame buildings can be in a traditional or contemporary style. Modern builds have a more stripped back aesthetic whereas traditional designs tend to feature more oak. Are you looking for a standard oak frame or do you want wow factor details? Certain features can only be achieved through handcrafting – but not all oak suppliers offer this, so make sure you work with the right company for your vision.

Oak frame can be combined with other forms of construction, including softwood timber frame, brick and block, and SIPs. Oak and softwood are frequently used together.

This wow factor oak frame home features expansive glazing. Photo: Nikhilesh Haval

You can use the oak in the main living spaces to create visual impact and have a different method for ‘hidden’ parts of the design. For instance, floor joists and less important rooms (such as the utility, cloakroom and bathrooms) could be built with softwood framing, allowing you to focus your budget on the areas that matter most.

3. Quick On-Site Build

Oak frames are manufactured off-site, which can cut both time and costs. The shorter build programme will reduce the management required to supervise and coordinate on-site contractors. Compared with systems like bricks and mortar, external factors that cause delays, such as bad weather, are less of a factor. On average, a Welsh Oak Frame house shell can take anywhere between one to three weeks to erect.

4. Single Supplier for a Large Chunk of Your Project

Depending on the type of package taken out with your oak frame supplier, a large and specialist chunk of your self build project is managed by a single company. This means you can be more involved with other areas of the build. You also get an agreed price in advance for a substantial amount of your project.

Exposed oak makes a beautiful and stunning focal point in the home

Some oak frame companies offer turnkey packages, others limit to shell-only, and some will allow you to pick and mix the products and services you require depending on your chosen level of involvement. Always go with a supplier that suits how you’d like to run your project.

5. Not as Expensive as You Might Think

Contrary to popular belief, building with an oak doesn’t have to cost a fortune. You can keep prices down and still get a stunning oak home.

When you’re looking for a supplier, discuss your budget from the start. Seeking someone who has extensive knowledge of both the construction process and their build system will avoid problems further down the line. The package route you choose will impact on costs – savings could be made, for example, if you take on the role of managing the trades, quantifying and ordering materials.