Service
Oak & timber frame construction
Hand-cut green oak frames, roof trusses and complete buildings — for homes across Bournemouth, Wimborne and the wider Dorset countryside.
Our skilled carpenters, headed up by local craftsman Andy Shervington, are experienced in traditional timber frame construction methods for oak — or chestnut — structures.
We can provide in-house, off-site fabrication of green oak roof trusses, or even complete buildings, for assembly on site. Every frame is pegged and jointed using traditional methods, with no modern fixings required. The result is a beautiful and strong structure that should last for hundreds of years.
The character of green oak
Green oak structures can be left rough, sanded, or shotblasted — the latter being a very popular approach, which softens the appearance of the new timbers and ages them slightly. Timbers can be aged, distressed, their edges chamfered, or even sculpted so that beams appear to have been ‘hewn’ by hand.
It is this attention to finish that lets a brand-new frame sit comfortably within an old building, or gives a new extension the warmth and presence of something that has always been there.
We can employ reclaimed timbers as exposed beams within new extensions, or construct complete timber roofs from reclaimed timber to give the appearance of an historic building.
Repairs & reclaimed timber
Cosmetic or structural repairs, and the replacement of timbers in existing structures, can also be carried out sympathetically — using green, air-dried or reclaimed timbers to suit the building. We can employ reclaimed timbers as exposed beams within new extensions, or construct complete timber roofs from reclaimed timber to give the appearance of an historic building.
What we offer in timber
- Green oak (and chestnut) frames, made and raised by hand
- Off-site fabrication of roof trusses and complete buildings
- Traditional pegged and jointed construction — no modern fixings
- Aged, distressed, chamfered and hand-‘hewn’ finishes
- Sympathetic repair and replacement of existing timbers
- Reclaimed-timber beams, roofs and feature structures
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between green oak and seasoned oak for a timber frame?
Green oak is freshly sawn, still high in moisture; air-dried or seasoned oak has lost much of that moisture over years. Green oak is the traditional choice for framing because it is easier to work and cut joints in, and it costs less. As it dries in place it shrinks across the grain (a few percent) and develops natural surface cracks, called shakes. A well-designed, pegged frame tightens as this happens. Every project differs, so we advise on the right material for your build.
Will a green oak frame crack, and is that a problem?
Yes, and it is normal rather than a fault. As green oak seasons it shrinks mainly across the grain and develops surface shakes; most visible movement happens in the first couple of years and continues slowly for longer. These shakes very rarely affect structural integrity when the frame is correctly designed, jointed and pegged. Traditional mortice-and-tenon joints with oak pegs actually tighten as the timber dries. We design for this movement from the outset.
Do I need planning permission or Listed Building Consent for an oak frame extension?
It depends on the work. Some single-storey extensions fall under permitted development, but limits on size, height and proximity to boundaries apply, and permitted development rights are removed or reduced for listed buildings, conservation areas and some other designations. If your property is listed, Listed Building Consent is almost always required for alterations, separate from planning permission. We can advise during a consultancy visit and recommend confirming with your local authority before work begins.
What timbers do you use for framing, and how long does an oak frame last?
We work mainly in green oak and sweet chestnut, both durable British hardwoods well suited to traditional framing and exposed structures. Properly designed, jointed and detailed, an oak frame can last for centuries, as surviving medieval barns and houses demonstrate. Longevity depends on good design, keeping the timber able to breathe and dry, and sensible detailing to shed water. We tailor timber choice and joinery to each project, so do ask for a tailored quote.
Start a project