we will offer a telephone
hotline support to anyone in need of support when erecting.
Q: Will I need planning
permission?
A:
Very often you will not require planning permission for porches; however,
you can only be sure by asking your local authority as it can vary
by region. Sheds, garages and garden buildings usually do not need
permission under 4m high at the apex and with a footprint less than
30 sq m overall but, once again, these need to be checked with your
local authority.
Q: If I need planning permission
can you help?
A: Yes.
We have a qualified Architectural Design Technician and a planning
service to take away any worries you may have.
A: Oak,
as with all wood, is called green before it is seasoned. Oak, once
planked and laid down, will season approximately 1” per year
but this depends upon the drying conditions. The moisture content
of green oak is much higher than seasoned oak and it will weigh much
more.
Q: Doesn’t green oak stain
when it comes into contact with iron?
A: Due
to the tannic acid content in green oak any ferrous items will immediately
stain the surface of freshly cut oak. Once sufficiently surface dry
or given a protective coat this phenomenon diminishes. However, in
the early stages even leaning a hammer on the surface can leave a
bruise mark. The acid will also severely corrode any ferrous items
it contacts. For this reason either galvanised, BZP or stainless steel
fastenings are required with unseasoned oak.
A:
This depends upon many conditions such as the quality of the oak,
the ambient temperatures and conditions and the size of the piece.
A thin strip may curl right up whereas a 5” beam will not. Construction
grade oak is selected for fewer faults and will retain shape better.
Once oak is held in place it will shrink and crack in situ and not
be allowed to move. Rest assured, this material and these methods
have been used for millennia and well constructed the shrinkage will
only enhance.
A:
Oak is essentially maintenance free having high resistance to both
weather and infestation. If no finish is applied the oak will weather
and turn silver over years and this silver finish is the wood’s
own protection, underneath the oak will stay sound. Alternatively,
for outdoor projects, a light coat of oil, or a thin wash with good
quality varnish will bring out the grain and the golden hues and retain
them. A fresh coat every couple of years (to maintain the covering)
is all that is required.
Q: What about the finish on furniture
items?
A:
All our indoor furniture items are finished with Bri-Wax which will
need the occasional re-polish. Any items used outside will have Danish
oil applied, unless otherwise requested by the customer. Again, a
periodic re-coat is all that is required.
A:
Where a structure is fixed to the building we suggest either expansion
fixings or resin bonded fastenings (depending upon the soundness of
the building). These are fixed through wall plates that support and
hold the structure to the wall. The upright members are drilled to
accept stainless steel pegs which stick out of the ground. When “socketed”
over the floor pegs the uprights are restricted at the bottom and
held into place by the weight (usually in excess of ¼ tonne)
and the fixing of the upper sections.
Q: How easy would it be for me
to erect my own porch or garage etc?
A:
If you are competent at DIY and you can read a tape measure it shouldn’t
be a problem. Our kits are supplied with drawings and instructions
and they fit together like a huge meccano set, including all the fixings.
You will, however, require two people and access equipment
as the oak will be heavy. Larger structures like garages and sheds
will have exactly the same requirements except the footings will need
to be larger and deeper but all the same principles apply. We can
offer all aspects of the installation should you wish.