The seven stages that define our consistent and high-quality standards with every oak construction project

One of the many qualities of oak is its versatility. Much of its popularity today is its ability to blend well with a traditional or contemporary home. An oak frame is an ultimate superstructure by lending itself to flowing, open-plan spaces uninterrupted by supporting walls or pillars.

The possibilities for a contemporary building design are endless. Whether as an extension to your existing home or a standalone structure, our designers can help you achieve your vision.

As a natural building material, oak timber is good news for the planet. Firstly, when oak trees grow, they absorb greenhouse gases. Much of this CO2 remains locked into the timber and is stored in the oak structures we see around us.  

Secondly, the ‘embodied energy’ required to process, produce, and transport oak timber is lower than most other popular building materials, resulting in significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions. We source all our oak and softwood from certified forests (PEFC, FSC) practising ‘fell – plant – grow’ sustainability.

All our oak-framed building and kit projects are supplied or installed to the following finish:

Walls: Softwood studded (internal) walls covered with a waterproof membrane.

Floor:  Weatherproof, dirt, and slip-proof particleboard flooring.

Roof: Softwood battens covered with a waterproof membrane.

All our FSC Certified Softwood is weatherproof and resistant to rot, mould, and insect attack. They also comply with Timber Development UK guidance.

Feel free to choose your own bespoke level of finish while we can also provide panel insulation systems, plasterboard, plastering, roof tiling, electricity, and plumbing installation at your request.

A surprising number of oak home improvement projects don’t require planning permission and fall under PermittedDevelopment (PD) Rights. We offer a range of handcrafted oak-framed garages, and garden offices in kit form, including designs specifically developed to meet PD.

However, we recommend checking with your local planning authority before any building work begins, especially if you live in a designated area or a listed building. For example, if your plans include removing and rebuilding or a sizeable extension, you will probably require planning consent.

We have provided a summary of oak buildings that do not require planning permission on our service pages.

The Planning Portal provides a wealth of information and processes online planning applications. We recommend a visit to the site before moving forward with your project.

As well as planning permission, if your project is covered by PD, you may require additional planning consent (reports & assessments). For example, if you live on a flood plain or in an area of archaeological interest or conservation area. To learn more, click on additional planning consents.

Here at Mitre Oak, we have many years of experience in the planning permission process and will be able to advise you on any initial planning considerations.  

Should your build require planning permission, we offer a complimentary ‘Planning Service’ that manages the process for you, including the preparation and submission of all the necessary designs, specifications, and plans. This service considers local authority planning fees and any additional reports and assessments that may be required.

Planning permission can take anything from 8-14 weeks. We recommend speaking to your local planning authority for a realistic guide.

From the initial submission of documentation to the final granting of planning permission, timescales vary from one local planning authority to another. It all depends on the complexity of the application and the department’s workload.

Permitted development (PD) rights enable homeowners to undertake home improvement and conversion projects without having to make a planning application. These regulations are subject to conditions and limitations to control impacts and protect local amenities.

To find out more and get an idea of whether your project meets PD, refer to the planning permission FAQ above.

Mitre Oak provides a turnkey service that takes care of every element of the build and installation. So, all you need to do is decide on your decoration and furnishing.

Oak is an ideal natural insulator and outperforms masonry, steel, and aluminium. It’s also an efficient temperature regulator in hot or cold conditions. With the addition of panel insulation systems and temperature-regulating glass, an oak-framed building provides a living space that can be enjoyed whatever the weather.

Once built, a green oak-framed structure will slowly start to lose its moisture to the atmosphere. This natural seasoning increases its density and strength. As it dries the timber will gradually shrink by up to 4% across the grain but not along its length. Most of this subtle movement happens in the first one to two years and traditional carpentry methods use it to strengthen and lock joints.

The seasoning of green oak often causes small splits along the grain and sometimes gentle twisting of the timber. This effect naturally dissipates the impact of shrinkage along the oak and does not affect the structural integrity of the frame. Small splits and twists are often visible in ancient oak beams and have been embraced for hundreds of years as part of the timbers’ character and charm.

Centuries upon centuries of oak frame architecture stand testament to the durability of this iconic building material. Oak frames rarely require maintenance except fora few specific scenarios.

Outside: When left to ‘season’ naturally, the exterior of green oak-framed buildings doesn’t need treatment and remains maintenance-free, eventually weathering to a beautiful silver grey.

Occasionally we are asked whether the honey colour of the new oak frame can be preserved externally. This issue is possible through the application of a UV protective oil but requires an ongoing commitment to repeat the treatment regularly.

Inside: As the inside of the oak frame seasons and without the influence of the weather, it retains more of its original colour before fading to a pale honey tone. Modern-day heating and living expose building interiors to new microclimates that can affect the oak.

In rooms subject to high humidity, such as kitchens or bathrooms we recommend applying a protective oil to your oak frames. This protective measure will prevent the oak from receiving moisture from the atmosphere that could make its well. Plus, the oil will also stop staining from splashes.

Lastly, it’s important that central heating, log burners, or dehumidifiers in new oak buildings are limited to minimal use and placed on a low setting, particularly in enclosed or habitable buildings. Maintain this for a period of at least six to twelve months to enable the internal Oak Frame to dry out as naturally as possible. By doing this you will keep the movement of the oak as it seasons within expected tolerances.