Contact us 01889 597 283 | contact@oaktimberstructures.co.uk
Contact us 01889 597 283 | contact@oaktimberstructures.co.uk
It's likely you've found yourself reading this after settling on the timeless oak frame for your home improvement project, the next question is, where do you start? In this guide we walk you through the design process, offer top tips and delve into what structures are available.
These steps are crucial so its important to ensure you're completely happy with the process and what or who you use for designing.
The structure itself is the core of your design, so once you establish which structure you want, everything else will fall into place.
There are structures for the home:
Then there are also garden structures:
Deciding the structure is the beginning of your journey. Placement will be your first call, so a structure for home or garden? From there, you can start narrowing down the structures.
Here’s a common thought process. A pergola is a timeless choice for the garden, creating a defined, recreational spot. They’re often used alongside climbing plants to create shade. While a popular choice, it’s worth exploring similar options like the humble lean-to. Further reading: pergola vs lean-to comparison.
For instance, if you want a roof out of the box (or kit), a lean-to can come with battens and shingles or tiles. So, for a recreational hub and instant weather protection, a lean-to is ideal.
But traditionally, a lean-to runs along an existing wall. While we do have the option for lean-tos to be freestanding, you might want a garden structure to standalone away from your building.
In that case, a gazebo might be more suited. It's standalone with roof protection and will create an outdoor living space. So you can see how unique structures have varying uses and purposes.
For the home:
We’re on hand throughout the design and customisation stage. So, if you're unsure or just want guidance, call us or drop us an email. We can help point you in the right direction.
The structure's shape is the first decision in customisation. Geometry plays a big part in making the structure look at home in your space.
You don't need a massive footprint. There are shapes for smaller spaces. When talking about outdoor structures such as pergolas and gazebos, there are triangular and L-shaped designs that slot nicely into a corner.
There are even ways to make the most of the space with internal trusses. A Raised Tie Truss allows for more headroom than a King Truss for example.
Shape isn’t all about space saving though. Sometimes, you just can’t resist the aesthetic appeal. From double-linked gazebos to 2-step pergolas, there are shapes for all products to match your tastes.
The length, width, height, and post thickness are all adjustable with every structure. These specifics will make a structure that looks perfect for the space you’re working with.
You can adjust the structures by just 0.1 metres, so 10cm. Such minute details enable you to design a structure made-to-measure for even the trickiest of spaces.
Think about your space and consider what’s appropriate. You don’t want a structure to overpower rather characterise your home or garden. So adjust the size with this in mind.
If you've got vast amounts of square footage, you'll obviously have wriggle room. This opens the door to larger structures that can accommodate kitchens and alfresco dining. But as a general rule, the size is about defining an area rather than overwhelming it.
With the basic shape and size in place, you can go deeper into the bespoke process. Each product has a unique Online Designer which has distinct features for you to try.
When selecting working with a porch, for example, you can change the porch type, front truss style, add timber roofing, balustrades on the side and even engrave your name into the tie beam. Balustrades are a feature available on gazebos too, or you have the option for full side coverage for added privacy.
Then, garages have some monumental customisations and additions to include. A roof room with access via stairs attached to the side gives your design an upstairs room to use for whatever you want. So not only do you get garage space, there’s a functional room above to use for anything from an office to a gym. Here are top tips for garage customisation.
A lot of the further details are all about you and your needs. Whether you want roof protection, increased privacy, more functional space, or sometimes it’s simply all about the aesthetics.
Steeped in tradition, oak structures boast classic aesthetics, but what's often overlooked is their versatility. Oak structures blend with both traditional and modern properties.
Every structure can have a modern twist, even the traditional porch. The lean-to porch option with the thinnest beam thickness is a stylish choice to match modern properties. We go into more detail on porch specifics in contemporary oak porch designs.
With the timeless design of a pergola, we’ve pushed the boundaries so you can now have a sleek, modern version of a classic. Select no overhang, which means the crossmembers don’t go beyond the top beams. And alongside dovetailed cross member joints, the visual is even more streamlined, perfect for a modern look.
By using the design features, oak structures have the adaptability to work for every property. As for oak, it’s an ageless, always trending addition as you can see from our top design trends for 2024 article which echo's the trendiness of an oak structure.
In a recent article, 2026 Interior Design Trends, The Guild of Property Professionals stated... "warm woods such as oak and walnut are adding depth". Furthermore, Ideal Home published an article The Home Decor Trends Taking Over in 2026. In which Marianne Shillingford, a creative director at Dulux, says "warm timbers invite touch and comfort".
The celebration of oak in both home and garden design continues. As trends come and go, the appeal of natural materials, especially oak, never fades.
And with bespoke designs at your fingertips, you can choose to be as elaborate or as minimalist as you choose. Any oak structure is a long-term investment, so instead of following trends, design something for you. Then it'll become as timeless as the oak it's made from.
An oak kit is a complete structure, flat-packed into tidy, efficient packages. They include:
So, basically, everything you need. Then it's a case of assembling the parts to make a luxury structure for your home or garden.
Every structure we make is custom-built, so each kit will be different. For example, a pergola kit may have crossmembers and the staddle stones on which it stands. A large garage will be a more extensive kit, which can include more parts and extras such as timber cladding.
The kit method is a tried-and-true way to own a tailor-made oak structure with speed and efficiency. For a more comprehensive look at: why kit form oak structures are the smart design choice
We’re just beginning. New products with Online Designers are always landing on our website. The latest products include:
Keep an eye on social media, where new products are announced. If you think there’s something missing, then send us your concept with the knowledge that if you have a vision, we’ll make it out of oak and deliver it in kit form.
So designing and customising oak framed structures is not only straightforward, it’s also a world of possibilities. Visit the product pages on OakTimberStructures.co.uk where you’ll find Online Designers at the top of each page.
You can use them from a smartphone, laptop, or computer, and at every stage the Online Designer will give you a real-time quote. The tool also allows you to archive designs to visit later and share your 3D blueprints. You can save multiple designs to give yourself some thinking time.
And if there’s a structure not available? You can still design and customise, contact us for a consultation, and we’ll work alongside you to take your vision from an idea into the workshop before becoming a show-stopping feature in your home or garden.
