The Truth About Building Oak Structures in Autumn and Winter

Autumn is here, and as the nights draw, you might think it’s time to put grand oak structure plans on hold. But what if you didn’t have to?

We're here to set the record straight about building oak structures in autumn and winter. The truth is, building with oak in autumn and winter is not only viable, but it comes with unique benefits! So, let’s explore the limitations and opportunities in autumn and winter construction.

Cold Weather Building: The Myths Vs. The Facts.

Here are some common assumptions about building oak structures in colder weather. The question is, are they right, or do these myths need busting?

1. Myth: You Can’t Lay Foundations in the Cold

The truth is, you can. It just depends on how cold we’re talking. Oak structures need adequate foundations, and ideally, they should be ready to go when your oak kit arrives. If you’re embarking on the foundation stage by laying concrete, here’s what you need to know about doing it in extreme cold.

Extra precautions should be in place during the winter with concrete foundations. For starters, when storing cement, make sure it remains dry as moisture can spoil it. Additionally, you shouldn’t lay the concrete below 5ºC.

According to Cemex, if your concrete foundations are cooling below 0ºC, the freezing temperatures can damage the concrete, making it "useless". They go on to say, as long as the placed concrete mix is above at least 5ºC for the first 48 hours, it'll achieve permitted strength.

Levelling out the ground can be more difficult in freezing temperatures too. So, if you need to flatten the service for a structure, it's worth considering that it'll be harder to take a spade to frozen ground.

But we are talking about low temperatures here, and let's hope we're a way off reaching 0ºC here in the UK. It's food for thought when building in winter, maybe less of a concern in early autumn.

You can have a patio area ready to go, and in this scenario, you're all set. A solid patio can be an ideal foundation for a pergola and other oak garden structures. If you’re unsure whether a patio area is suitable, it's worth contacting your chosen builder to do a preliminary check of the area before booking them in and placing the order for your structure.

So, to put it simply, you can lay foundations in the cold as long as you’re not using cement in freezing conditions. We make sure your bespoke oak kit is ready to go upon arrival, all the carpentry work is complete, so if your foundations are in place, all that’s left is the smooth assembly.

2. Myth: Colder Weather Will Damage Timber

This all depends on the type of timber; oak, specifically, is a robust hardwood that can withstand the seasons with ease. Its use in construction for centuries and in varying climates stands as proof. Oak stands as a graceful construction mainstay to this day.

While softwood is prone to warping in cold conditions, oak is much more reliable. It'll maintain structural integrity for decades throughout the seasons and will remain durable in the coldest UK temperatures.

Storage is a consideration, and we impose a time limit on storage at our base. Once the kit is complete, we keep it in a controlled, stable environment. However, when working with green oak, it's natural and inevitable for shrinkage to occur.

Shrinkage is just moisture leaving the freshly sawn oak and in fact, our skilled workers use this to their advantage. The slow and gradual shrinking fuses joints. So what does this have to do with the seasons?

Low humidity and dry weather experienced in summer cause the green oak to release moisture faster. Whereas in autumn and winter, with high humidity, this process is slower.

Although shrinkage is slower in high humidity seasons, leaving a kit in storage for too long can cause joints to slightly misalign. You should prepare yourself for a swift build. Keep storage time to a minimum, and if you need to store for a short time, make sure the kit is off the ground, in a dry, well-ventilated space. But this is good practice whatever the season.

Our structures have a quality of oak and joinery that's ready to handle the seasons. You can further protect the already durable structure with treatment. It's down to personal preference, but for tips on how, see the article here.

So to summarise, oak is one of the best construction timbers and the cold that autumn and winter brings won’t damage an assembled structure. Changes in oak do occur but that’s regardless of the seasons.


3. Myth: The Build of an Oak Structure Takes Longer in Winter

This can work both ways. On one hand, harsh weather can cause delays, but building after summer can actually be faster since it’s not a busy season in construction.

For larger projects such as oak extensions, there’s a process. Architectural approvals, inspections and planning permission can bottleneck during the busy late spring and summer. Starting in autumn often means a speedier process through the system.

A good builder, most of the time, can rarely start right away even in shoulder season. That’s to be expected. But if arranging your bespoke kit to arrive in autumn or winter, you’ll have more of a chance of securing your choice of builder before the rush. With a streamlined schedule, your builder is more likely to have fewer concurrent projects, allowing them to focus on your kit and project.

Material availability and delivery also tend to be more readily available. For oak structures that require some brickwork such as porches and garden rooms, that can streamline the process. At Oak Timber Structures, we're transparent about our lead times. You can find the current times at the bottom of each Online Designer for easy planning.

So does building an oak structure in autumn and winter take longer? Maybe! If weather isn’t on your side, not many will want to be working in the rain, mainly due to safety reasons. But if you get a good run in weather, the entire process can be more steadfast. Especially considering the ease of assembly with our kits.

What are the Benefits of Building an Oak Structure in Autumn or Winter?

We often consider early spring the prime time to embark on the assembly of an oak structure. In the UK, October and November are the wettest months, while April and May are the driest. So spring is just that bit more reliable with the weather yet avoids the summer rush. However, there are some undeniable benefits to building in colder months that you shouldn't overlook:

1. Secure Your Builder

Early spring, autumn and winter are good times to book in a builder because of reduced workload. You'll be more likely to land professionals at short notice during these periods that’ll assemble oak kits in their full glory. While most won't likely be available at the drop of a hat, you can secure a qualified professional in advance.

2. Avoid The Summer Rush

When the sun appears late spring, homeowners rush to get their gardens summer-ready. It's a busy time not only for builders but for construction administrators. While others are starting to think about garden projects, you’ll already be through the design and approval stages. Your bespoke oak kit can be delivered and assembled long before the busy season.

3. Ready for Use

Here’s the big one! Bonfire Night and, I know it’s early, but Christmas! Your garden structure is ready to go for milestone moments and celebrations that remain this year. When friends and family arrive for Christmas get togethers, the welcome of a solid oak porch leaves a lasting impression. Even beyond that, oak structures are for the long term, and come the first sign of sun in 2026, you'll be ready to make the most of your garden.

Can You Assemble Oak Structures in Autumn and Winter?

Yes, you can! While there’s no doubt our gardens become somewhat neglected when autumn comes, you can still assemble oak garden structures ready to enjoy, come what may.

As many of us turn our attention to indoor projects, it’s also worth noting we supply bespoke home improvement structures too that can brighten up the dark nights. Indoor structures like trusses and even curb appeal boosting oak porches could well hold the key to fulfilling long nights of autumn and winter.

Whether you’re preparing for champagne nights under the stars next year or seeking the warm, homely stature of oak for this winter, your project can start even in an autumn downpour by beginning the design stage. Designing a bespoke oak structure has never been easier. Browse our products and simply use our Online Designers today to create an oak structure tailored to your space and your needs.