Contact us 01889 597 283 | contact@oaktimberstructures.co.uk
Contact us 01889 597 283 | contact@oaktimberstructures.co.uk
At Oak Timber Structures, we supply various oak-framed structures in kit form. The kit approach is a winning formula. It allows you to get an elite oak structure without the hassle of performing complicated joinery, while also saving time sourcing and inspecting high-grade oak. You simply assemble the pieces together.
Although assembling the oak structure comes with a huge amount of personal reward, it can be daunting for some. Therefore, a common question is how complicated an oak kit is to assemble. In this article, we'll explain how easy it is to assemble the oak frame. Read on to discover if you’re ready to tackle assembly yourself or if it’s time to call a builder.
If you'd like to learn more about our kits, here's some further reading that'll cover what kit form structure is, and why they're a smart way to build with oak:
However, for a concise overview, here's the process that'll take an oak structure from your imagination and bring it into your home or garden. Ordering from Oak Timber Structures is as easy as this:
One of the many reasons people chose an oak kit is ease. Completing seamless carpentry and joinery work with oak requires a lot of know-how and experience. We have an abundance of know-how and experience working with oak, so we complete all joinery work. It's a matter of pairing the joints and pegging them into place.
Want to see assembly in action? The video below shows an oak truss test assembly in action at our HQ:
You'll be able to recognise the connecting parts through the Parts Identification Drawing. This is included with all necessary structures like gazebos. The drawing shows the position of each oak post and beam, which takes away the guesswork and allows you to connect the parts with confidence.
We'll label the posts to state where they connect to make the oak frame. Most joints connect using traditional mortice and tenon joinery, and we'll mark such connections so you can match the mortice and the tenon. The mortice is the hole, and the tenon is the protruding fixture that slots together.
Armed with your drawing, it's time to connect the frame. It's best to lay the parts out according to the drawing and simply slot the beams and posts together.
The mortice and tenon joints might need a slight tap with a suitable tool to fit snugly together. You’ll know the frame is ready once the holes in the mortice and tenon joints are aligned.
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Oak dowels reinforce the joints, and pegging these in place is the final act to secure the frame. This step is best performed with the structure upright. With the holes aligned, put the dowels through the joints. Dowels that stick out can be trimmed plush.
Although not essential, professionals may enlist the help of framing pins here. Framing pins can slot into the aligned holes and hold the frame together for temporary fastening. With the frame temporarily secured, you can peg the dowels. It’s a method that makes it easier as once the dowels are in, they'll be hard to remove, so this step is ideal to double-check all parts are in the right place.
Every structure is unique, and you may have other features like cladding and roofing to install. These are the last stages of the structure. You can read the relevant guidance for each structure in our information booklet.
Treatment is all down to your preference; oak is pretty waterproof by its very nature. That being said, after assembly you can treat the structure using an oil to further add protection. If you want suggested products, you can find more information in Maintaining Your Oak Structure.
Chances are, you won't require planning permission for smaller structures. Gazebos, for example, tend not to exceed 3.95m in height, and local planning authorities in general set a limit at 4m.
However, it's always advisable to seek advice as different areas have varying rules. To avoid any unwanted interruptions and for peace of mind, a quick call or email to your local authority can steer clear of problems down the line.
You may have your space ready and waiting for your oak structure. If you haven’t, once your oak structure goes into production, that's your cue to make sure the area is prepared. It's important not to delay the build for the reasons outlined below. Simply ask us if you need the weight of the structure so you can double-check with a professional to make sure the area is flat and solid to withstand the load.
As an example, a 4x4m gazebo with a roof can weigh around 2 tonnes, so each post is supporting around 500kg. From concrete to slabs, there are different ways to make sure foundations are secure. This step will make sure there’s no delay in assembly and the structure doesn’t subside when installed.
As moisture leaves the oak structure, a small amount of shrinkage occurs. This is totally normal, in fact, we use that to secure the structure. Think of those mortice and tenon joints with dowels, the shrinkage tightens the joints further securing them.
However, if the kit is stored for too long, the shrinkage can cause misalignment. That's why it's important to have the assembly area ready and start building soon after delivery. Preparation for prompt assembly will avoid mishaps with natural shrinkage.
You can pick between two delivery methods: standard and assisted delivery. With standard delivery, you'll offload the kit, and with assisted delivery we'll offload the kit onto the kerbside for you. If you opt for assisted delivery, keep in mind the lorry needs a minimum of 1m space either side to unload, so have a suitable space in mind.
To make the process seamless, remember that oak is heavy. You should have enough people ready to help move the kit to the assembly point. If you don’t have all hands on deck, it can eat into assembly time.
The ease of assembly depends on your skill level. Be honest with yourself. You can have all the will in the world, but sometimes it's easiest to get a builder on board who will make light work of the entire process.
It’s also worth noting all structures are bespoke. That means they come in different sizes. So, assembly of a 3mx3m pergola will of course be much easier than a monumental garage. Understand the task at hand and consider a builder if you think it’s outside your capabilities.
Furthermore, builders will have the workforce, tools and experience to complete assembly with ease. There’s no shame in enlisting help and this will often save time. How do builders find assembly? Here’s a glowing quote by a pro...
"I would like to take this opportunity to tell you how pleased we were with your oak trusses and oak beams. The trusses went together with ease, and all joints were neat and tight. A good testament to the accuracy of your machining. I will have no hesitation in contacting you again for any future work." - Mr Bell - Builder
Holding beams above your head isn't just strenuous; but also dangerous without adequate help. A Genie Lift can lighten the load. Designed to hold the beams in place, the lift will allow you to peg the joints together much easier.
If you want to read more tools and tricks that might come in handy, this article can help make the assembly process smooth. Read Top 5 Tools for Building an Oak Structure here.
Catching a finger between oak beams will be painful, and it’ll also make assembly much harder moving forward. Prevent injury by following all Health & Safety protocols.
So, how easy is it to build an oak timber structure? No doubt building one from scratch is hard, the carpentry and joinery requires skill and years of experience working with hardwood. With an Oak Timber Structures kit, all the complicated joinery work is done for you, so it’s a fast track to assembly.
And assembly? Well, we make it as easy as can be. Diligent smooth cuts to beams, mortice and tenon joints crafted with pinpoint precision, and an overall meticulous attention to detail, makes for straightforward assembly. With the Parts Identification Drawing for clear part recognition, DIY enthusiasts and trades enjoy the ease of working with our kits.
For a small structure like a pergola and porch, if you have the DIY experience, you could complete assembly yourself alongside help with the heavy lifting. It's an approach that'll give lots of personal pride too.
At the same time, it's common to enlist the help of a builder. This approach will ensure the entire process is seamless. The ease of assembly our kits offer means builders, landscapers, or any trades will be able to do the work in good time, saving you the workload and stress.
Whether going down the DIY or enlisting help, once assembled, a bespoke oak structure will ooze jaw-dropping good looks and become a staple in your home or garden. Our oak structures add timeless style and function to your home.
If you have any questions, we’re always available on the phone during office hours to advise. We understand each structure is bespoke so assembly can vary depending on the structure type, size and features. Our bespoke approach doesn’t end with structure specs, it extends to customer service too!
Eager to start? Browse through our products and start sculpting your bespoke design using our Online Designers.
