News: Oak Garages: The Myths and The Facts of Oak Garage Kits

11/09/2024

All home renovation projects come with questions. Assembling a solid oak garage kit on your land is no different. When considering the purchase of an oak-framed garage, it's natural for common concerns to surface. Let’s discuss those queries.

As industry leaders, we've got a wealth of experience. Simply, through the years, we’ve heard it all! So in this article, we'll answer your common garage-related questions head-on. We’ll lay out the facts with proven sources. Read on and get informed.

Do I Need An Architect to Design an Oak Garage?

An architects responsibility is the propose designs that are structurally sound for the building you are looking to create, our 3D online designer fulfils this aspect as anything you design on our product pages will be strong enough to support itself. Whilst we have the building itself covered, it is recommended that you consider professional guidance on other aspects outside of our control.

Fact: Garages sit on a small brick wall, so although we can help with the frame and other features, you'll need a professional to help with the footings and the brickwork. Often builders can advise on this, though.

Source: Oak Timber Structures Online Garage Designer.

What Bespoke Garage Options are Available at Oak Timber Structures?

Talking of self-design, you may wonder what features are changeable. We understand that every property and homeowner has unique needs. That's why, at Oak Timber Structures, every oak garage is bespoke. Read more on tips for designing yours here. But here's a quick look at some customisations available:

• Number of Bays: Whether you want a single bay or multiple bays, we can serve your needs. Choose from one, two, three, four or more. The size of each bay is adjustable.
• Roof Styles: From traditional gable roofs to hipped, the choice is yours. You can also select cedar shingles to complete the timber look.
• Storage and Living Spaces: We can craft side storage or even a roof room into the design. So, want a multi-purpose garage to serve as a home office, studio, or guest room? No worries, you can give your oak garage added functionality.
• Cladding: For enhanced exterior appearance, you can attach oak cladding. The oak cladding will work with the oak beams for an elegant visual combo.
• Partitions & Doors: For those wanting separate spaces, you can include partitions between the bays. There's more options such as classic doors for improved privacy.

Fact: Truth is, we can make any garage you want! If you've got the vision, then we've got the skill set. Just picture your dream garage. Oak Timber Structures will bring it to life with precision and care.

Source: Oak Timber Structures Online Garage Designer.

Do You Need Foundations for a Wooden Garage?

First, you’ll need to pick the ideal location for your garage. And yes, a stable foundation is crucial for any structure, including oak garages. The foundations will support the garage and prevent any structural damage.

Fact: Ensuring a uniform ground level is essential for the stability of your garage. Furthermore, as reported by the NHBC Standards website, concrete foundations should have a thickness of at least 100 mm on top of 100 mm of compacted hardcore with edge thickening. Such a sturdy base can handle the weight distribution of the structure.

But remember, no garage is the same, so this is a generalisation to give you an idea. You should consult a trained professional for tailored advice. Land quality, nearby trees, size of garage and other factors result in different needs.

Source: NHBC Standards

Do I Need Planning Permission for an Oak Garage?

Planning is a confusing topic. A detached garage is seen as an outbuilding and there are specific rules for this type of structure. UK planning permission for an outbuilding depends on key factors, including size, location and more.

Fact: The Planning Portal is your place to go for the facts. Here you can read what makes a garage a ‘Permitted Development’. A ‘Permitted Development’ means you don't need planning permission and you can often achieve this by:

• Choose a design with a maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres.
• Have an overall height of below 4 metres.
• Consider that when the garage is within 2 metres of a boundary or a house, the maximum height is restricted to 2.5 metres total.

Be sure to check the link. We highly recommend consulting with your local planning authority to ensure compliance with the regulations. This will give you peace of mind as laws do change and your unique location can cause stricter rules.

Source: Planning Portal

Do Outbuildings Add Value to Property?

Yes, outbuildings increase the value of your property. Our oak garages boast sublime craftsmanship and top-quality oak. The visual enhancement brings the wow factor. At the same time, a garage is a practical addition. Homeowners can use the space as storage, workspace, and more. Such potential appeals and thus increases home value.

Fact: Property experts confirm the added value. According to Property Market Intel, you can see an estimated value increase from 10 to 15%. However, such an increase is an estimate. As we’re sure you know, the property market is ever-changing. Market trends such as interest rates, economy and more mean property values change over time.

Source: Property Market Intel

How Long Do Oak Garages Last?

Oak is a durable timber. It's a wood naturally resistant to rot and water, making it excellent for outdoor use. You can read more about this in the article 'Is Oak The Best Timber for a Garden Structure?'

Fact: Oak's natural qualities ensure a long lifespan. There’s evidence across the world from ski chalets to historic churches.

Take St. Andrews Church, Greensted as an example. It's one of the oldest wooden churches in the world. Oak logs make up the church's nave to date. While restoration work has helped the structure over the years, the original oak parts prove the longevity.

Of course, this is a remarkable oak story and doesn't apply to all oak buildings. But, you can be confident our oak garages are built to last. Since 2015, we've crafted many garages that’ll stand for decades to come.

Source: Greensted Church

Are Oak Garages Environmentally Friendly?

It’s understandable to have environmental concerns! The truth is, using oak is super sustainable. We make sure we source all our oak from sustainable European sources. So, not only are oak trees replenished at source, but timber also doesn't travel far to reach our Hixon base. Click here to read more ‘Environmental Benefits of Oak’.

Fact: The environmental benefits of oak are significant, some key points include:

• Sustainability: By using responsibly sourced oak, you're selecting a material that aligns with sustainable forest management. As noted in the article, "incorporating sustainable practices into forestry… can ensure that timber is a truly renewable product," which includes replanting trees to maintain forest health and biodiversity.
• Carbon Neutral: Oak acts as a long-term carbon store. According to the article, "trees sequester (absorb and store) some of the carbon in their trunk," and even after being felled, “the wood itself continues to act as a carbon store.” This means oak used in construction helps reduce carbon emissions over its lifetime, keeping carbon locked in the timber for decades or longer.
• Oak is Natural: Timber, including oak, requires much less energy to produce compared to materials like concrete and steel, which account for significant global emissions. As highlighted in the article, "cement and concrete production account for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions," while timber provides a low-emission alternative, offering "great potential to revolutionise the greenhouse gas emissions of the construction industry."

Source: Creating Tomorrows Forests

What’s The Installation Process for Oak Garages?

When installing an oak garage, you may wonder what steps a builder needs to take. Here lies a key reason garage kits save time and money. With the frame already cut to precision, assembly is much less laborious.

Here's a general installation guide:

• Prepare the Site: Clear the area of vegetation and debris such as rocks. Level the ground and mark out the borders.
• Build the Foundation: Dig trenches and pour concrete to create a stable foundation.
• Assemble the Frame: Erect the oak frame piece by piece. We supply a 'Parts Identification Drawing' which directs you to what goes where.
• Install the Roof: With the frame installed, you can add the roof. Depending on your selections, the kit can include boarding, battens and shingles.
• Finish the Walls: Add external cladding, doors, and windows. We can supply the cladding, which is designed for the best protection.
• Final Touches: Install gutters, downpipes, and doors for the finishing touches.

Fact: Timber frame buildings are faster to build compared to traditional brick constructions, saving both time and money.

Source: Yell Reviews

Conclusion

Investing in an oak garage from Oak Timber Structures is full of benefits. Our high-grade sustainably sourced oak possesses durability and timeless style. Not forgetting the work of our skilled team. They’ll craft your bespoke design with precision, ready to pack into an easy-to-assemble kit. Of course, then you’ve got a functional space oozing tradition.

We hope this guide has clarified the key aspects of installing an oak garage. Give our friendly team a call if there's anything not covered here. We're always happy to chat. We must stress that this is general guidance. No oak garage is the same. Moreover, no land is the same. So, tailored advice from a professional builder about foundations and planning will make sure the entire glow-up is a breeze.

Ready to transform your property with an oak garage that stands the test of time? Visit our Oak Garage Page and start designing your bespoke garage kit today!