Expertise

Hand Crafted Workmanship

From the outset, English Oak Buildings core principle has been that all oak frames must be hand crafted using traditional methods that have been handed down through the generations.

Although our competitors move more and more into the market of mass machine-cut frames, we are one of the few companies that have continued to hand scribe and build our structures.

This ensures that every frame truly is unique and totally bespoke, with attention to detail being at the forefront of everything we do.

Complete Service

Our carpenters will attend an initial briefing meeting, discussing the technical detail of the oak frame, setting out the timbers ready to be scribed and cut.

The entire frame will be fabricated in our workshop near Bath and put together with temporary metal pegs, to ensure that the joints are true. As the frame has been pre-assembled, it means that the on-site works runs smoothly and with little disruption to you or your contractor(s).

From start-to-finish, the same team will be with your frame – they understand the frame design, have selected the individual timbers and put the structure together; both in the workshop and on-site. They have a vested interest in producing the highest quality work, and take great pride in their craft.

Technical Drawings

One of the reasons our frames are so beautiful is our attention to detail. We work off accurate scaled drawings, showing every dimension, angle and joint type. Each section of the build has an an individual drawing, which not only shows an overview of the structure, but also details each specific joint. Visit our DESIGN AND PLANNING page for more details.

Using CAD software (Computer Aided Design) and 3D visualization, our experienced designers are able to produce construction drawings that are millimetre perfect and individual to each project. Our carpenters will work from these drawings to accurately scribe and cut your frame.

In order to create detailed CAD drawings, you need the experience and understanding of building an oak frame. Our team of designers and estimators all started their careers “on the tools” as oak framers and carpenters, and therefore understand the different requirements of timber framing.

"EOB were a pleasure to work with from start to finish, excellent technical knowledge and design advice and great communication throughout the process"

Jonny Marrion, Architect at Hart Design & Construction

“Just wanted to thank you for a really excellent job on cladding the barn and fitting the doors. Your team worked really hard and produced exactly what I wanted. Please pass on my thanks to them all.”

Robert Heath

“Rory and his team at English Oak Buildings, were a pleasure to work with, from planning stage to the erection of our oak frame extension. Would highly recommend them.”

Ade and Sue Churchill

“It’s been a pleasure to work with Rory and his team at English Oak Buildings. We shared our initial ideas for a new Garden Room and then worked closely with his design team to come up with a really beautiful and practical solution, that combines traditional materials with modern building techniques, to create a stunning and authentic building fitting perfectly within its surroundings. The oak structure is elegantly simple but works perfectly to provide comfortable, warm and dry living space with breath-taking views of the Midford valley near Bath. We would certainly recommend English Oak Buildings to anyone who values craftsmanship, dedication and excellence in customer service”

Patrick Donovan

“After the devastation of our 200 year barn catching fire and burning to the ground, 'English Oak Buildings' brought it back to life. From the onset, it was clear that the project would be planned well, and we felt we were in safe hands. All the people we met from the company were professional and positive; a really good team. The oak frame is extremely beautiful, and we would not hesitate to use Rory and his team again.”

Charles Gurteen

“Rory and the team at English Oak Buildings were incredibly helpful and hard working. Many obstacles had to be overcome to get out a beautiful frame onto a very difficult site and erected in a timely manner. Thanks to all at English Oak Buildings.”

Ed and Linda

“Restoring our 17^th Century Listed Barn took real craftsmanship. Rory and his team of artisan carpenters undertook the job in a timely manner and finished within the scheduled time. Their skills of crafting old with new has left us with a building that will not only last another 400 years but looks stunning and accurately reflects the history of the building, its struggles and the exciting new life that it now enjoys.

As workers on site, Rory’s team were polite, tidy, quiet and involved me in an engaging and productive manner. In life you get what you pay for and all I will say about Rory and his team is that they represented good value for the level of care and craftsmanship they showed our beautiful Barn.”

John Haw

“Initially, it was not easy to select a company that was to provide our Oak frame, especially being a novice to this area of construction, however having visited English Oak Buildings at their works and spending time with Rory and his team , we came to realise this was who we should run with.

In the summer of 2018 , the Oak frame was delivered and our dream became a reality as first class craftmanship from their workshop was complemented with the most professional ‘on-site’ team who excelled in every aspect providing us with a home we absolutely love.'

Well done & sincere thank you to all the team at English Oak Buildings.”

R. Sweet

“We explored various companies with different building styles for our extension. However, the possibility of a green oak-frame building came very much to life when Rory from English Oak Buildings arrived & he quickly suggested designs that would suit the space. It didn’t take much reflection to realise that this style of building appealed to us much more than the other types of building materials we had been considering.

From experience we know that building projects do not always go as smoothly as one might wish, but any time there was a query, change in design or a snag, English Oak Buildings dealt with it in an intelligent and friendly manner, adjusting things to our budget.

It is now by far the warmest and most comfortable part of our house and we are delighted that we chose to go with our hearts and have such a beautiful space.”

Toby Cantlie

“When I decided to extend my existing barn, I contacted various oak timber frame manufacturers and after much deliberation chose English Oak Buildings

From the start they took on board my design requirements and folded their design around the existing and the result was a building three times its original size. The original character was retained and added to with a beautiful green oak frame. The design team produced a wonderful 3D model which was invaluable in our considerations.

With a small tweak here and there, the manufacture commenced and as soon as I had completed my groundworks, the frame erection team arrived. Much to my surprise they were the same team that had made the frame in the workshop so understood immediately how it all fitted together. They were brilliant and could not have been more helpful.

I am considering further extensions and there is no choice I will go back to English Oak Buildings.”

R. Trendle

“English Oak Buildings have just completed their seventh project for me, both on home turf and in Scandinavia. Due to this long-term relationship I am in the unique position to recommend the companies professional attitude, beautiful craftsmanship and their skill at ensuring the projects run smoothly. Thank you for all the tremendous work over the years!”

George Lees

“When our 200-year-old barn was devastated by fire in April 2017, my husband and I were not optimistic about its replacement. We had seen many a poor attempt to replicate the architectural vernacular of 19th century agricultural buildings. Working with English Oak Buildings and our excellent contractor over the design and execution of our barn was a joy from start to finish.

They have not only preserved the character of the original but lent it a 21st century style and personality of its own. We are astonished that such a beautiful building has risen from the ashes and recognise that it is a piece of artisanal craftsmanship and history in its own right.”

Sue Davies-Scourfield

“Our new barn, fully completed in December '18, is a beautiful building which will stand for many hundreds of years. It is therefore unlikely that I will need to build another but, if I did, I would not hesitate to return to English Oak Buildings.

Our design aspiration was to build a semi-industrial, quite modern building with the traditional feel of a 'proper oak barn'. It sounds confusing and it was, but ‘EOB’ worked with us and the architect and the results are stunning.

Based on my own experience, I would give English Oak Buildings the highest recommendation and would suggest them to anyone considering a building made from oak.”

Simon Binder

“We came across an oak framing company called English Oak Buildings. We engaged Rory & his team to help us design the structure. He had a wonderful story to tell of how he persuaded a French oak craftsman to apprentice him in the craft. Rory provided some innovative ideas and designs which resulted in the structure we have today. The curved cross beams are especially a delight and everyone who views the oak structure comments on how wonderful they are as a feature.

“The ‘EOB’ guys that came on site to install the structure on a perfect April spring day (entirely completed in one day) were brilliant. Relaxed and smooth and without a hitch. The day was completed with a dip in the cold natural swimming pool and a kiwi style BBQ to follow!”

Grant McAlpine

“Excellent people to deal with. My design for a garage/store with a veranda was translated to a working drawing and priced to the last detail. After approval my commencement date requirement was met to the day. The team arrived and got straight to work. Everyone knew what they had to do, and the building took shape quickly despite the almost continuous rain!

I was providing and positioning the saddle stones for the veranda and this meant that we had to work together to position them. It all went like clockwork and the result is better than I had thought possible.

My wife and I are more than happy with the building and look forward to having English Oak Buildings quote for an Orangery which we hope to be commencing in 2020.”

Alan Enthwistle

“Really good people to deal with. Helpful and knowledgeable, they guided us through every stage of design and construction and the finished building was superb – on time and on budget. Highly recommended.”

Roger Cook

CUSTOMER SERVICE

English Oak Buildings offers industry-leading craftsmanship, and are very proud of the high quality work we produce. We also understand that the physical timber frame we produce is only part of the package we offer.

At the forefront of everything we do is you, the customer. Your journey must be as smooth as possible, and so from the initial point of contact we are there to guide you. We believe in building a relationship with each of our clients, as the key to all building projects – no matter what the trade – is trust.

You can trust us to produce high quality work – our portfolio attests to this. We only use the highest graded timber and fixings, to match our outstanding workmanship and attention to detail.

With over 20 years of trading, you can trust in our experience and knowledge; adhering to the highest building standards and workmanship. This is why we offer a 15 Year Guarantee on all our oak frames and glazing.

Experience

In 2019 English Oak Buildings celebrated its 20th year of being at the forefront of the British oak timber framing industry. Our core team has over 20 years experience of working together, let alone in the industry itself. Having been together for so long, we have created a fluid process from start-to-finish, allowing us to offer an efficient service.

Each member of our team comes from a carpentry background, and is employed for their different experiences, whether it be in oak framing, joinery or site carpentry. This broad range of skills, accompanied by our intensive training programme means we are confident that we have the best team of framers in the industry.

Alongside our workshop team are our designers and estimators, who all started their careers “on the tools” as oak framers and carpenters, and therefore understand the different requirements of timber framing. They have learnt their trades from physically doing the work, which means we can accurately evaluate each project and communicate clearly with the rest of the team.

We are proud of our wide range of Projects

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