How to Build a Bespoke Oak Porch
Building a timber-framed porch is an excellent way to enhance the entrance of your home. There are various styles to choose from, including plinth porches that rest on a dwarf wall and porches supported by posts that extend to ground level. Oak wood is typically the preferred choice for timber-framed porches due to its strength, durability, and attractive appearance; however, other types of wood, such as Douglas fir, can also be used. An oak porch kit can be a great option, depending on your specific needs.
WL West Timber offers porches crafted from oak beams with traditional joints that fit together easily and precisely. These porches are designed to withstand all weather conditions and are built to last for generations. We can create a bespoke oak porch customised to your specifications and in any size you require.
But what are the benefits of building a porch? What are the planning regulations? How do you actually construct a porch? Read on to discover everything you need to know.
The benefits of adding a timber-framed porch to your home
Planning permission for building porches
The benefits of adding a timber-framed porch to your home
Timber porches made from oak enhance a home’s beauty, value, and outdoor living space. Oak’s durability and natural appeal make it a stylish, customisable addition, offering relaxation and potential energy savings. Aside from enhancing your home visually, porches offer many practical benefits too.
Increase potential selling value
Adding a bespoke oak porch to your home creates a focal point that enhances your home’s curb appeal. Ultimately, this will attract potential buyers when you’re looking to sell and it may increase the value of your home more than you may expect.
Protect the external doorway
Having a porch can protect your front or back door from a variety of different weather conditions helping to avoid any leaks inside your home. The reduced exposure to the elements will also extend the lifespan of your door. An open porch allows you to stay dry underneath it while you open your front door in the rain!
Create extra usable space
Enclosed porches provide storage space for things like coats, shoes, umbrellas and items that can create clutter in other rooms. They’re a great place to have practical storage solutions like shoe racks, coat hooks and a hallway tidy.
Add extra security
Porches can enhance the security of your home, providing an additional barrier between you and potential intruders. An enclosed porch adds another door between your home and the outside world making it harder to access. An open porch that is well-lit with visible security measures is also likely to discourage unwanted access.
Improve insulation
Adding a porch can improve the insulation of your home and reduce heat loss. When choosing an enclosed option, you can enter the porch, close the exterior door and then open the door to your home without losing too much heat, keeping more warm air inside and preventing cold air from entering.
Before you make a final decision about your porch, consider your budget, location, and how you intend to utilise the space. Once you’ve decided on the ideal porch design for your home, it’s almost time to start installation; it’s important to check for planning permission and porch building regulations in your area before you start the building process.
Planning permission for building porches
We know that building a porch can improve the appearance and functionality of your home, however before starting the building process it’s essential to check if planning permission is required.
Depending on the size and location of your porch, planning permission may or may not be required - in general, building a porch doesn’t require planning permission as long as it follows the guidelines for permitted development rights. Adhering to these rules can save time, and money, and avoid the hassle of applying for permissions that might not be necessary if the project stays within specified limits.
General guidelines for permitted development
Permitted development rights allow homeowners to make certain changes to their property without requiring formal planning permission. These rights typically cover smaller home improvement projects, such as building a porch, but they come with specific conditions.
If your porch meets certain size and location criteria, it may fall under permitted development, meaning no planning permission is needed. However, if your project exceeds the allowed limits, you will need to apply for planning permission before proceeding.
Requirements you must follow:
Size limitations
The total area of the porch must be three square metres or smaller, including the base and any enclosed space, ensuring the structure remains small and unobtrusive.
Height restrictions
The maximum height of a porch with a flat or mono-pitched roof is three metres. For porches with a dual-pitched roof, the maximum height is slightly higher at 3.5 metres.
Location restrictions
The porch must be at least two metres away from the boundary of your property to prevent obstruction or encroachment on neighbouring properties. It should also be located at least two metres away from any public roads to avoid interference with traffic or pedestrian pavements.
Design and material requirements
The design and materials used for the porch should complement the existing style and materials of your home. This ensures that the porch is in keeping with the character of the property and surrounding area.
Special considerations
Listed buildings require special consent for any modifications. So, if your property is a listed building you may be in for a more stringent process which takes into account the historical significance of the building.
Stricter planning permissions are also often subjected to properties located in conservation areas. In these cases, planning permission is more than likely to be required, even just for smaller modifications like adding a porch.**
Recommendations
To avoid delays or potential fines, we always recommend you check the planning portal or consult with your local council to confirm whether you need planning permission before starting your porch project.
It’s important to stay informed about any updates or new restrictions, as planning regulations can change. Regularly check local planning guidelines so you can ensure your project stays compliant and up to date with current laws.
**Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for general guidance only and may not cover all planning permission requirements for your specific project. Regulations can vary depending on location and other factors, and they may change over time. WL West strongly recommends that you consult with your local council or a planning professional to ensure your project complies with the latest planning regulations. WL West cannot be held responsible for any legal or regulatory issues that may arise concerning your porch construction.
How to build an oak porch
If you want to create a welcoming entrance for guests, or perhaps add a rustic charm to the aesthetic of your home, a bespoke oak porch is a timeless addition. Maybe you're a confident DIY enthusiast and considering building a porch by yourself or perhaps you prefer hiring professionals to get the job done.
Whichever you decide, it’s important to understand the steps involved to make sure your project is successful. If you’re interested in crafting an oak-framed porch, follow the key steps in our guide below.
Choose the right location for your porch
It's important to select an area that is spacious enough for your desired design. Not only does it need to be practical and follow porch building regulations, but where you install your structure will have a massive impact on the visual appeal of your whole property. You need to ensure that the porch doesn’t exceed three square metres unless you have already obtained the necessary planning permissions.
Designing your porch
A well-contemplated design is key to a porch that will complement the style of your home and your surroundings. If you’re unsure about which way to go, we can assist you with the design process.
Usually, you’ll need to provide a photo of the exterior of your home, along with a few key measurements that should be sufficient for our experts to start the design process. The design must include detailed plans, not only so you’re happy with the final product, but it also ensures that whether you’re a DIYer or you’ve hired builders, you have clear instructions for installation.
Choosing your materials
Framing Materials
Oak is generally the ideal choice for the main structure, though Douglas Fir is another lovely cost-effective option. Oak is durable, visually pleasing and has a traditional charm about it which makes it complement most types of property.
Roofing Materials
We usually recommend that your chosen materials match your home’s existing roof for a cohesive look, but many people now opt for more natural and sustainable roofing options. If sustainability is a priority, oak shakes or timber shingles of other kinds are great options that can further enhance the rustic charm of your home.
Prepare the site
Preparation is key to a smooth installation process, and you should start by clearing the area of any obstacles and ensuring the ground is level.
Strong foundations will determine the stability of your new porch, with typical porch foundations being about 0.60 metres deep. A common choice is a dwarf wall typically built from brick or stone, which requires foundations. The depth of these foundations will depend on the size and weight of your porch, soil conditions, and the groundwater level.
If you opt for a dwarf wall, it not only serves as a sturdy base for the structure, but also adds a contrasting and decorative touch to the rest of your porch, and can also be used to complement the exterior of your home with matching brickwork or locally sourced stone.
Construction
The frame
If you’re using a pre-prepared, high-quality oak porch kit, the oak frames should fit together easily and precisely. The components will usually be labelled and numbered which simplifies the assembly process.
Traditional oak pegs are the primary choice to secure the joints, tightening as the frame ages which provides strength and longevity. Stainless steel screws may also be necessary and will be included in areas that are prone to adverse weather conditions to prevent corrosion.
For a unique design, WL West can provide bespoke oak porch kits, allowing for customisation and complete control over the final appearance of your porch, no matter how simple or elaborate. Thinking about painting the oak frame? Click here to read more.
The roof
Once the frame has been assembled, you can get to work on adding a roof. Just make sure that the roof is securely attached so that it withstands weather conditions!
You may choose to lay your tiles or shingles on treated softwood or oak battens, but it’s worth keeping in mind that these will be visible from inside the porch. Some clients prefer to use oak under-cladding for a polished ceiling that complements the frame.
Adding gutters
Gutters are a crucial but often overlooked element of porch construction. They direct rainwater away from the structure, preventing water damage, and puddles and improving drainage.
You can also add a rainwater collection system with a water butt or tank to really make the most of your gutters - perfect for those of you that love gardening or want sustainable water options.
Should I hire a builder to install my oak porch?
If you’re a DIYer, building your bespoke oak porch can be rewarding but it will be a labour-intensive process. Certain portions of the porch frame can be heavy and may require professional lifting equipment, especially for larger structures. Hiring a professional to help ensures precision and can save you time, especially when specialist tools are required.
The detailed drawings we provide are invaluable, indicating any specifications for assembly and necessary brickwork. You can use these drawings to give multiple builders the information needed to provide an installation quote, helping you to stay within your budget.
Where can I buy a bespoke oak porch?
There you have it! As you can tell, building a bespoke oak porch is a step-by-step process that requires careful planning, quality materials and lots of attention to detail. Our guide has covered everything you need to know to build an oak porch from start to finish.
At WL West Timber, we offer a variety of bespoke porch options, with all of our timber being sourced responsibly. Whether you’re looking for a traditional oak porch kit or perhaps Douglas Fir is more aligned with the style of your home, you can buy from us with confidence.
If you have another project in mind that you’d like to use our oak for, check out this blog on the Top 10 Uses for Oak.
Explore our collection online here, contact us for our expert advice at 01798 861611, or via email at sales@wlwest.co.uk
