A porch does more than shelter the front door. It anchors the front of the house, gives proportion to what is often a flat 1960s or 1970s facade, and creates the first impression, for you and for visitors.
Oak porches age better than any other material. The timber silvers to a soft grey, the joinery tightens, and after twenty years it looks like it has always been there.
Homeowners wanting to transform the front of a house, usually a 1960s-90s build that needs visual anchoring at the threshold.
Configurations and options
Open Porch
Frame only, weatherproof but not enclosed. The simplest and most common form.
- Pegged oak frame
- Tile or slate roof
- No infill walls
- Permitted Development friendly
Enclosed Porch
Full enclosure with door and glazing. Adds a draughtlobby and storage.
- Side glazing or panelling
- Secondary external door
- Coat and boot storage built-in
- Insulated and thermally separated
Storm Porch
Small projection over the front door. Minimal footprint, maximum shelter.
- Sized to deflect driving rain
- Often used on coastal properties
- Pegged oak brackets and lintel
Integrated Porch
Built into the existing roof line, a recessed porch within the building envelope.
- Reads as part of original house
- Useful on tight street frontages
- Often combined with door upgrade
What we use
Oak Frame
Pegged green or seasoned oak. Mortice-and-tenon jointed. No metal fastenings visible.
Cladding & Infill
Oak boards, larch, cedar, or render to match the host building.
Roofing
Natural slate, clay tile, or lead. Detailed for our coastal weather.
Typical pricing
From £12,000
Subject to specification and site conditions.
Currently quoting
Spring 2027
Lead times updated quarterly.
Examples of our oak framed porches
Genuine examples, all our own work.
What we don’t do
We do not do plastic or aluminium porches. There are companies that do, and at a price point we cannot reach. Our porches are made by joiners, not assemblers.
Things people ask us
Does an oak porch need planning permission?
Most don't. Porches under 3m2 floor area, under 3m high, and at least 2m from the highway usually qualify under Permitted Development. Listed buildings and houses in conservation areas always require consent, we handle that.
What foundations are needed?
For most porches, a shallow strip or pad foundation is enough. The structural engineer specifies based on ground conditions and frame size. Where we are tying into an existing threshold step, the existing slab can often be reused.
How do you tie into existing brick or render?
Stainless steel ties bonded into the existing wall, with a discreet flashing detail to prevent water ingress. On rendered houses we can finish the porch wall in matching render or leave the oak frame fully exposed.
Can you integrate lighting and security?
Yes, recessed soffit downlights, wall-mounted lanterns, motion sensors, and integrated door video systems are all routine. We coordinate the electrical first-fix with our regular sparks.
What cladding options work for porches?
Oak boarding, larch, cedar, or rendered infill panels. The choice depends on the host building, we usually pick a material that quietly echoes one already present.
What are typical lead times?
Frame manufacture is 6-8 weeks. On-site build is usually 2-3 weeks. Including planning where needed, plan for 4-6 months from first conversation.
Thinking about a project?
Tell us what you have in mind. We aim to respond within one working day.
