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You can already picture the finished home: exposed oak beams overhead, a vaulted ceiling drawing the eye upward, and a warmth that a standard masonry build rarely achieves. Turning that picture into a properly engineered kit, from a supplier who genuinely understands structural oak, is usually where homeowners get stuck.
That is exactly what our oak-frame house kits are designed to solve. At Cornish Frame Company, we design and precision-manufacture every kit in our workshop in mid-Cornwall, working from your own drawings rather than a generic template. Whether you are planning a full oak-framed house, a single-storey extension, or an oak porch, we design, engineer, and supply the frame, and can install it too. See our wider self-build timber frame services if you are still weighing up which route suits your project. |
What is an Oak Framed House Kit?
An oak-framed house kit is a complete package of structural oak components, cut and jointed to your design and ready for on-site assembly. Rather than sourcing materials and working from a generic plan, you receive a bespoke kit engineered specifically for your project.
Green oak, meaning oak that has not been dried in a kiln, is traditionally used for oak framing because it is easier to work with, and the joints tighten naturally as the timber seasons. Air-dried oak is sometimes chosen where a more stable frame is needed sooner. We will advise on the right choice for your project during the design stage.
Every kit is manufactured to comply with current UK building regulations and arrives with structural drawings and easy-to-follow instructions for your erection team. You are never left guessing how the parts fit together.
Green oak, meaning oak that has not been dried in a kiln, is traditionally used for oak framing because it is easier to work with, and the joints tighten naturally as the timber seasons. Air-dried oak is sometimes chosen where a more stable frame is needed sooner. We will advise on the right choice for your project during the design stage.
Every kit is manufactured to comply with current UK building regulations and arrives with structural drawings and easy-to-follow instructions for your erection team. You are never left guessing how the parts fit together.
What's Included in Our Oak Frame KitEvery kit includes the same core components as the standard kit, and we're upfront about exactly what's in it from the outset. The exact contents will vary depending on your architect's drawings or your own design, but every package is put together to go up as planned.
● Structural oak frame - Main posts, beams, braces and roof trusses, cut and jointed to your design ● Complete design package - Structural drawings, connection details and specification for building control ● Fixings and fittings - Oak pegs, brackets and fixings specified for every connection ● Assembly documentation - Easy-to-follow instructions and drawings for your erection team ● Installation option - Our team can erect the frame, or hand a supply-only kit to your builder Beyond the core kit, your package is tailored to the specifics of your design: ● Openings framed and ready for your chosen doors and windows ● Provision for insulation and modern building services within the structure ● Options to combine oak with brick, stone or SIPs panels ● Guidance on roof trusses, coverings and detailing to suit your design |
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An Oak Frame House Kit for ANY Kind of ProjectOak frame kits suit a wide range of projects, and it's worth understanding where yours fits before you start. If you're a self-builder planning a single-storey or two-storey oak home, we can guide you from initial design through to an approved planning application. Working as an architect or designer, you can draw on structural input from an experienced team. Developing several plots on one site, you can order oak-framed house kits across the whole scheme.
An oak frame isn't only for new-build projects, either. If you're a homeowner, you might want to add an oak-framed extension, garden room or oak porch to an existing property, and we support that work just as thoroughly. Working to your own design as a builder or contractor, you can also order a manufacture-only kit, built to your specification and ready for installation on site. Whatever stage your project is at, our team can talk you through what's involved, from your first design conversation to a submitted planning application. |
Benefits of an Oak Extension
Choosing oak affects more than the finished appearance of your home; it shapes how the building performs, ages and feels to live in. Here is how structural oak compares across the areas that matter most to a self-build.
Structural integrity - Oak has a high load-bearing capacity, giving it genuine structural function beyond a decorative finish.
Durability - Oak-framed houses have stood for centuries across the UK, and oak resists rot and insects.
Character - Exposed beams and vaulted ceilings create a warm, inviting ambience that few materials replicate.
Efficient build - Oak kits can be assembled about 30% faster than masonry, shortening your build timeline.
Sustainability - Timber is a renewable resource with a low carbon footprint, and responsibly sourced oak stores carbon for the life of the building.
Design flexibility - Oak framing allows flexible interior configurations, supporting open-plan layouts now and changes later.
An Eco-Friendly Way to Build
Oak framing is widely regarded as a sustainable building method. Oak is a natural insulator, and when combined with modern insulation, an oak frame can achieve strong airtightness and thermal performance. Many clients also plan for solar panels at the design stage, so the roof and structure are ready to support them from the outset.
Structural integrity - Oak has a high load-bearing capacity, giving it genuine structural function beyond a decorative finish.
Durability - Oak-framed houses have stood for centuries across the UK, and oak resists rot and insects.
Character - Exposed beams and vaulted ceilings create a warm, inviting ambience that few materials replicate.
Efficient build - Oak kits can be assembled about 30% faster than masonry, shortening your build timeline.
Sustainability - Timber is a renewable resource with a low carbon footprint, and responsibly sourced oak stores carbon for the life of the building.
Design flexibility - Oak framing allows flexible interior configurations, supporting open-plan layouts now and changes later.
An Eco-Friendly Way to Build
Oak framing is widely regarded as a sustainable building method. Oak is a natural insulator, and when combined with modern insulation, an oak frame can achieve strong airtightness and thermal performance. Many clients also plan for solar panels at the design stage, so the roof and structure are ready to support them from the outset.
Request Your Oak Frame Design ConsultationIf you have a set of plans or simply an idea for an oak-framed house, talk to us before committing to a design. We will discuss your vision, advise on structural capabilities and give you an honest view of what your project involves. Call 07777 758367 or 07495 582664, or complete our contact form to arrange a conversation.
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Our Process: From Design to DeliveryFrom your first enquiry to a finished frame on site, our process is structured to keep you informed and in control of every decision. Each stage builds on the last, so nothing is rushed or left to guesswork.
We keep you informed at every stage, so there are no surprises between your first enquiry and the finished frame.
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Oak-Framed Buildings: From a Garden Porch to a Full-Frame House
Not every plan needs a complete oak home. Many clients start with a single oak-framed feature, such as a porch or a garden room, before considering a larger self-build. Others come to us with a clear vision for a full-frame house and want the entire structure in oak from the outset.
Our oak-framed buildings range from houses and extensions to garages, barns, and garden structures. You can explore our dedicated oak frame buildings page for barns and outbuildings, or browse our CFC Garden Buildings range if a smaller build suits your plans better.
Our oak-framed buildings range from houses and extensions to garages, barns, and garden structures. You can explore our dedicated oak frame buildings page for barns and outbuildings, or browse our CFC Garden Buildings range if a smaller build suits your plans better.
Choosing Your Route: Kit Only or Full Installation
Some plot owners want a supply-only kit, delivered ready for their own team or contractor to erect. Others prefer full installation, where our team manages the frame from delivery through to completion. Both routes use the same precision-manufactured kit, so the choice comes down to how much of the build you want to manage yourself. We will talk through both options honestly, without steering you toward the one that suits us rather than your project.
Areas we deliver to
Our oak frame kits are manufactured in Cornwall and delivered across the country.
We regularly deliver to:
We regularly deliver to:
- South West: Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset, and Wiltshire
- South East: Hampshire, Sussex, Surrey, Kent, and Berkshire
- Wales: South Wales and the West Wales coastline
- Midlands and North: Project-dependent, please get in touch for delivery costs
Build Cost: What Affects the Price of Your Oak Home
No two oak-frame builds cost the same because so much depends on decisions made early in the design process. Understanding what drives the price helps you plan a realistic budget from the outset.
● Size and shape of the building - Larger and more complex shapes require more oak and more manufacturing time.
● Amount of exposed oak - Fully exposed frames cost more than a hybrid structure that features oak.
● Roof trusses and joints - Complex trusses and traditional joints take longer to cut and fit.
● Site location and access - Remote or restricted sites can affect delivery and installation costs.
● Design and planning support - A full design service adds cost but can help you avoid issues down the line.
● Build route - Supply-only kits typically cost less than a full installation package.
Every self-build has a different total cost, depending on scale, specification, and location. We will give you a clear, itemised quote once we understand your plans, so you can see exactly where the cost goes before purchasing a kit.
● Size and shape of the building - Larger and more complex shapes require more oak and more manufacturing time.
● Amount of exposed oak - Fully exposed frames cost more than a hybrid structure that features oak.
● Roof trusses and joints - Complex trusses and traditional joints take longer to cut and fit.
● Site location and access - Remote or restricted sites can affect delivery and installation costs.
● Design and planning support - A full design service adds cost but can help you avoid issues down the line.
● Build route - Supply-only kits typically cost less than a full installation package.
Every self-build has a different total cost, depending on scale, specification, and location. We will give you a clear, itemised quote once we understand your plans, so you can see exactly where the cost goes before purchasing a kit.
Combining Oak With Modern Materials and Performance
An oak frame doesn't need to stand alone. Many of our customers want the character of exposed oak beams without compromising on warmth, efficiency or compliance with building regulations, and that's entirely achievable.
Brick or stone infill panels sit comfortably alongside oak posts, giving a traditional appearance that suits Cornwall's rural and coastal settings. Where speed and energy efficiency matter more, SIP panels can be used between the oak framework instead, allowing a faster build without losing that exposed-beam character. Either approach is finished with high-performance insulation, so your home meets current building regulations for warmth and efficiency. We can also build in provisions for solar panels and other renewable technologies at the roof level, so your oak frame is ready for the way you want to power your home, now or in the future.
Brick or stone infill panels sit comfortably alongside oak posts, giving a traditional appearance that suits Cornwall's rural and coastal settings. Where speed and energy efficiency matter more, SIP panels can be used between the oak framework instead, allowing a faster build without losing that exposed-beam character. Either approach is finished with high-performance insulation, so your home meets current building regulations for warmth and efficiency. We can also build in provisions for solar panels and other renewable technologies at the roof level, so your oak frame is ready for the way you want to power your home, now or in the future.
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faq'sWhat is the difference between an oak-frame house kit and a standard timber-frame kit?
An oak-frame house kit uses structural oak beams, often left exposed as a feature in the finished building. A standard timber frame kit uses engineered timber panels, precision-manufactured off-site for a fast, accurate build. If you are unsure which suits your project, we can talk through the practical and visual differences before you commit to either route. How long does it take to design and manufacture an oak frame kit?
Design and manufacturing time depend on the size and complexity of your project. Oak frame construction typically takes two to three weeks on site once the kit arrives, and full assembly can often be completed in around 20 days. We will give you a realistic timescale for both design and manufacture once we understand your plans. Do I need planning permission for an oak-framed house?
Most new oak-framed houses require planning permission, while some extensions, porches and outbuildings may fall under permitted development rules. Requirements vary by site and local authority, so it is worth checking early. The Planning Portal provides general guidance, and we can support you with the structural information your planning application needs. Can I combine oak framing with other materials such as brick or SIPs?
Yes. Oak framing is often combined with brick, stone or SIP panels to balance traditional character with modern thermal performance. This gives you the visible beams and charm of oak framing, alongside the insulation levels expected of a contemporary home. Is oak framing a sustainable building method?
Yes. Timber is a renewable resource with a low carbon footprint, and responsibly sourced oak stores carbon for the life of the building. Oak is also naturally resistant to rot and insects and can last for centuries with proper care, making it a genuinely eco-friendly building material. What is included in the price of a supply-only oak frame kit?
A supply-only kit price generally includes your structural oak frame, complete design package, fixings and assembly documentation, delivered ready for your team to erect. It does not include installation labour, foundations or other trades. We will set out exactly what is included in your quote, so there are no hidden extras. |
