FAQs

Where do we work?

We cover all the southern counties, Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire. We offer a supply and fit service nationwide including Guernsey and Jersey. Sites within a hour of our workshop, we offer more services including groundworks and roofing. We are based in Edenbridge which is on the Kent, Surrey and Sussex border.

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Do we offer a planning service?

Unfortunately, we do not offer a full planning service. We do offer a planning drawing service for detached oak framed buildings. There is an upfront fee which is refunded when the oak frame is ordered with us. We can provide paper copies, electronic copies and files to forward to your architect if required.

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Do we provide working drawings?

When an order is placed and a deposit is paid, we will provide working drawings of your project including 3D walk throughs so you can see every part of your building. All drawings will require approval by the client before we manufacture the oak frames.

 

Does unseasoned / green oak move?

Yes, it moves and shrinks when the oak dries. It will move for many years while the seasoning process occurs. Your oak framed building will develop cracks, this is completely normal and a natural process. Your oak frame is designed so this process will make your frame stronger, as it shrinks round the dry oak pegs which are fixed through the joints in the oak framed building.

 

How long will my oak frame last?

Oak frames will outlive our generation. The oak frame will last a very long time will most known to last in excess of 200 years. Oak framing has been around for centuries and you will still see many of the structures around today.

 

Do we treat the oak?

We do not treat the oak, the oak does not need treatment. Some people put osmo oil on their oak frame, this is down to personal preference. The oak frame without treatment will naturally weather and go silver.

 

Do we treat the softwood?

All softwood purchased is pressure treated prior to delivery to our yard.

 

Do we provide a warranty on our oak framed buildings?

Crown Oak Buildings Limited warrants to the client that the materials should be free from defects for a period of 5 years from completion of build.

Crown Oak Buildings Limited agrees to remove and replace any defective components of the oak frame. However, this does not cover natural shrinkage and cracks in green oak over time as these are not defects and are to be expected. This liability does also not include swelling of the joinery.

 

Weatherboard / Cladding – what are my options?

We will always quote treated softwood featheredge weatherboard which is a whitewood. There are various other options available on request. We can offer black stained softwood weatherboard, unseasoned oak weatherboard and Cedral boarding. Cedral boarding is normally required by building control where fire proofing is required, there is a large range of colours available with this boarding. The weather board will be quoted as an extra if an alternative option is requested.