Oak Frame Outbuildings
For over 30 years, we have designed and crafted bespoke oak frame buildings from our East Sussex woodland. Using traditional mortice and tenon joinery, dovetails, and curved braces, each frame is made to order and built to last. From private homes and garden buildings to larger commercial structures.
Explore our full range below, from garden structures and porches to complete oak framed houses, extensions, and commercial buildings. Then speak to our team to begin shaping your project.
Oak Stables
Find out moreThe Craft of Oak Framing
We work primarily with green oak. As it seasons, the timber naturally contracts, tightening traditional mortice and tenon joints and increasing the frame’s stability over time.
Each structure is cut and finished with fully planed members, then pre-assembled in our workshop to ensure precision before delivery. This approach allows us to check every joint and brace before it reaches the site. The result is a structurally sound oak frame built using time-tested methods, designed to stand for generations.
Our Bespoke Oak Frame Outbuildings
Residential Oak Frame Buildings
Our residential oak frame buildings range from garden offices and pool houses to barns, annexes, and stable complexes, each made to suit its setting. We also design complete oak framed houses and extensions, including garden rooms, conservatories, orangeries, and balconies, along with external staircases, porches, and lean-tos.
Whether traditional in form or more contemporary in design, every structure is made to order, adding practical space and long-term value while sitting naturally within its surroundings.
Commercial Oak Frame Buildings
We design and manufacture oak frame buildings for commercial settings, including pavilions, shops, and sports facilities, as well as estate and hospitality projects.
Oak offers both presence and structural capability, allowing for generous spans and flexible internal layouts. We work closely with contractors, architects, and project managers to deliver bespoke frames that meet programme requirements while maintaining the character and integrity associated with traditional oak construction.
Garden Structures & Architectural Features
Our oak garden structures include gazebos, pergolas, verandas, and outdoor kitchens, each designed to define and anchor outdoor spaces. Whether freestanding or attached to a building, these frames introduce architectural presence through exposed posts, braces, and roof detailing.
We also manufacture bespoke oak trusses and roof structures, providing structural integrity alongside visible craftsmanship that elevates both interior and exterior settings.
Planning & Building Regulations
Planning responsibility ultimately rests with the client, but we are always happy to guide you through the process.
Many smaller oak outbuildings fall within permitted development, provided they meet height, position, and boundary requirements. Properties within Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty or subject to specific restrictions may require additional consent.
Building regulations can also apply, particularly where structures exceed 30m² or include services. We can assist with planning drawings and provide practical advice to help ensure your project progresses smoothly from concept to construction.
Oak Framing Accessories
We supply the components that complete and support an oak frame build, including traditional oak pegs, cedar and oak shingles, granite and sandstone staddle stones, and stainless steel fixings. From structural details to finishing elements, our accessory range ensures every part of your project is specified and supplied with consistency and care.
Trusting in Round Wood of Mayfield
For over 30 years, we have crafted oak frames from the ancient East Sussex woodland, supplying thousands of buildings across the UK. Our in-house design and project team oversee each stage, with frames pre-assembled before delivery to ensure accuracy. We offer both full-service design and installation, or supply-only options, with reliable nationwide delivery.
Start Your Oak Frame Project
If you’re considering an oak frame outbuilding, we welcome an initial conversation. Our team can discuss your ideas, arrange a site visit, and offer practical guidance on planning and design. We regularly collaborate with architects, contractors and trade professionals, providing experienced input from first sketches through to delivery.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do oak frame buildings require planning permission?
It depends on the type, size, and location of the structure. Many smaller outbuildings can fall within permitted development, provided they meet height, boundary, and position rules. Larger buildings, listed properties, or sites within Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty may require formal consent. Building regulations are separate from planning and may apply even where planning permission is not required. We recommend checking early with your local authority, and we can assist with drawings to support your application.
What is green oak?
Green oak is freshly sawn timber that retains its natural moisture content. It is workable and ideally suited to traditional mortice and tenon construction. As the timber seasons over time, it gradually contracts, tightening the joints and increasing the structural integrity of the frame.
How long does an oak frame last?
A well-designed and properly constructed oak frame can last for centuries. Many historic timber-framed buildings across the UK remain structurally sound today. Longevity depends on good detailing, adequate ventilation, and appropriate foundations, all of which are considered during the design stage.
Will the oak crack or split?
Yes – surface cracks, known as shakes, are a natural part of the seasoning process. These do not affect structural strength. In fact, they are expected in green oak and contribute to the character of the finished frame. Movement is allowed for within the design.
Can you supply the oak frame only?
Yes. We offer both supply-only and full design-and-installation services. Some clients prefer to work with their own builder, while others choose our in-house team to manage the project through to completion.
Do you offer installation?
We do. Our experienced teams can erect the frame on site following pre-assembly at our workshop. Pre-assembly allows us to check each joint before delivery, helping to ensure a smooth and efficient build process.
Are oak frame buildings insulated?
The oak frame itself is structural. Insulation is incorporated within the wall and roof build-up, depending on the specification. We work with your architect or contractor to ensure the final structure meets current thermal performance standards where required.
What foundations are required for an oak frame building?
Foundation design depends on the size and intended use of the building, as well as ground conditions. Smaller garden structures may sit on pads or strip foundations, while larger buildings and houses typically require engineered foundations. Your structural engineer or groundworks contractor will advise, and we can coordinate as part of the wider design process.
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