Benefits of building an oak frame home
The strength, beauty and benefits of oak frame construction
When planning a new home or extension, choosing the right structure is key.
More and more homeowners and self-builders in the South East are turning to traditional oak framing valued not only for its natural beauty but also for its structural integrity and sustainable credentials.
At Sackville Oak Frames we specialise in oak frames in Kent and Sussex. We hand craft bespoke green oak structures that combine centuries-old methods with modern design. Whether you are building a new home, barn conversion, garden room or extension, an oak frame offers unparalleled strength, longevity and aesthetic value.
Here is why building with oak is one of the smartest (and most beautiful!) choices you can make and the many benefits of building with oak:
A tradition rooted in British building heritage
Oak frame construction has been part of the British landscape for over 800 years. Many of the UK’s most iconic buildings, from medieval barns to Tudor homes, were built using green oak timber frames. Today, those same traditional methods are still being used by expert oak framers like Sackville Oak Frames.
As specialist oak frame builders in Kent and Sussex, we design and handcraft each frame using time honoured techniques such as mortise and tenon joints and hardwood oak pegs, all made in our workshop in Kent. Absolutely no steel is required. It’s not just about preserving heritage, it is about building better, stronger and more sustainably too.
Green Oak Frame – A structure that doesn’t need steel
Unlike conventional builds that rely on steel beams or RSJs, oak frame structures are self-supporting. Oak has incredible compressive strength, meaning the frame can support the entire building without the need for intrusive steelwork. This makes oak ideal for open plan living, vaulted ceilings and glazed gables which are often key features in many modern homes across Kent and Sussex.
At Sackville Oak Frames, we use green oak, freshly sawn and ready to work. As the oak seasons, the joints tighten naturally, increasing the strength of the structure over time. It’s a living material that ages beautifully and never looks dated.
Exposed oak as interior design
One of the biggest design advantages of oak frame buildings is that the frame itself becomes a stunning feature. Rather than hiding the structure behind plaster or steel, oak framing creates a warm, tactile and timeless look that suits both classic and contemporary styles.
We work closely with clients, architects and builders to ensure each project reflects the client’s vision, whether that’s a clean and minimalist design or a more decorative aesthetic with curved braces and detailed joinery. From simple garden rooms to dramatic vaulted barns, oak framing provides a showstopping focal point in any space.
Sustainable, low-impact building
Building with oak is also an environmentally responsible choice. Oak is a renewable, biodegradable material and locally sourced British or European oak carries a much lower carbon footprint than concrete, steel or imported timber.
As experienced oak frame builders in Kent and Sussex, we take sustainability seriously. Our green oak frames are not only beautiful and strong, they also form the basis of low-impact, breathable homes that work in harmony with their surroundings, creating eco-conscious homes that feel good to live in.
Built to last a lifetime and beyond…
An oak frame home isn’t just a structure, it’s a legacy. With proper design and care, oak frame buildings can last for hundreds of years, gaining character as they age. That’s why so many homeowners in Kent and Sussex choose to build with oak for its longevity, charm and ability to add long-term value to a property.
Whether you are embarking on a full self-build, a sympathetic extension or a new outbuilding, Sackville Oak Frames offers the craftsmanship and local expertise to bring your vision to life.
Why choose Sackville Oak Frames?
We are experienced and passionate oak framers based in Kent, covering projects across Kent, Sussex, and the wider South East. Every oak frame we build is crafted to order, with care, precision, and passion. From initial design to final installation, we deliver exceptional results that stand the test of time.
- Bespoke oak frame homes
- Green oak garden rooms and extensions
- Traditional oak barns and outbuildings
- Feature trusses
- Interior framing
- Fully customisable design and detailing