Custom Oak Buildings: Design & Build with Room Outside
Established 1973 • Over 2,000 Projects Completed

Bespoke Oak Framed Buildings

Warmth, Character and a Room You Will Never Want to Leave

There is something about an oak framed room that no other material can match — the warmth underfoot, the honest grain of the timber, the feeling that this space was built to outlast everything around it. Garden rooms, garages, Orangeries and extensions, each one hand-crafted using traditional joinery and sustainably sourced oak.

Free Home Design Visit Up to 10-Year Guarantee Traditional Joinery Prices from £35,000

Call us anytime on 01243 538999 – David our digital assistant will take a few details so the right specialist can follow up personally.

About Oak Buildings

What is an Oak Framed Building?

An Oak Framed Building is a structure with genuine soul. Using green or air-dried oak, each frame is assembled with mortise and tenon joints — the same technique used in medieval barns, manor houses and cathedrals that have stood for centuries. The result is a living structure that improves with age, developing a beautiful silver patina that grows more characterful with every passing year.

At Room Outside, every Oak Building is individually designed and hand-crafted to your brief. We use sustainably sourced British and European oak from responsibly managed forests, and every frame is pre-assembled in our workshop before delivery to your site. Options include glazed walls, lantern roofs, brick or timber infill panels, and insulation that can exceed current Building Regulations — so the space feels as comfortable to live in as it looks.

Oak and architecture have a shared history stretching back centuries. The rich, warm appearance of the timber brings a depth and character to your home that no synthetic material can replicate. Whether you are creating a garden room to retreat into, a garage with workshop above, or an Orangery extension for entertaining, an Oak Building adds something that genuinely improves your daily life.

We have been designing and installing Oak Buildings across England — including West Sussex, East Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, Kent, Essex, Greater London, Berkshire and Dorset — since 1973.

Key Benefits

Can add 5–15% to property value
Built to last generations
Timeless character and warmth
Sustainably sourced materials
Traditional mortise and tenon joinery
100+ year lifespan
Bespoke to your property
Full planning support included
Request Free Quote
Bespoke Oak Framed Building with traditional craftsmanship - Room Outside
Prices from£35,000
What Sets Us Apart

Why Room Outside for Oak?

Four things we do differently that premium homeowners consistently value.

Craftsmanship You Can See and Feel

Every Oak Building is hand-crafted using authentic mortise and tenon joints, hand-cut and pegged for strength that can last centuries. You can see the care in every joint — and so can your guests. No two frames are ever the same.

Sustainably Sourced, Built Responsibly

Our oak comes from responsibly managed British and European forests. Oak is a naturally renewable material with one of the lowest carbon footprints of any structural timber — so your new space leaves as little impact on the environment as possible.

A Room You Will Actually Use

This is not a cold outbuilding you forget about in winter. With proper insulation and optional New Generation Glass, your Oak Building can be comfortable year-round — a genuine extension of your living space, not just an addition to your property.

Full Project Management

We handle everything — design, structural engineering, planning applications, building regulations, foundations, installation and finishing. Over 50 years of project experience across England — including West Sussex, East Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, Kent, Essex, Greater London, Berkshire and Dorset.

Oak Building project detail

How Homeowners Use Oak

Every project starts with how you want to live. Here are some of the ways homeowners have used an Oak Building to transform their home.

Oak framed Orangery extension with lantern roof and bi-fold doors
Oak Orangery Extension

Kitchen Extension with Lantern Roof

Originally designed for citrus trees in the 17th century, the Orangery has evolved into one of the most desirable ways to extend a home. This full-width Oak Orangery replaced an aging rear structure with a glazed lantern roof that floods the reconfigured kitchen, dining and seating area with natural light. Bi-fold doors open the entire rear wall onto the garden, while the rich warmth of the oak frame complements the original brickwork beautifully. With underfloor heating and high levels of insulation, even a wood-burner became unnecessary — the room is comfortable year-round, and the family say it is the space they never want to leave.

Orangery Kitchen extension Lantern roof
Oak framed sunroom with glazed walls and garden views
Oak Sunroom

Light-Filled Living with Garden Views

A sunroom is designed to capture the warmth of the sun and flood your home with light. This oak framed sunroom extends the living space with floor-to-ceiling glazing on three sides, framing sweeping garden views and bringing nature into every moment. The rich, warm oak frame gives the structure a sense of permanence and luxury that no other material can match. South-facing and fully insulated, the room is a joy to use in every season — whether it is a morning coffee, an afternoon with a book, or an evening entertaining friends as the sun sets beyond the garden.

Sunroom Living space Full-height glazing
Oak framed building with traditional craftsmanship
Oak Garage with Room Above

Double Garage with Guest Annexe

An Oak Garage does not have to be just for cars. A double-bay oak framed garage with a guest annexe above gives you secure vehicle storage on the ground floor and a fully insulated living space upstairs — ideal for visiting family, a teenage retreat, or a home gym. The oak frame gives the structure instant character that matches the main house, and the silver patina that develops over time makes it look even more at home with every passing year.

Garage Guest annexe Two-storey
Oak framed conservatory extension with pitched roof on period home
Oak Conservatory Extension

Light-Filled Living Room Extension

A couple wanted more living space that connected their period home to the garden without losing the character of the original building. An oak framed conservatory with a pitched roof and full-height glazed walls created a bright, airy space that works as an informal lounge and garden room in one. The rich warmth of the oak frame blends naturally with the existing stonework. With New Generation Glass fitted, the room can stay noticeably more comfortable even on the hottest summer days.

Conservatory Living space New Generation Glass

Oak Framed Garden Buildings

Every Oak Building is crafted with traditional joinery and sustainable materials, helping to ensure longevity and character.

Traditional Joinery

Authentic mortise and tenon joints, hand-cut and pegged for strength that can last centuries. The same proven technique used in the barns, manor houses and cathedrals that still stand today.

Sustainable Oak

Sourced from responsibly managed British and European forests. Oak is naturally durable, renewable, and develops a beautiful silver patina over time — growing more characterful with age, not less.

Built to Outlast You

Oak frames do not deteriorate — they mature. With a lifespan measured in centuries rather than decades, your Oak Building will serve your family for generations, requiring only minimal annual maintenance.

Warm in Winter, Cool in Summer

High levels of insulation can exceed current Building Regulations. With the right specification, including optional New Generation Glass, your Oak Building can feel comfortable to use every day of the year.

Designed Around Your Life

Every Oak Building is designed around how you actually want to use the space. Whether that is a home office, a kitchen extension, a music room or somewhere to entertain — we design around you, not from a catalogue.

Workshop Crafted, Site Assembled

Every frame is hand-crafted and pre-assembled in our workshop before delivery to your site. You can visit and see your frame taking shape — there is nothing quite like watching skilled craftspeople bring your design to life in oak.

Versatile Spaces for Your Property

From garden offices to garages and extensions — an Oak Building can be designed for almost any purpose.

Garden Rooms

Home office or studio
Gym or yoga space
Guest annexe

Oak Garages

Single or double bay
Workshop above
Carport with store

Extensions

Kitchen or living space
Garden Orangery
Heritage extension

Oak Frame Extensions in Action

Watch how an Oak Framed Extension comes together — from the first workshop joints being cut to the finished structure standing proudly against the original home. There is something genuinely special about watching a frame being raised on site.

Every project is hand-crafted using traditional mortise and tenon joinery and sustainably sourced British and European oak. The video shows the care, skill and attention that goes into every Room Outside Oak Building.

Oak Building vs Traditional Extension

Both add valuable living space, but they create a very different feel. Here is how they compare for homeowners weighing up their options.

FeatureOak BuildingTraditional Extension
CharacterTimeless oak with natural patinaStandard brick and block
ConstructionHand-crafted mortise and tenonConventional bricklaying
Lifespan100+ years with minimal maintenance50–80 years typical
PlanningOften Permitted DevelopmentMay require full application
Price from£35,000£40,000–£80,000+
Build time12–20 weeks12–20 weeks
Best forCharacter, warmth and heritage feelA conventional room extension
Character
Oak BuildingTimeless oak with natural patina
Traditional ExtensionStandard brick and block
Construction
Oak BuildingHand-crafted mortise and tenon
Traditional ExtensionConventional bricklaying
Lifespan
Oak Building100+ years with minimal maintenance
Traditional Extension50–80 years typical
Planning
Oak BuildingOften Permitted Development
Traditional ExtensionMay require full application
Price from
Oak Building£35,000
Traditional Extension£40,000–£80,000+
Build time
Oak Building12–20 weeks
Traditional Extension12–20 weeks
Best for
Oak BuildingCharacter, warmth and heritage feel
Traditional ExtensionA conventional room extension

Not sure which approach suits your property? Our design consultants can advise during a free home visit. Book a free consultation →

Oak Building vs Orangery

Both create stunning extensions with real character, but they suit different architectural styles.

FeatureOak BuildingOrangery
StyleRustic, heritage, countrysideTraditional with solid perimeter and lantern
FrameHand-crafted green oakTimber, aluminium or UPVC
CharacterDevelops silver patina over timeConsistent finish, built-in feel
ThermalA+ achievable with insulationA++ achievable with insulated perimeter
Price from£35,000£35,000
Build time12–20 weeks10–14 weeks
Best forCountry homes, barns, heritage propertiesPeriod homes wanting a built-in feel
Style
Oak BuildingRustic, heritage, countryside
OrangeryTraditional with solid perimeter and lantern
Frame
Oak BuildingHand-crafted green oak
OrangeryTimber, aluminium or UPVC
Character
Oak BuildingDevelops silver patina over time
OrangeryConsistent finish, built-in feel
Thermal
Oak BuildingA+ achievable with insulation
OrangeryA++ achievable with insulated perimeter
Price from
Oak Building£35,000
Orangery£35,000
Build time
Oak Building12–20 weeks
Orangery10–14 weeks
Best for
Oak BuildingCountry homes, barns, heritage properties
OrangeryPeriod homes wanting a built-in feel

Both add real character — the right choice depends on your property style and the feel you want. Learn more about our Orangeries →

Wondering what an Oak Building could do for your home?

Most homeowners tell us they wish they had done it years earlier. Book a free home visit and we will show you what is possible — with no obligation and no pressure.

Call us anytime – David our digital assistant will take a few details so the right specialist can follow up personally.

Our Process

How a Project Works

From first conversation to finished Oak Building, here is what to expect at each stage.

Step 1

Free Home Design Visit

A specialist visits your home to understand your requirements, assess the site, take measurements and discuss options. No obligation, no pressure.

Step 2

Bespoke Design

We produce detailed design drawings tailored to your property, preferences and budget. You will see exactly what the finished Oak Building will look like before committing.

Step 3

Workshop Crafting and Installation

Your Oak Building is hand-crafted in our workshop using traditional joinery, then professionally assembled and finished on site. We manage the full project from foundations to completion.

Step 4

Handover and Aftercare

We do not consider a project complete until you are fully satisfied. Depending on product and location, your Oak Building may be covered by up to a 10-year insured guarantee.

What Our Customers Say

Independently verified reviews from Google. Real homeowners sharing their experience of working with Room Outside — unedited and in their own words.

★★★★★

“What a fabulous service. I am so pleased with the work that Matt and Room Outside have carried out. I was recommended to use them and I am so pleased that I did. They are certainly a Company you can trust. Very happy with the end result and I will certainly be recommending them to all, thank you.”

Lorna Donaldson

5-star Google Review

★★★★★

“Delighted with our experience with Room Outside. Richard spent a great deal of time and effort to achieve exactly what we wanted. He has been in the industry all his career and you can tell as he had amazing knowledge of all the products. We are absolutely delighted with the end result and would have no hesitation in recommending Room Outside.”

Sean Read

5-star Google Review

★★★★★

“Excellent, Matt starts and finishes with great enthusiasm and energy. He is always welcome in our home.”

Digby Cutts

5-star Google Review

Oak Building FAQs

Common questions about Oak Building costs, planning permission and installation.

A bespoke Oak Building from Room Outside typically costs from £35,000 to £100,000+ depending on size, complexity and specification. Fully installed with building control and up to a 10-year guarantee. We provide a detailed quotation after a free home visit.

Many Oak Buildings fall under Permitted Development Rights, but restrictions apply in conservation areas and for listed buildings. We provide full planning guidance with every project and manage any applications needed.

Yes. Our Oak Buildings feature high levels of insulation and can be fitted with New Generation Glass, with the potential to achieve A+ energy ratings. With the right specification, they can be comfortable year-round.

A typical Oak Building takes 12–20 weeks from initial consultation to completion, including design, structural engineering, foundations, installation and finishing. We set out a clear timeline at the quotation stage.

Oak Buildings require minimal maintenance. The oak frame itself improves with age and needs no treatment. Annual checks of roof and glazing are recommended to keep everything in good order.

Depending on product and location, we offer up to a 10-year structural guarantee backed by independent UK insurers, alongside separate product-specific warranties. The exact terms are confirmed in your quotation.

Get Your Free Oak Building Quote

Book a free home design consultation with our specialist team. We will discuss your vision, assess structural requirements and provide a detailed quotation.

Prefer to talk? Call us on 01243 538999 — David our digital assistant will take a few details so the right specialist can follow up personally.