The price of a frame depends on many factors.

Initially there is the choice of timber to be used, Oak or Softwood. Oak, the more traditional choice is a more expensive timber than Douglas Fir, the most suitable softwood, although materials are only part of the equation. A greater impact on the final price will be the complexity of the frame, the more complex the frame, the greater the number of joints needed and the more time required by our Carpenters.

The size of the frame will be the next consideration. Our initial guide price will be based on the square metreage area in plan of the building.

And finally don't forget the site. The location, ease of access and site conditions will all have an impact on costs.

Please contact us if you have any questions regarding the costs of a project you have in mind

Will you design my frame?

We work closely with two frame designers and we can put you in touch with them if required.

They can carry out the design work for you independently, and using their drawings you are quite at liberty to seek alternative quotes from other framing companies for comparison.

How much of my house will you make?

We will cut the principal frame in our yard, transport it by lorry and erect it on site. It can include walls, floor beams, roof trusses, purlins and common rafters.

We work with a number of specialists in other areas who can provide frame design, frame cleaning, glass, glazing and joinery. You can find many of them on our links page.

How long will it take?

Once we have received a final design and in receipt of a deposit we will order the timber and commence cutting the frame. Typically, the lead time for ordering timber is two weeks and cutting time can be anything from 1 to 6 weeks, depending on the size of the frame.

Raising the frame on your site normally takes less than a week.

What do I need to do before you arrive on site?

We will deliver the frame to site by lorry in numbered pieces ready for assembly and raising. It is important therefore, that the site is ready for us to start work as soon as we arrive.

Firstly, the groundworks should be ready, so that the frame can be raised immediately it is delivered.

We will advise you of any scaffolding requirements and this should also be ready for use.

We normally take care of any Crane requirements, but it is important that the site has been prepared for the arrival of the crane and there is full and clear access.

When do I have to pay you?

Once you have an agreed design and price, the payment of a 5% deposit will secure a space for your frame in our yard schedule. A cutting list of timbers specific to your frame is prepared from your design drawings and so we will require a further 35% on ordering the timber from the mill.

The final 60% will become due immediately we have completed the raising of your frame on site.

Do you only use Oak?

We can use Oak, Douglas Fir and Larch. Examples of these can be seen throughout our Portfolio.

Where does your timber come from?

Most of the timber we use is sourced from France. In our experience, French timber is of better quality, better cut and cheaper than UK timber.

In terms of impact on the environment, our location means that timber from France often travels less miles to our Yard than timber from within the UK.

If you wish, we can obtain the relevant PEFC certificate covering any timber used on your project.

Do you have a brochure of standard designs?

All our frames are built to individual designs, although we can send you details of some of our previous work. You can also see examples on our Portfolio page and if there are any particular styles or details you want incorporated into your frame, we will be happy to discuss these with you and include then wherever possible.

Are timber frames durable?

Yes; if you have a good design and have used the appropriate timber species there is no reason why with appropriate maintenance, the frame shouldn't last for hundreds of years.

The earliest timber-framed buildings found by dendrochronology cluster around the late 12th/early 13th century.

Evidence from archaeology suggests that the late 12th century represents the time when fully timber-framed buildings start to appear. Some more recent research has indicated that a number of buildings once thought to be earlier have timbers that were felled in the mid 13th century. A few timber-framed buildings have been dated with timbers felled before 1230; seven are aisled halls, one an aisled barn, and the ninth a church bell tower.

Will the Oak split?

We use Bandsawn Green Oak in our frames; it is part of the natuire of green oak to split, bend and shrink whilst drying. Whilst the timber we use is carefully selected, it is an organic material and we cannot guarantee that the timbers will not split or bend.

Do you carry out conservation and restoration work?

Yes, although we prefer jobs which can be dismantled and worked in our workshop. Please send any details you may have and we'll be happy to discuss your requirements.

How do I treat a Timber Frame?

Over time, Oak exposed to sunlight will change from the natural honey colour of "green" oak to more of a silvery colour. It is not necessary to apply any treatments (chemical or otherwise).

What's the largest or smallest frame you can supply?

We can make and erect any size of frame from a Porch to a full house frame, though the larger frames will take a little longer to prepare!

Do I need planning permission?

Timber Frames are no different from any other form of construction in this regard, you will need to obtain all the required permissions from your local authority and structural engineer, including planning consent, building regulation approval and structural certificate. In the case of alterations and improvements to listed buildings you will also require listed building consent.

Will I have to pay VAT?

Unless your project is deemed to be exempt, VAT will be payable. The HMRC website details exactly what is and is not exempt. The HMRC page for self builders is a good place to start.