Aftercare for Your New Oak Framed Building
Congratulations on your new oak-framed building, and thank you for choosing Oak Frames Direct. Whether you’ve invested in a garage, garden room, porch, or any other of our bespoke structures, you’ve now got a space that’s been crafted to the highest standards and built to serve you for many years to come.
While our frames are designed for strength, longevity, and ease of maintenance, a little bit of care can go a long way in keeping everything looking and performing its best. That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive aftercare manual. This will guide you through everything you need to know, from installation tips to ongoing maintenance.
It’s quick to read, simple to follow, and designed to help you make the most of your new oak structure. Read on to learn more and download your copy below.
Why Aftercare Matters for Oak-Framed Buildings
While green oak and Douglas-fir are incredibly strong, naturally weather-resistant materials, following some straightforward aftercare steps will help preserve their beauty, performance, and value over time.
By keeping up with aftercare, you can:
- Preserve kerb appeal, helping your building remain a standout feature of your property
- Protect the natural character of the wood, preventing staining or tannin marks from becoming permanent
- Maintain joinery and weatherboarding, ensuring doors and windows open smoothly and components age evenly
- Spot minor issues early, avoiding the need for costly repairs later on
- Support structural integrity, especially during the natural settling process that occurs in the first few years
What You’ll Find in Our Aftercare Manual
Our aftercare manual is designed to be clear, practical, and easy to follow, whether you’re assembling your oak frame for the first time or looking after it for years to come. Inside, you’ll find expert advice on all the most important care points, helping you keep your structure in peak condition with minimal effort.
Here’s what you can expect to learn:
- What changes you should expect from your oak frame over time:
This will help you understand the natural settling process and how your building will evolve as the timber matures.
- How you deal with tannin marks or surface discolouration:
Here you’ll learn simple, effective ways to treat common natural markings so your frame stays looking its best.
- The best way to care for your weatherboarding and joinery:
How to keep external and moving parts performing smoothly and looking great in all seasons.
- How your kit should be stored before assembly:
This section explains how to protect your materials properly if there’s a delay between delivery and the build.
- What checks you should carry out during installation:
This ensures everything is assembled correctly for long-term performance and stability.
- How you maintain your glazing and glass panels:
This will help you get the best from your windows and doors, with easy cleaning and care routines.
- What you should inspect when your kit arrives:
This is a simple guide to checking your delivery and ensuring you have everything you need to get started.
Whatever stage you’re at – pre-build, mid-installation, or long after your structure is complete – this guide is your go-to resource for protecting your investment and getting the most from your oak-framed building.
Ongoing Support and Expert Advice
Our commitment to you doesn’t stop once your building is delivered. If something doesn’t look quite right, you’d like help interpreting a detail from the manual, or you just want a bit of reassurance about the next steps, our team is always happy to help. We understand that every build is unique, and we want you to feel confident and supported at every stage.
All you’ll need to do is get in touch and an expert will get back to you as soon as possible. We’re here to support you throughout your entire journey, whether you have a quick question during installation or need advice years down the line.
Thinking About Expanding Your Property Further?
Once you’ve experienced the benefits of your oak-framed building, it’s only natural to start thinking about what else might be possible. Whether you’re considering adding a matching porch, creating a larger garage complex, or building a new garden room, we’re here to help you take the next step.
Our team can work with you to explore your ideas, advise on planning requirements, and create a bespoke kit that complements your existing structure – all with the same care, quality, and attention to detail you’ve come to expect.
If you’re ready to expand your space or just want to explore the possibilities, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us today to start planning your next oak-framed project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. As part of its natural ageing process, oak will gently weather to a silvery-grey tone when exposed to sunlight and air. This is completely normal and part of its timeless character. If you’d prefer to preserve the original tone, there are finishes you can apply and we can guide you on what’s suitable.
This is a natural part of how oak behaves as it dries and settles. It’s called “checking” and is completely expected. These splits do not affect the structural integrity of your frame and are considered part of its unique charm.
