Frequently Asked Questions

At Trade Oak Garages, sustainability is a core value. That’s why all of our oak is sourced responsibly from well-managed forests in France, ensuring minimal environmental impact and long-term forest health.

Your oak framed buildings traditionally can last for decades. In fact historically oak framed buildings can even last for well over a hundred years! You will find that oak requires little or no maintenance, so you can expect your building to last as well as any stone or brick built building.

Our oak framed buildings are naturally durable, with high resistance to rot and insect infestation, and typically require no additional chemical treatment. All softwood components are pressure-treated in accordance with industry standards (e.g. BS8417) to ensure long-term protection against biological decay and wood-boring pests.

Yes, you can. Our upper floor buildings are engineered with structural timbers designed to support a full first floor — ideal for creating additional storage, a home office, or even a self-contained annexe. Access can be configured with either an internal or external staircase, depending on your layout. This option is available across our range of 2, 3, and 4 bay oak framed garages.

Planning permission may be required, depending on size, height, and location. We provide planning drawings to support your application and can advise based on your specific project.

We use green oak, which is freshly cut and ideal for post-and-beam construction. It naturally shrinks and hardens over time, adding to the structure’s strength and character.

Many of our customers choose the DIY route, as kits are pre-cut and include full instructions. However, we also work closely with professional builders and carpenters.

A solid concrete slab or strip foundations are typically required. We recommend consulting with a groundworks contractor to ensure proper support.

For experienced builders, a typical 2 bay garage can be assembled in 3–5 days (excluding groundwork and roofing). Larger or more complex structures may take longer.

Yes — oak framed garages can be insulated and lined internally, making them suitable for use as home offices, workshops, or even living spaces.

We offer softwood garage doors in double leaf styles, along with softwood pedestrian doors and windows as optional add-ons.

Most oak frame kits can be designed to comply with UK Building Regulations. We offer technical drawings and guidance to help ensure compliance.

Yes. We can supply professionally prepared planning and building regulation drawings with your order — ideal for submissions and structural sign-off.