Projects shaped by people,
place and purpose
As one of the most durable organic building materials available, oak can last for centuries.
Conservation
Wear, tear and the British climate take
their toll, meaning that expert
conservation and repairs eventually
become necessary.
With over 30 years of conservation experience in domestic and public historic buildings, Green Oak Carpentry repairs, restores, and conserves historic timber-frame buildings, and performs structural timber repairs across the UK.
Historic building conservation
Historic building conservation
We always begin historic building conservation by understanding your building, its history, how it has been used and how it has evolved to become the structure it is today. We then make an educated decision on how to approach the restoration, what to leave and what to replace – after all, once historic fabric has been removed, it is gone forever. Historic timber structure surveys, reports and drawings are an essential part of our work, especially for listed buildings.
Structural timber repairs for listed buildings
Many listed buildings include oak structural features, and we regularly support owners with structural timber repairs. As with conservation projects, we begin with careful assessments before repairing and reinforcing damaged or deteriorating timber frames with traditional joinery techniques and compatible materials. Wherever possible, we splice in new oak sections rather than replace entire elements – maintaining your building’s integrity and history.
Our approach to oak frame conservation and repair
Many guardians of historic buildings feel the weight of their responsibility. We believe protecting history shouldn’t feel like a burden, and we work to help you enjoy your role, whether that’s as a professional overseeing a high-profile heritage asset or a homeowner caring for a much-loved home.
Our approach is based on proven timber frame conservation techniques. We retain original material wherever possible, replace materials like-for-like, and use traditional joinery methods that respect your building’s construction. We prioritise traditional approaches, but if appropriate, we use modern techniques and materials to ensure your oak frame’s continued resilience.
Restoration projects have a bad reputation for unexpected costs. We work with you to stay within your budget, while protecting evidence of a 900-year-old craft – one that has supported our country’s history and can help define our future.
Put your oak frame conservation project in the safest of hands
The process of oak beam
restoration can be expensive,
bureaucratic and emotional.
Know you can trust us to be a steady, practical voice of experience that places you and your oak frame first. We guide you through your project, allowing you to enjoy the unique process of commissioning an oak frame conservation project:
Deep technical knowledge. Our conservation team are experienced and well educated in all aspects of oak frame restoration. Many of our carpenters have completed an MSc in Timber Building Conservation at The Weald and Downland Museum, and we continue to have a close working relationship with our founder, Andrew Holloway, who now works as a specialist restoration consultant.
Well-informed. The regulatory and heritage requirements of listed buildings regularly evolve. We will help you identify the best course of action for your timber frame and support you throughout the project.
A proven track record. With over thirty years of experience in oak frame restoration and conservation carpentry, our clients include the National Trust, Historic England and Historic Royal Palaces, as well as many other public and private clients.
Commission your oak barn conversion
Learn more about conserving
your oak frame with
Green Oak Carpentry.
We are here to answer your questions and explain more about what you can expect when commissioning an oak frame conservation project with our team of experts.
A naturally
sustainable choice
Oak is a natural, renewable material with exceptional longevity. When properly detailed and crafted, an oak framed bridge matures beautifully, developing an individual character and long-standing structural integrity.
A Green Oak Carpentry barn conversion is built with sustainability at its core. All wood – whether oak or another hardwood – will be sustainably grown and harvested. Crucially, it will meet PEFC’s strict chain-of-custody certification requirements, demonstrating our sustainability commitment.
Experience our oak
framed buildings for
yourself
Join us at one of our open days or events – they’re the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of oak framing, see our oak frames up close and ask our knowledgeable team as many questions as you need.
Why choose us for your
oak frame conservation
project?
There’s no shortage of oak frame building companies to work with. So why choose us?
One-of-a-kind
Every project is a one-off – you won’t see a single templated design on our website or in our office. Whether a domestic porch or a high-profile commercial build, we begin every project the same way – by taking your brief and designing to your needs.
Integrity, longevity
Oak trees can live for hundreds of years. We honour these gentle giants by building structures that will last for generations to come. Our team skilfully designs, fabricates and assembles each structure to achieve structural integrity and a positive, lasting impact.
Transparent & available
It’s not just about the buildings we make. We’re good to work with, too. We’re readily available and happy to accommodate our clients throughout their projects. We work transparently and will be open about your project’s progress and any potential challenges.
Deep expertise
Having been in business since 1996, we’re timber framing experts, training up the next generation of carpenters in our business. Our renowned timber restoration experts allow us to support highly specialised projects.
Professionalism assured
We partner with architects, contractors and developers to create modern and traditional timber structures of all sizes.
Industry recognised
Our timber structures have been recognised by numerous awards, and we’re the only company to have been awarded the prestigious Gold Wood Award three times. No other company has achieved this more than once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning your Conservation Project
What types of historical structures or materials do you specialise in restoring or preserving?
We restore and repair all kinds of historic structures, including listed buildings, barns, granary sheds, cart sheds and many other types of historic oak structures.
How do you balance restoration while maintaining the authenticity of the original structure?
With many years of experience, we have developed best-practice methods for oak frame restoration and carpentry. We will always take the approach that retains as much of the existing historic structure as possible, preserving the building wherever possible.
Do you work collaboratively with heritage organisations or follow specific conservation guidelines?
We have worked with clients such as The National Trust, Historic Royal Palaces, Historic England and numerous other public and private clients. We care deeply about the conservation of our timber-built heritage and understand the many complex conservation issues that can arise.
Every project is a one-off
No templates. No repeat designs. Every frame
we have ever made has started from scratch.
Never repeated.
Always remarkable
Explore our project gallery to inspire your oak frame conservation project. Take your time; each Green Oak Carpentry structure is unique and hand-built – you’ll never see the same project twice.
“Right from our first meeting we knew we had made the right choice. It’s the details, with so much experience they know exactly what works and what doesn’t. Everyone and we mean everyone, who comes to our home just goes “WOW” this is stunning. Makes us so proud.”
Mark & Catherine, Petersfield
Great builds
begin with a chat
Historic timber structures need the right expertise to protect their legacy. Whether you are facing an urgent structural concern or planning a longer programme of conservation work, our team has the knowledge and experience to support you.
Our conservation team is always happy to talk – whether you have a clear brief or are unsure where to start.
