Carving and joint details in oak frames

Firstly, we would like to show you some examples of carved posts, for inclusion into an oak framed house.  The posts are carved by hand, giving you a wonderfully unique architectural detail.  The first two photographs shows the bottom of the oak post.....

  

This next photograph shows the top of the oak post, as it is being completed in the workshop.

 

The next photograph show the post  after it had been jointed and built into the oak frame.  The oak has not yet been sanded and finished, a job that can be done once the frame is erected on site.

   

Next are some photographs of a carved crown post for inclusion into a crown post roof of an oak framed building. Intricately carved posts similar to this design were found in roofs dating from the 12th to the 14th Century.  This type of detail can be carved onto king posts, arcade posts or queen posts; in fact any post that you like.  In creating an oak framed house, the inclusion of architectural carving will greatly enhance your home's character.  This photo shows the bottom of the post, during carving and after the oak had been sanded and finished .....

     

This is the top of the oak carved crown post.  This post was sanded and finished with linseed oil prior to inclusion in an oak frame.  You will note that the top of the post remains square so that braces can be jointed into the post.

 

In addition to carving of your oak posts, details can be applied to the braces and the floor beams, giving added architectural interest to the interior of your new oak building.  Below is an example of carving of quatrefoil and flute detail to oak braces...

 

   
 

 

This next photograph shows the detail that can be applied to a floor beam; the edge of the beam is chamfered, leading to a lamb's tongue finial.  Once finished, this will be viewed from underneath and give added character to the ceiling.

 

When considering a traditional oak frame, it is important to ensure that the craftsmen are fully skilled in the correct joints to apply.  An oak frame is built for strength and character and the wrong joint in the wrong place will severely weaken the build.  For example, dovetail joints are used where there is a possibility of the joint separating; a simple mortice and tenon will not suffice in this instance.  End grain should never be exposed to the elements as this can allow the wood to rot therefore the design of the frame should not leave end grain exposed; rather the joint detail should be such that the end of any beam is enclosed within the weatherproofing of the building.  There are a few instances, such as jettied buildings, where this cannot be avoided, but in the main the oak end grain should be within the protective envelope of the building.  Mortice and tenon joints should be draw-bored to allow the peg to fully close the joint and prevent movement.  It is worth checking that any company you employ to build a frame are aware of these issues as normal carpentry school would not cover the traditional and time-honoured methods of building a strong and enduring oak frame.  We have seen some poor examples of build on the internet, so be aware.