Designing Your Bespoke Oak Porch with Timber Solution

A bespoke oak porch transforms your home’s entrance by adding style, strength, and year-round practicality. At Timber Solution, we design custom oak porches that match your vision and blend naturally with your home’s architecture. When planning your porch, several key elements influence both appearance and performance. Understanding these factors helps you choose a design that fits beautifully and functions flawlessly.

1. Choosing the Right Ridge Height

The ridge height sets the overall proportion of your porch. A well-balanced ridge creates strong visual harmony with your home. When the ridge sits too low, the structure looks compressed. When it sits too high, it can dominate the entrance. For most homes, the ideal ridge height aligns with or sits slightly below the first-floor windowsill. This placement creates a balanced and attractive look.

2. Matching the Roof Pitch

Your roof pitch affects both drainage and style. Matching the porch pitch to your home’s existing roof creates a cohesive design and improves water runoff.

• 30°–45° – Best for gable porches, offering excellent drainage
• 15°–25° – Ideal for pent and lean-to porches where height may be limited

A well-chosen pitch enhances durability and helps the porch blend naturally with your home.

3. Choosing the Ideal Dwarf Wall Height

The dwarf wall supports the structure and influences overall character. In the UK, typical dwarf walls fall within a practical height range. Common UK dwarf wall heights:

• 300–450 mm – Creates an open, minimal look
• 450–600 mm – Most common and visually balanced
• 600–750 mm – Offers a more traditional, sturdy appearance

A height of 450–600 mm suits most porches because it provides strong support while maintaining a pleasing proportion. Your choice depends on whether you want a lighter, modern look or a more enclosed, traditional style.

4. Planning the Distance from the Wall

Porch depth determines how usable and comfortable the space feels. A shallow porch provides weather protection, while a deeper projection allows for seating, seasonal decorations, or additional storage.

• 1.0–1.2 m – Slim and practical for compact entrances
• 1.5 m – Ideal for an inviting, comfortable space
• 1.8–2.4 m – Great for larger homes or porches with furniture

Planning the correct distance ensures that your porch offers both function and style.

5. Setting the Front Beam Height

The front beam height directly influences accessibility and the overall openness of the porch. Our standard height of 2.1 m gives you comfortable headroom while allowing plenty of natural light. This height works well for most UK homes and prevents the porch from feeling enclosed.

Craftsmanship You Can Trust

At Timber Solution, we combine skilled craftsmanship with traditional oak joinery to create porches that stand out for their beauty and durability. Every porch is made to measure, ensuring a perfect fit and a timeless, welcoming entrance to your home.