Discover the Benefits of a High Brick Plinth for Your Oak Porch

When planning an oak porch, choosing the right foundation is just as important as selecting the timber or the design. One option that continues to grow in popularity is a high brick plinth. This raised base supports the structure, improves visual appeal, and offers long-term protection from moisture. Because of these advantages, many homeowners now prefer this style over traditional ground-level posts.

What Is a High Brick Plinth?

A high brick plinth is a raised platform built from durable bricks that supports the oak frame. It typically lifts the structure between 300–600 mm off the ground, although some porches—especially in damp or uneven areas—use plinths up to 750 mm high. As a result, your porch gains extra protection against water and movement in the soil, ensuring long-lasting stability.

Typical Oak Porch Sizes

Before choosing the plinth height, it helps to understand the most common oak porch dimensions. At Timber Solution, the porches we design most often fall into these ranges:

• Width: 1.6 m to 3.5 m
• Depth: 1.0 m to 2.0 m
• Ridge Height: 2.8 m to 3.5 m (depending on roof pitch)
• Post Section Size: Usually 150 × 150 mm or 175 × 175 mm oak posts

Because these porches vary in size, the brick plinth height can be adjusted to achieve the perfect balance between design, proportion, and practicality.

Common Dwarf-Wall (Plinth) Heights

Homeowners usually choose a plinth height based on the style of the property and the level of ground moisture. The most popular heights are:

• 300–350 mm – Suitable for most modern homes; provides subtle elevation.
• 450–500 mm – The most common choice, offering good protection and strong proportions.
• 600–750 mm – Recommended for traditional cottages, exposed locations, or areas with water drainage issues.

These measurements ensure your oak porch appears well-balanced while also keeping the timber clear of any standing water.

Key Benefits of a High Brick Plinth

1. Strong and Reliable Foundation

A high brick plinth distributes the porch’s weight evenly, giving the structure excellent stability. Additionally, the raised base prevents timber posts from direct ground contact, ensuring long-term durability.

2. Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal

The brick plinth creates an attractive transition between the ground and the oak frame. Because different bricks, colours, and pointing styles are available, you can match the porch perfectly to your home. As a result, the finished look feels natural and well-integrated.

3. Improved Protection From Water Damage

Since the oak posts sit above ground level, they are far less vulnerable to moisture. This is especially important in areas with heavy rain or damp soil. Over time, the plinth significantly reduces the risk of staining, rot, or timber movement.

4. Flexible Design and Customisation

A high brick plinth also provides design flexibility. Whether you want a lower, more modern look or a tall plinth to give the porch extra presence, the height can easily be tailored. At Timber Solution, we create porch designs that suit your home’s proportions and match the brickwork already in place.