Blog from a greenhouse builder

Porch conservatory in oak

4/10/2013

Don’t get the wrong idea - I haven’t started doing conservatories. I agreed to build this one for an old friend who wanted a porch at the back of his new home and knew he’d get friend’s rates!

Ian is an architect (now retired) who specialises in heritage buildings and conservation.

The whole structure is oak including the steps and the structure which supports them, the trim and pegs which are driven through the mortice and tennoned joints. The oak is so heavy and tough and it will only get harder over time so there is never any issue with maintenance or concern over how long it will last - it will probably outlast all of us. However, it takes considerably more work to prepare and construct from - although it’s worth it right!

Before....

Amazing view isn’t it? Personally I can’t see past the oak though. I routed grooves along the whole top step for grip and safety - they look nice too.