At Dunscar Timber Engineering, we design and manufacture bespoke oak and glulam porches from our workshop in Bolton. Every porch is made to the customer’s specification – there are no standard sizes or off-the-shelf designs. If you have drawings or a specification, we can work from them. If you are at an earlier stage, we can advise on sizing and design to suit the opening.
This guide covers what we offer, the difference between oak and glulam, how the process works, and how to get a quote.
Oak Porches vs Glulam Porches — Which is Right for Your Project?
Both oak and glulam are structural timber options and both perform well as porch frames. The choice between them usually comes down to two things: budget and aesthetics.
Oak has a natural grain, warm colour and a distinctly traditional character. It is the material most people picture when they think of a timber porch — exposed beams, visible joints, a handcrafted appearance. Oak ages naturally over time, taking on a silvery patina if left untreated, or maintaining its warm tone with regular oiling. For period properties, barn conversions and high-end new builds where the porch is a feature of the facade, oak is typically the preferred choice.
Glulam (glued laminated timber) is an engineered wood product made from layers of kiln-dried timber bonded under pressure. It is dimensionally stable, available in a wide range of sizes, and is slightly more cost-effective than oak. Glulam porches have a clean, contemporary appearance that suits modern builds and extensions as well as traditional properties. In structural terms, glulam performs comparably to solid oak — the choice is largely aesthetic and financial.
If you are undecided, we are happy to advise on both options. Get in touch for a free quote.
Bespoke to Your Specification
Every porch we manufacture is designed to the customer’s requirements. There are no standard sizes — post dimensions, beam sizes, spans and heights are all determined by what the project needs. Whether you are replacing an existing porch, fitting one to a new extension, or building a new property, we will work to your drawings or provide guidance on sizing if you are still in the design stage.
We manufacture at our Bolton workshop and deliver throughout the UK. Our standard lead time from confirmed drawing to delivery is 10 to 15 working days.
Finish and Treatment
Our porches are typically supplied treated with Danish oil, which enhances the natural grain of the timber and provides protection against moisture and UV light. Danish oil gives a natural, low-sheen finish that suits both oak and glulam.
If a specific finish or treatment is required, we are happy to discuss alternatives. Some customers prefer to apply their own finish on site — we can supply the porch frame untreated if required. The finish is agreed at the point of order.
How to Order a Bespoke Oak or Glulam Porch
The process is straightforward:
- Send us your drawings or dimensions — if you have a plan or elevation drawing, send it across. If not, a sketch with key measurements is a good starting point.
- We provide a free quote — we will confirm sizes, material (oak or glulam), finish and lead time.
- Manufacture and delivery — once the order is confirmed we manufacture at our Bolton workshop and deliver to site, typically within 10 to 15 working days.
Get a free quote for your oak or glulam porch →
Other Timber Products from Dunscar Timber Engineering
As well as oak and glulam porches, we design and manufacture a full range of structural timber products at our Bolton workshop:
- Roof trusses — designed and manufactured to your structural drawings, delivered UK-wide
- Glulam beams — structural and aesthetic, including as a direct alternative to steel
- Feature trusses — exposed oak and glulam trusses for vaulted ceilings and open-plan spaces
- Posi Joists — open-web engineered floor joists for new builds and developments
All products are designed and manufactured at our Bolton workshop. ISO9001 accredited. TRA member.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an oak porch? An oak porch is a structural timber frame — typically comprising posts, beams and braces — installed at the entrance of a property. At Dunscar Timber Engineering, oak porches are designed and manufactured bespoke to each customer’s specification at our Bolton workshop.
What is the difference between an oak porch and a glulam porch? Both are timber porch frames that perform well structurally. Oak is a solid hardwood with a natural, traditional grain and appearance. Glulam is an engineered timber made from bonded laminations — it is dimensionally stable, slightly more cost-effective, and has a cleaner contemporary look. The choice is largely one of aesthetics and budget.
Can you make an oak porch to any size? Yes. All of our oak and glulam porches are bespoke — there are no standard sizes. Post dimensions, beam sizes, spans and heights are all designed to the customer’s requirements. Send us your drawings or dimensions and we will provide a free quote.
How are oak porches finished? We typically supply porches treated with Danish oil, which enhances the natural grain and provides moisture protection. Alternative finishes or untreated supply can be arranged depending on the project requirements.
How long does it take to get a bespoke oak porch made? Our standard lead time from confirmed drawing to delivery is 10 to 15 working days. Contact us to discuss your project and programme requirements.
Do you deliver outside of Bolton? Yes. We manufacture at our Bolton workshop and deliver throughout the UK. We have supplied oak and glulam porches to projects across the North West and nationally.
