Oak Framed Kits: do you need a supplier, an installer, or both?

Oak framed kits are one of the cleanest ways to introduce oak into a garden or home project.

You get the structure made properly, in timber that will age beautifully, and you retain flexibility over how the rest of the build comes together.

But once the inspiration stage passes, most people reach the same practical question:

Do I need an oak framed kits supplier, an oak framed kit installer, or both?

The answer depends on the size of the frame, the site, and how the project will be built. Below is a clear explanation of the roles involved, and how to decide what’s right for your project.

What an Oak Framed Kit Supplier Does

An oak framed kit supplier is responsible for the frame itself: its proportions, timber selection, and joinery.

A good supplier does more than cut timber to a drawing. They design a frame that:

Carries load correctly
Goes together in a logical assembly sequence
Has joints cut accurately enough to pull tight
Allows for green oak movement and seasoning over time

When this work is done properly, the kit assembles cleanly. Nothing is forced. Nothing is improvised on site.

What an Oak Framed Kits Installer Does

An installer is responsible for raising the frame on site.

This includes the practical elements that matter most:

Safe lifting and bracing
Correct assembly sequence
Keeping the frame square, level, and plumb
Fixing the frame accurately to the base
Leaving it stable and ready for roofing or glazing

Oak is heavy. Oak frames are precise. Green oak will shrink across the grain and develop natural shakes as it dries. This is expected, but it must be accounted for during installation.

The Four Common Routes People Take with Oak Framed Kits

Route 1: Buy a Kit and Install It Yourself

This can work on smaller frames if you have space, lifting equipment, and a realistic plan. Problems usually arise from underestimating weight and the tolerance required during assembly.

Route 2: Buy a Kit, Then Hire an Installer

A sensible option if you trust the kit design but want experienced hands raising it properly on site.

Route 3: One Team to Supply and Install

For many clients, this is the simplest route. The same team designs the frame, cuts the joints, labels the timber, and raises it. Any adjustments are handled in one place.

Route 4: Supply Only, With Proper Guidance

If you already have a builder you trust, supply-only can work well, provided the base is correct and the raising plan is realistic.

A Practical Checklist Before You Decide

Before committing, it helps to be clear on:

What the frame is fixing to (pads, footings, slab, stone)
Site access for delivery and lifting
Who is raising the frame and how
What follows installation (roofing, glazing, cladding)
Whether green oak is being used and what movement to expect

Most oak framed kit projects don’t fail because the idea was wrong. They fail because the basics were rushed.

So, Do You Need a Supplier, an Installer, or Both?

If you want the least stress and the cleanest result, most projects benefit from both a good oak framed kit supplier and an experienced installer.

If you already have a kit and need it raised correctly, you need an oak framed kit installer.

If you are still planning and want the frame made with care from the start, you need a supplier first. Installation can be decided later.

The goal is always the same: a frame that goes together cleanly and improves as the oak seasons.