Oak Framed Pergolas

There’s a quiet beauty in an oak pergola, the way its beams catch the light, the way it frames a view or defines a garden path. Built with care and shaped by hand, an oak framed pergola transforms a simple outdoor space into something architectural, inviting, and enduring.

At Crystal Woods, we design and handcraft each oak pergola in our Devon workshop using traditional joinery methods that have stood the test of centuries. Every post, rafter, and joint is made to measure, shaped from sustainably sourced English oak, and finished by hand. These are not kits or imports, they’re handcrafted structures built to complement your home, your garden, and the landscape around you.

“If your looking for a job to be done and you want it spot on ? then he is the man !”

Steve Brimble

Creating your outdoor living space

An oak pergola adds definition and atmosphere to your garden. It can provide soft shade over a seating area, form the framework for climbing plants, or connect the house to a garden room or outdoor kitchen. Whether freestanding or attached, it creates structure and intimacy while allowing air, light, and the beauty of timber to shine through.

We work closely with each client to design a pergola that reflects both purpose and place, built for outdoor entertaining, quiet relaxation, or simply adding a sense of craft to your garden landscape.

“He was extremely knowledgeable and meticulous in his work, resulting in a fantastic job and completed on time.”

Sarah

The craftsmanship behind our oak pergolas

Every oak framed pergola we build begins with the same foundation: sustainably sourced oak and traditional hand-cut joinery. Our skilled craftsmen select each beam for its strength and grain, cutting and shaping it with precision in our Dartmoor workshop.

We use oak posts, oak rafters, and knee braces to give each frame both stability and elegance, while mortise and tenon joints, pegged by hand, ensure that every connection is solid and time-tested. The result is a pergola that weathers beautifully, gaining character and strength with age.

“Llewie, from Crystal Woods is a true craftsman and my kitchen looks spectacular.”

Simon Holmes

Design options and bespoke features

We believe that an oak pergola should fit your garden, not the other way around. That’s why each one is made to order, designed around your space, architecture, and personal style.

Our pergolas can be:

Freestanding – a focal point for your garden, terrace, or poolside area.
Attached to your home – creating a seamless flow between indoors and outdoors.
Bespoke shapes and sizes – from simple rectangular layouts to L-shaped or curved designs.
Finished your way – planed for a smooth contemporary feel or left sawn for rustic charm.

You can also add subtle touches like lighting, integrated seating, or climbing plant supports to make your pergola feel truly part of your home.

“The work was completed in an amiable and professional manner”

Nigel Wingfield

Why oak is ideal for pergolas

Oak’s natural strength and durability make it perfect for outdoor structures. It resists decay, weathers beautifully, and needs very little maintenance. Over time, it develops a silvery patina that blends perfectly with its surroundings.

With its tight grain and natural oils, oak withstands the elements better than most timbers, ensuring your pergola will remain solid and elegant for decades.

Examples of our oak framed garden structures

Pergolas

Hand-built timber frames that define and enhance your garden’s character.

Gazebos

Sheltered oak structures for dining and relaxing outdoors.

Garden rooms

Enclosed spaces built from oak for year-round use.

Outdoor kitchens

Oak-framed cooking and entertaining areas for every season.

Porches

Welcoming oak entrances that bring craftsmanship to your home’s exterior.

“Due to the standard of work undertaken, I had no hesitation on using them again”

Terry Smith

Frequently asked questions about oak pergolas

How long does an oak pergola last?

A properly built oak pergola can last 30–40 years or more. Oak naturally resists rot and insect damage, and grows stronger as it ages.

Do oak pergolas require treatment?

Not necessarily. Many clients choose to let their pergola weather naturally to a silver-grey finish, but oils or treatments can be applied to preserve the golden tone of fresh oak.

Can you design a pergola to match my garden?

Yes. Every structure is made to order, from beam spacing and height to proportions and finish, ensuring it fits perfectly within your outdoor living space.

What’s the difference between a pergola and a gazebo?

A pergola is open-roofed, creating structure and shade without full shelter. A gazebo includes a solid roof, offering protection from the rain. Both are built using the same traditional oak framing methods.

Can you integrate lighting or seating into the design?

Absolutely. Many of our bespoke pergolas include hidden wiring for lighting, built-in benches, or integrated planters to blend naturally into the garden.

Oak pergolas across Devon and beyond

From our Dartmoor workshop, we design, build, and install oak framed pergolas across Devon, Cornwall, and the wider South West. Each project is handled from design to installation by our small, skilled team, no outsourcing, no shortcuts.

Ready to start your oak pergola project?

An oak framed pergola is more than a garden feature, it’s an expression of craftsmanship and care, built to transform your outdoor living for decades to come.

Start your oak pergola project today

“We have no difficulty in recommending him”

Nicholas Gay