Restoration of a 19th-Century Oak Beam Pump House
In 2024, West Sussex Carpentry and Building Ltd (WSCB) began work at the National Trust’s Woolbeding Gardens in Sussex. The focus for WL West’s part of the project was restoring the oak beams of the pier and balustrade on the 19th-century beam pump house.
With over 20 years of experience, WSCB specialises in high-quality building and renovation projects, with a focus on conservation and projects within the British Heritage sector, as well as the construction of prestigious, bespoke homes.
Tim Cook, Project Manager at WCSB, explained:
“We were delighted to be asked by the National Trust to carry out works to the 19th-century oak beam pump house at Woolbeding Garden. The beam pump house was built in 1842 and is a rare surviving example of a working beam pump. The oak pier and balustrade were found in very poor condition, and it was decided by the National Trust to seek replacement of their timber elements.”
WSCB selected WL West Timber to supply and manufacture the replica oak pier and balustrade, recognising our experience and expertise, especially working with oak.
Tim commented:
“WL West Timber were the standout choice and the only company approached by WSCB to carry out this work. As a long-standing contractor to the National Trust, any company WSCB partners with must carry out work to the highest possible standards.
Members of the WL West Timber team visited the site several times to investigate the details of the construction and were able to replicate the entire structure exactly with fresh-sawn oak. The team at WSCB then installed the elements of the pier and balustrade.”
At WL West, we wanted to ensure that the final structure was accurate and durable while preserving the authenticity and character of the original structure. Once installed by the team at WSCB, the result exceeded our expectations here and at WSCB, and the National Trust were delighted.
Summarising the experience, Tim said:
“Our team complimented WL West Timber on the quality of their work and the clear expertise of their craftsmanship. WSCB wouldn’t hesitate to recommend WL West as a supplier of both high-quality timber and products and a creator of bespoke items.”
For more information on bespoke oak structures please contact us, or to browse options of oak beams for sale, visit our online store.
