MY GABLE ISN'T SYMMETRICAL. IS THIS A PROBLEM?

No. Gable fretworks are always cut to be symmetrical but the border allowance can be increased to allow for cutting and fitting to suit uneven openings. Border allowances are usually 70mm but if you identify you have uneven roof pitches or sag this will need to be increased accordingly. It is important to discuss your requirements at the time of ordering as fretworks, once cut, cannot be returned. Only 3 dimensions are used to program laser cut gables "“ vertical height at the centre, width across the base and the border dimension to where the laser cut pattern commences. It is imperative that only these 3 dimensions are used when ordering and not angles, triangle chords or other dimensions that cannot be accommodated in the computer programming. Woodworkers do not site measure gable fretworks and if you are in doubt it is best that you fit a cardboard template and then design a symmetrical gable that is large enough so your template can be trimmed from it once the gable is on site.

WHAT ABOUT FRETWORK VAULTS?

Curved corrugated iron barrel vaults were common in verandah roofs above the main entry, usually faced with intricate foliage fretworks. Laser cut fretwork vaults can be ordered by specifying the radius and heights but are best purchased before the iron is rolled to serve as its template. Vaults are usually programmed based on an accurate circle or a three ringed ellipse. Freeform curves can only be accommodated by cutting a larger border on an existing pattern that is stretched in height or width to approximate the shape on site and then, site trimmed into position.

HOW DO I AVOID OVERSCALING ROOF GABLES?

Roof gables are often the most prominent visual feature of a house and need to be designed skilfully, if their scale is to balance the house and respect its period. Too often giant laser cut pediments are used without forethought, when smaller decorative inserts above collar ties would be better proportioned and more authentic.

DO YOU MAKE FRETWORKED BARGE BOARDS?

Yes. Most original fretworked barge boards were cut in solid timber 25mm thick which is too thick for most lasers. Woodworkers can provide Weathertex strips 10mm thick that can be applied to the face of timber fascia boards to decorative effect but these should need to be plotted for each application to compress or stretch the pattern to accurately fit. If a more authentic solution is essential, Woodworkers still hand cut fascia patterns in timber using traditional methods. Barge boards are usually supplied to us after temporary site fitting so that the decorative patterns can be applied in our workshops. This process is labour intensive and expensive but yields a truly authentic result.

WHAT ARE BREEZEWAYS?

Traditionally, fretworked panels were used in tropical houses over the top of internal doors to allow breezes to circulate throughout the house and dissipate heat "“ hence the term "˜breezeway'. Breezeway panels were widely used from the early 1880s to promote air movement within cottages and provide some decorative enrichment to the simple interiors. They were originally designed in swirling patterns based on foliage, fruit, flowers and vines and progressed with time into more geometric patterns, stylised emblems and other federation motifs. They remained popular until the 1920s. Original fretworks were cut by hand on fretsaws, so the complexity of the pattern usually indicates its age. Complex patterns required cheap labour, so that the extravagance of the turn of the century designs gave way to simpler patterns after WW1 when manpower shortages increased costs. Breezeways today are cut by computer controlled laser cutters so that all patterns are the same cost. Woodworkers are able to match existing patterns if required if none of our standard patterns are suitable but substantial programming and template costs will be incurred.

CAN THEY BE MADE TO ANY SIZE?

Woodworkers stock breezeways in the standard size 810x405x9mm cut from paint grade internal quality materials. This size fits most transome voids and is economical as 9 panels can be cut without waste from a standard panel sheet. There is no problem however cutting other sizes. The price increases to cover the additional wastage and programming costs to alter the cutting software, and size is then only limited to the sheet sizes available (usually 1200x2400). Breezeways can also be cut to order from 9mm cedar plywood when required or other materials on request e.g. pine ply, MDF, Weathertex, ferrous metals (not copper or brass).

HOW DO SIZE CHANGES EFFECT THE DESIGN?

Because the cutting programs have been designed for standard 810x405 panels, the design will be elongated or compressed with any change in panel size. The effect can be dramatic with geometric patterns as it may turn circles (for example) into egg shapes or deform some patterns excessively. Simple foliage patterns are least effected whereas emblems and geometric designs may be unacceptably deformed. Woodworkers will provide a print out of the altered pattern for your approval if requested or if we think deformation is an issue. Where large panels are required it is often preferable to repeat patterns and couple them together rather than stretch a simple pattern.

ARE ALL DESIGNS THE SAME PRICE?

Yes. All prices available from Woodworkers products catalogue.

WHAT ABOUT CEILING ROSETTES?

Ceiling rosettes were originally installed to allow hot air to exit the rooms at night. They also allowed gas and smoke residue from lamplights, gas lights and woodstoves to escape the living quarters and their size grew in more affluent households where more lights and fumes were expected. They were usually mounted in a timber circular bollection mould fixed to the ceiling and commonly backed with insect mesh. Real timber circular moulds tend to warp over time so MDF bollections have replaced them for all paint finished applications.

DO CEILING ROSETTES COME IN STANDARD SIZES?