Master thatcher in combed wheat reed (straw).

The surname Craker has been associated with thatching for hundreds of years and many members of my family have been thatchers over that time, passing skills and knowledge through generations.

Speak to any long-term resident of Bucks about thatching and no doubt the name Craker will be mentioned.

The majority of my work is carried out within the county of Bucks. However, you’ll also see examples of my work in the surrounding counties, such as Oxfordshire & Hertfordshire.

I use some of the highest quality materials available, sourced from trusted and long standing suppliers.

I believe I offer the most traditional styles of thatching suited to this area. I focus the majority of my attention on existing thatched buildings, many of which are listed.

When re-thatching in combed wheat, initially the roof is stripped to a suitable base thickness of thatch before the new “spar coat” is applied. This removal and subsequent disposal of material is a significant and important part of the job often overlooked. If this isn't being done by your thatcher then question why that's the case.

Rarely is all the thatch removed but there are important reasons why it's not adequate to just keep adding layers indefinitely. Historic base layers of thatch will be retained wherever possible. In most cases the initial layer of thatch will be as old as the property itself.

If still in place and the timbers are known to be sound, it will be encouraged that these historic layers are also left visible at both the eaves and barges.

All too often these have been stripped out and replaced with new material. Sometimes this is necessary but in the majority of cases it’s to give the impression of a completely new single layer thatch. Traditionally in this area the base layers were always left visible.

The decorative hazel used in my work is all cut locally and handmade. This, along with all thatching work is completed by myself. I do not sub-contract.

Bear in mind that thatching work regularly takes several weeks or months to complete, even if it's “just a ridge”, so if someone's come along telling you significant work is only going to take a few days then just be cautious.

The price quoted by myself will genuinely reflect in the amount of care and detail I put into the work I carry out.

Please contact me to enquire about where you can see examples of my recent work, or to see where I am currently working and I will be happy to show you.