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Timber Framed Homes

Timber framing is a specific type of post and beam construction in which a

frame is created from solid wood timbers that are then connected by wooden

joints. It can also be constructed of bent framing, which is erected in

sections by crane. The timber frame is the actual supporting structure.

Because the frame carries all the structural weight of the house, the beams

enable the structure to have large open spaces, often two stories high,

vaulted ceilings and large expanses of window and open interiors that flow

from one room into the next .

A timber frame can be incorporated into almost any style of home, in urban

or rural settings, with exterior treatments of wood, brick, stucco, stone,

or any other material desired. Normally the timbers remain exposed to the

interior of the building. Timber frames look like conventional housing from

the exterior and the interior—with the addition of exposed beams—can look elegant with all the walls finished conventionally.

Timber framing is considered a “building system” which means part or all of

the home is pre-fabricated in a controlled environment before being

delivered to the building site for completion. Once a timber frame is

erected, the home is about 40 percent complete. Timber framing is also compatible

with many other building systems and materials such as structural insulated

panels, logs, engineered wood products and stud systems.

There are three stages of building a timber framed home. First, the entire

home must be designed; then a timber frame must be fabricated and raised