Fact #26 – Numerous studies have shown timber frames to have structural benefits that withstand seismic activity better than other types of construction.

Fact #27 – Timber frames are raised and stand alone and are structurally sound with our without enclosure systems.

Fact #23 – There is no such thing as a fake timber frame.  It either is a timber frame or it’s not a timber frame.  Boxing beams and hanging beams from conventional framing is not a structural technique.

Fact #24 – Timber Frames can become additions to existing structures of any type.  It is not uncommon to add a great room, master bedroom, or outdoor living space to a conventionally framed home.

Fact #20 -  Early timber frames, dating back to 5000 to 6000 BC, survive in England and Scotland.

Fact #21 – There are timber frame buildings in France dating to the 12th century that are still in use today.

Fact # 16 – Timber frames are “nailed” with wooden pegs.

Fact #17 – Timber frames are easy to decorate for Christmas.  Those beams and pegs just beg to be lit and swagged and decked with all sorts of decorations.

Fact #18 – Timber frames offer the opportunity to have cozy, private spaces without walls.

Fact #14 – Timber frames help to meet green certification requirements.  Building with rapidly renewable timbers, using energy efficient panels, minimizing site waste.

Fact #15 – Timber frames are naturally more fire resistant.  Heavy timber is recognized by fire codes (even in places where fire is a major hazard…like California) as a safer building product.

Fact #10 – Timber frames are honest.  Their integrity is there for all to see in the timbers and the joinery.

Fact #11 – Timber frames offer design opportunities that aren’t easy (if possible) to accomplish with other forms of construction.   The post and beams provide structure that is natural and not forced.

Fact #12 – A timber frame can be designed in any style…a Tudor (or half timbered home), a bungalow or cottage, a lodge, a farmhouse, a colonial, or a contemporary home.   The possibilities are endless.

Fact #7 – Daylighting is easy in a timber frame.  Because the structure is supported on the posts, your options are open to have windows wherever needed.

Fact #8 – The same joinery used in fine furniture and construction for centuries is the joinery still used in timber frame construction.  Whether dovetails, mortises and tenons, or scarf joints, the details would have been the same in a centuries old timber frame and one cut today.

Fact #9 – The same tools used to craft timber frames through the ages are standard in every timber frame shop today…whether a handcrafted shop or a shop using  computer numerical controlled  (CNC) equipment.  You’ll find chisels and mallets used to finish joinery.

Facts are easy when you are discussing a craft that hasn’t changed much through the centuries.

Fact #4 – Timber frames, with their point loaded design, allow easier renovation and remodeling, if needed.  There are no bearing walls that must be accounted for in the process.  This flexibility might not seem important, but try opening up a wall in a stick-framed home and you get into headers and engineering.  Not so with timber frames.

Fact #5 – Timber frames can be built with a wide variety of woods.  The timber will be sized according to the properties of that particular species. Decisions should be based on availability, aesthetics, and the design of the timber frame.

Fact #6 – Timber frames are still timber frames, whether they are cut by hand or with a machine.  While there are subtle differences, the joinery is the same joinery used for centuries.

More facts to follow.

Fact #1 – Timber frames are built from a renewable resource.  Wood does literally “grow on trees”.

Fact #2 – Timber frames are built with wood that is minimally processed. This is environmentally responsible.

Fact #3 – Timber frames will last for centuries.

So that’s the start of these facts.   Let’s see where it goes.

Food for thought.