Timber Frame Facts

Fact #25  – The terms timber frame and post and beam are often used interchangeably.  Timber frames, however, tend to refer to mortise and tenon joined timbers, while post and beam can refer to timbers joined with metal fasteners.  There are post and beam homes joined with joinery, but a frame joined with metal plates and other metal fasteners is seldom referred to as a timber frame.

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 #19 – Most timber frame companies work  closely with engineers to make sure that the structure meets or exceeds local building codes.   That timber frames are sustainable is evident in the history of building.

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 #13 –  People who live in timber frames are happier (okay, so I made this up using my own data).

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.

The fact is…

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.

The advantages of timber frames are many.  Let’s move forward with facts that support that statement.

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.

Let’s continue the list of facts, not fiction,  about timber frames.

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.

Well, the election is over.  We can all go back to our “real” lives.  Whether you are pleased or dismayed with the outcome, life will go on.  We will, of course, have to get over our addiction to the pundits and polls.  That may be difficult, but we will be more productive once we take that step (or that 12 step program…if there is one).

What we can do is stop waiting for the other shoe to drop, stop waiting for someone to tell us that things will be better…or worse.  We can move forward…boldly.

There are good reasons to build today.  With the slowdown in construction, finding a builder may be easier, finding tradesmen who want to work is easier, interest rates are down, and construction loans are available.

David and I are taking advantage of this slow down and are building our timber framed home.  We have already seen economies and savings.  It is working for us.  We are seeing savings of ten percent and more in our budgeted costs.  This is a significant savings.

So step out there.  Build that home or vacation retreat and enjoy it now, not later.  You’ll be glad you did.

 A  Goshen Timber Frames home was chosen for the cover of Residential Design Build’s latest issue.  The feature article “Vacation Homes: Family Affairs” by Chuck Ross explains the differences in designing vacation homes as recreational homes and as vacation/retirement homes.  Ross spoke to builders nationwide, including the folks at Goshen.  The magazine is a trade magazine, but offers insights to anyone considering building a vacation home.  Additional photos of Goshen homes are included in the article.

Goshen Timber Frames is pleased to announce a Memorial Day raising for the Bridge Park Project pavilion in Sylva, North Carolina.    This frame will serve as the centerpiece of the new Bridge Park which will be home to the farmer’s market, festivals, and all sorts of events in downtown Sylva.

The pavilion came together nicely as the Goshen team  trial fit it in their shop.  Photos were passed around at the Monday night meeting in Sylva’s town hall.

This will be a great event to attend.   Fun will be had by all!

Had an interesting conversation with a local banker this morning.  We were discussing the gloom and doom reported daily by the media.  The R-word (recession) dominates the headlines.  He reminded me that there has never been a better time to build.   Rates are down, materials are available, labor is available.

Building a timber frame is an investment now…and long term.  A timber framed home, wrapped in insulated panels,  will save thousands upon thousand of dollars in energy savings for years to come.  Not only will you have a home of exceptional beauty and character, your cost to heat and cool it will be minimized by the energy efficient structure.

Today is the time to build.  Take advantage of the interest rates and don’t look back.   Have that home.  Preserve our resources.  Save money.