Timber Frame Facts

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.

While all timber framers want to tell how wonderful timber frames are and how you life will be much better if you live in one, we need to know the facts.  Just the facts, thank you very much. So I will begin a series of short posts with timber frame facts.  No hype and no hyperbole.

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.

We attended the Timber Framer’s Conference in Coeur D’Alene, Idaho last week.   With 300 or so timber framers and many timber frame companies and timber frame suppliers represented, it was worth the trip.  The Timber Frame Business Council’s Trade Fair was well attended and proved to be a good place to explore the options available for materials, tools and software.

Jerry Rouleau presented a couple of great seminars that, as always,  energized the attendees.   Some of his topics are “Gotcha’s” and others are “I knew that, but didn’t know that I knew it”.  He offers fresh ways to present information and reminds us that it’s all about the client.  If you get a chance to hear him speak, don’t miss out.

The Timber Frame Business Council’s member meeting was an opportunity for members to voice concerns and offer suggestions and for the Board to give an update on the new initiatives and work in progress.  New Executive Director Pam Hinton was introduced to the members.  She’s already working hard to make sure that everyone knows that the timber frame industry is as green as it gets and that working with a member of the TFBC is a big plus as you plan and build your project.

We are proud to be part of the timber frame community.   You’ll not meet a group of more dedicated people.  Here at Goshen Timber Frames our team of talented designers and craftsmen just “get it”.   What a pleasure it is to work with both timber framers all over North America and to work with our own team.