The Basics of Building a Timber Frame House

You may have heard the old adage that what was once old is new again, and that is undoubtedly true for timber frame houses. For hundreds of years, homes were built using the local trees that were available. The huge timbers were sometimes split, but most were used as they were cut. Surprisingly, more people than ever are shunning the standard stick home construction and choosing to go back to their roots and order a timber frame home when they build a new house. Here are some basic facts you may want to know about constructing a timber home.

The Wood

Strong and durable woods are chosen for timber frame construction. This includes cedar and oak. The wood is taken to a large warehouse where it is kiln dried and cut to specifications. The dried wood is strong and has an elegant look. There is no need for the old lap jointing because modern frames use beautiful tenon joints. Additionally, the building is designed to bear its own weight, so no unsightly brackets are necessary.

The Design

The timber frame home construction industry has come a long way in the past 50 years when it comes to home plans and design. Not long ago, homebuilders could choose from three or four designs when constructing a new home. With the help of modern technology, there are now hundreds of designs to choose from with multiple stories, vast garages, and elegant entryways.

The Environment

The timber frame build is also environmentally friendly. Since the logs are used whole, there is little cutting waste that stick homes experience on-site. The insulation is higher than with conventional home construction methods, and the building process is resource-efficient since the building is considered recyclable.

If you want to build a home that stands out, consider a timber frame home. They have a natural beauty, are environmentally friendly, and are inherently insulated. That makes them nearly perfect!