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. Timber-framed homes are unique; 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.

Timber framing 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-framed homes look like conventional housing from the exterior and the interior (with the addition of exposed beams) and can look very elegant with all the walls finished conventionally.

Building Timber-Framed Homes
Timber framing is considered a "building system", which means that part or all of a timber-framed house 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 timber framed homes. First, the entire home must be designed, then a timber frame must be fabricated and raised, and finally, the pieces of the home must be pulled together and built. Some timber framing companies offer complete design and general contracting services while others just design and erect the timber frame itself, but do not handle overall construction services. Consumers must decide what level of service they want from their timber framing company and who will be responsible for each part of the process.

Options for Timber-Framed Homes
Consumers may decide to work with a timber framing company which has a portfolio of plans from which to choose. A consumer may also modify an existing plan for timber framing. It will be important to have the designated architect or designer work directly with a timber framing company early in the design process to avoid any duplication of services and to ensure the integration of timber framing details into the plans. While experience with timber framed homes is not absolutely necessary for everyone involved, it's important that the designer and/or the timber framing company communicate to the contractor the construction details unique to timber framing construction.

Drawbacks of Timber-Framed Houses
While timbers will not shrink significantly in length, their cross-grain dimensions can shrink noticeably. "Checks" are the grain separations that appear on the surface of the timbers; these usually begin to appear in the first and second year after construction. Additionally, beams that were tightly butted against posts at the time of the frame raising might show gaps a year or two later. This shrinkage is taken into account in pre-engineering of timber sizes and joinery, and does not significantly affect structural integrity.

Evidence of shrinkage will also appear where the timbers meet the walls and roof. As the framing contracts, more of the wall or roof surface will be exposed and a paint or wallpaper line will appear. After the timbers have stabilized (usually within about three or four years), you may want to touch up the finish in these areas.

Braces will also shrink, but builders avoid the paint line by centering them on the post and girt rather than placing them flush against the wall. This provides enough space for the painter or paperhanger to extend the finish behind the brace.