| There is something about a timber frame house that | | | | of logs rather than stick (2 x 4) and dry wall. Also |
| conveys a warm, rustic feel. Even a modern large | | | | not to be confused with post and beam homes |
| home still has that log cabin aura about it. | | | | which may be made from plywood instead of solid |
| A true timber frame home has huge exposed beams | | | | logs. Instead of handcrafting the interlocking joints, |
| with handcrafted interlocking joints devoid of any | | | | post and beam builders use joist hangers and nails. |
| nails. This building technique is thousands of years old, | | | | Heating bills are much lower in a timber frame home; |
| originating in North America in the1600's thanks to | | | | often owners see a 20% to 50% reduction in their |
| migrating Europeans. This was the accepted form of | | | | utility bill. If you plan on passing your home down to |
| building until the mid 19th century when the beams | | | | your children, no problem, timber homes are built to |
| were replaced with two-by-fours and stick frame | | | | last for hundreds of years. These homes are |
| construction came to be. | | | | incredibly sturdy and are much better equipped to |
| The frame is assembled using beams made of a | | | | handle the stress of earthquake tremors than |
| hearty wood such as Douglas Fir or White Pine which | | | | conventional homes. |
| are joined together with a "mortise" (the hole) and | | | | If you're interested in exploring the idea of building a |
| "tenon" (the tongue), and held together with wooden | | | | timber frame home speak to professionals who are |
| oak pegs. The frame is then enclosed with insulation | | | | experienced in the building process. Visit some timber |
| panels and 2x4 or 2x6 studded interior walls. | | | | frame companies, explore their model homes and |
| Timber frame homes are perfect for open concept | | | | research the various plans that are available. This |
| designs since the exterior frame provides all the | | | | should give you a good idea of costs and you can |
| support, and there are no load-bearing interior walls. | | | | establish some sort of budget for the project. After |
| The strong beams allow for wide-open rooms and | | | | that, decide whether you want to assume the role |
| high vaulted ceilings. It's not unusual to see cathedral | | | | of general contractor or if you plant on hiring |
| ceilings in timber frames as much as two stories high. | | | | someone for the job. |
| Not to be confused with log homes, which are made | | | | |