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