1) How does Timber Frame Construction Work?

Timber Frame Construction is a sustainable form of construction where the use of metal, including nails, is not practiced.

Each building frame is a unique wooden sculpture composed of large wooden beams that lock together with wooden pegs to form the visible interior. The wooden pegs act as a locking mechanism with the joints of the timbers. When the frame of the house is put together (either by hand or with the use of a crane) the only element that is holding the entire structure together is wood. The wooden pegs and timbers expand and contract harmoniously.

2) Is Timber framing the same as Post & Beam?

No. Post & beam construction is often thought to be synonymous with timber framing. It isn’t. Post & beam is heavy timber construction without the use of all wooden joinery. Instead, complex joints are avoided and metal fasteners are used to connect the timbers together.

3) What are the benefits of Timber Frame building?

Emotional Appeal
The feel of a timber frame building is one of warmth, strength and security. Timber framing allows the homeowner to vary the amount of "wood" look throughout the home. 

Design Flexibility
Since there are typically no interior load bearing walls, your floor plan can be very open, and can be changed as the needs of the occupants change.

Durability/Longevity
Timber frames are structurally very sound buildings, which will last hundreds of years. There are buildings in Europe & Asia hundreds of years old that are still standing, which were built using timber framing. Modern timber frames in the US have survived major natural disasters, including hurricanes and earthquakes, in very good shape, when neighboring homes have been condemned.

4) Do I need an experienced Timber frame builder?

It depends on the building experience, but any quality minded, conscientious general contractor could complete a timber frame project easily. Timberframe.ca can offer you full support and technical assistance during the frame erection. Each plan is accompanied by a detailed easy to follow assembly drawing. Often owners will have participated in the frame erection process.

5) How does a timber frame home compare in price with a conventional stud or “stick” frame home?

The cost of a Timber frame home can vary greatly based on the complexity of frame design. However as a rule of thumb a timber frame home is about 10-15% higher than a custom stud frame. As the frame of a house on only represents about 30-35% of the whole cost of a finished home, this represents a marginal cost increase. Direct cost comparisons can be extremely difficult as included in our package are many additional materials that carry our home to near “finish”. A Timber frame home offers many added aesthetic qualities: soaring, ceilings, lots of unbroken interior space and a quiet natural elegance not offered by a conventional “stick” home. These traits have proven to produce higher resale value.