A community of timber home enthusiasts and those who love energy-efficient homes
non-structural decorative timbers
read about these in the recent 2010 issue - anyone know anything about these? Are they something you can add to a non-timber home to make it appear like one?
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Chris Wood on -
Hello Kathryn,
The "decorative" industry has really grown these past few years and has helped us all with "plus business". Many times it is done to try and save money with the end result being less than desireable (less cost in precutting but more cost with on-site labor and compromised finished details). Sometimes it is done during construction by design to conceal HVAC, plumbing, reduce volume, etc. I have rarely seen Decorative Oak because of weight and shrinkage/twisting issues. Best to keep decorative timber kiln dried for stability and handling. Like White Pine, Doug Fir, Cypress, etc. If possible, pre-stain all six sides of timber before installation so if timber shrinks or gaps it won't be as noticeable. Try to lag screw or throughbolt from above and plug fasteners with wooden dowel when possible. Purists can tell what is real vs. decorative and prefer to be involved during initial construction. But if already built, we don't mind helping with a faux solution.
Chris @ Hearthstone
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Permalink Reply by Kathryn Pepper on -
Thanks Chris for your info - I would love to build a timber home but my husband doesn't want the time/expense /hassle of building (he's not the handyman type) so my next best is to purchase a home and at least make it "look" like a timber frame using decoartive measures. Know anyone who's ever done this and had it look reasonable? I know it won't be the same but just want at least a hint of timber in whatever home we retire in.
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Permalink Reply by Chris Wood on
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Yes, we've seen minor to major remodeling done. Tough to recommend beam sizes and fastening details until the home has been inspected and size/location of ceiling beams/rafters is known. Where are you looking for an existing home? If it comes with blueprints, get a copy at closing. For any remodel, it is best to avoid living in it during the stress and hassle. But if you must, make sure you can block off and access the space from outside.
Another option we see these days is a detached addition (game room, office, etc.) that is new construction (timber frame) and is linked to existing with connector. This allows you to live in home without too much disturbance until you're ready to open up the wall.
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Permalink Reply by Kathryn Pepper on
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thanks....all good ideas. At present we are still in the "looking" stage so I am looking with changes in mind. I like the idea of a timber frame addition.
One more question perhaps you could help with - been reading on-line about timber frame and post and beam - how are these two different?, similar? I always thought they were the same, just diff names.
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Permalink Reply by Chris Wood on
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Post & Beam is a generic term that can apply to wood, concrete, steel, etc. It uses vertical posts and point loads to support horizontal beams. Timber frame is art of an all wood post & beam using large enough timbers that handle mortise & tenon joinery with wooden pegs to secure the joinery. Both versions can be extremely strong and long-lasting. One takes a little more effort and has an authentic, historical appeal.
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Permalink Reply by Deb Watkins on -
We specialize timber frame elements and would be happy to find out more about what you're looking to achieve. Timber frame elements such as trusses and mantles, etc are best to be put in the home during the construction phase. In some cases variations can be worked into an existing home.
Deb
Generations Timber Frames
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Permalink Reply by Kathryn Pepper on
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yah, looks like we would have to go decorative to be added to an existing home. My husband is okay with retiring to the country but sure doesn't want the hassle of building. He's a maintenance free type of guy. I do all the woodworking and decorating so he's not into anything extra. But since I love the look of log homes or timber frame homes, I want my final home to reflect that somewhat. Where are you located Deb? Have you ever done decorative additions to an existing home?
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Permalink Reply by Deb Watkins on
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Hi Kathryn, We're located in MI but our working area is MI, IN, OH, PA & NY - where are you located? If you go to our website you can see some of the work we've done. www.generationstf.com
We actually had to winch trusses up into an existing ceiling once but won't go to that extent again - not the way to do it. What can be done will be determined by your home and how accessible it is to working elements into the rooms.
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Permalink Reply by Ford Hall Heirloom TimberFraming on -
Greetings Deb,
So if you won't hoist trimber framing how else would you get those trimbers up there?
Ford Hall
Heirloom Timber Framing
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Permalink Reply by Deb Watkins on
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Hi Ford,
Yes, timber framing has to be lift/hoist into place. I'm speaking of a situation of assembling trusses inside an existing home and then lifting them to attach to the ceiling with the walls already there. I understand there are companies that do this but we prefer to fly trusses into place prior to a roof being installed.
Deb
Generations Timber Frames
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Permalink Reply by Ford Hall Heirloom TimberFraming on
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Greetings Deb,
Well dang, I thought maybe for a second you had a secret method to getting those trimbers up into the ceiling without having to hoist them. I am currently in the middle of a trimber framing job with trusses which have to be hoisted into place and attached to the preexisting structure. I am not looking forward to hoisting these large trimber trusses into place. The client could have saved much time and money if this was all planned and done during the design process.
Anywho, I am calling this Trimber Framing because it is certainly not Timber Framing. Trimber Framing is using timbers as decorative trim, hence the new fangled word Trimber Framing. :)
Thanks, Ford Hall
Heirloom Timber Framing
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Permalink Reply by Deb Watkins on
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Hey Ford,
If we can come up with a secret method of lifting...we'll be sure to let you in on it - It would be nice to give our crane a rest.
I agree - it saves much $$ and frustration if planning is done in advance. It sure seems like more and more people are looking for 'decorative' timber framing in order to save money in this down economy. We're working on a 'decorative' job right now also but fortunately they hired us during the design process so we can install the interior trusses and porches prior to the roof.
In the situation of this post started by Kathryn I understand the desire to put 'timber framing' in and it will definitely add beauty to the home. It's just a more difficult job.
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