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What defines a timber home?
What are the main characteristics of timber homes? What separates them from regular homes made from wood? I'm house shopping and am interested in finding out the differences. Thanks!
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Bonnie Pickartz on -
Tradition, substance, and character are all words that define a timber frame. A timber frame offers flexibility in design and space usage. A timber frame is efficient...in materials and in energy usage. Timber frames were the built for centuries and are becoming more popular again by the day. A conventional home (defined by Webster's Dictionary as "ordinary rather than different or original") lacks the structural integrity of a timber frame.
Your timber frame can be traditional, contemporary, or any style in between. It can be grand or modest. It will still have all the character and style of a timber frame.
Of course, I am a supporter of the timber frame industry and design and build timber frames, so my definition is probably just a little one-sided.
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Permalink Reply by Wes Loder on -
If you are "Shopping" for a timber frame house, look for exposed solid wood posts and beams. They are almost always exposed in order to add their beauty to the interior. They need to be pegged together with wood dowels. While a "post-and-beam" structure can be built using steel fittings and bolts to tie timbers together, such a structure is not considered "timber frame."
The advantage using timber frame construction is greater interior design flexibility, an opportunity for larger open spaces, better insulation via SIPs and greater structural strength. That ties into what Bonnie is saying, but is not an exclusive definition.
Standard, wood, "stick-built" houses use grids of 2X4s or 2X6s locked together with nails or screws to form panels that, in turn become walls and roofs. These panels are almost always covered with wall boards to hide their structure. They depend on interior detailing for aesthetics rather than the structure itself. They are harder to insulate, not as strong and allow few large spaces. They are, however, easier to plumb and wire.
Abby: look at the buildings featured on this web site and read some books on timber framing and you will quickly understand and know what to look for. WES LODER
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