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A timber frame home is about the wood, the wood frame and open interior spaces...Timber frame homes and construction is a special kind of post and beam construction that uses solid wood timbers for the structural framework. By using the appropriate combination of wood beam and column timbers, the need for interior supporting posts is eliminated.
These wood timbers are joined in one or more of several ways: mortise and tenon, scarfs that are made secure with wooden pegs or dovetails. Why is timber frame so special?
The look and feel of the structural wood members can be truly spectacular. And the openness and volume of the timber frame home interior can be breathtaking!
 Combining modern construction technology with time-proven, traditional materials and techniques - timber frame is somewhat simpler than conventional building. Conventional construction uses numerous pieces of dimension lumber to frame the walls, ceilings, and roof. Log homes commonly use logs for the exterior walls often with conventional framing inside.
In timber frame construction, using fewer larger wood frame members can result in a visually attractive and structurally sound home that includes conventional finishes. And since the wood frame and joinery are visible, carpenters have become very skilled over time at enhancing the look and feel of this kind of building.
What kinds of wood are used in timber frame construction?
Most manufacturers tend to use wood species that are available locally. In the northeastern U.S., eastern white pine is the most frequently used wood.
Not only is eastern white pine less expensive, it's also very stable. It resists twisting and checking which is important for structural stability in your home. In the western U.S., Douglas fir is commonly used and in the south, white oak timber frame homes are a commonly used wood.
Then there are companies that specialize in finding and disassembling old barns to be able to use the wonderful antique wood members. Combining modern-day finishes with the beauty of aged barn timbers can result in a home that everyone admires and enjoys.
What are hybrid timber frame homes and stick framed timber frame homes?Hybrid timber frame homes and stick framed timber frame homes are homes with a timber frame center with conventional 2x4 or 2x6 stick framing for surrounding rooms. A variation in hybrid timber frame houses can be the use of timber frame trusses that are exposed overhead with conventional framing for the walls.
Where can one learn more about timber frame homes and building?Of course, searching online is fast and hopefully provides you with the information you are looking for. For example, check out this great home plans site:
Get ideas and educate yourself by looking at timber home plans and timber frame style home plans. Whether you're searching with your computer or looking through home plan books, you'll get to know what exists, what you like and don't like.
Take your time as you look at plans...you may even find one or more that you really like. Get to know the plan or plans... you'll save the design costs of your home if you can find and use stock plans.
Even if you need to modify plans you like, you're still saving hundreds or thousands of dollars compared to designing your home from the beginning.
Another way to learn about timber frame construction is by having some of the best timber frame books. Here are two for you - be sure and read what others say about these titles:
Timber Frame Home: Design, Construction, Finishing by Tedd Benson The timber-frame construction is a very popular way to build due largely to the interest of designer-builders like Benson plus due to the general availability of high-tech building materials such as stress-skin panels used to envelope the skeleton.
Benson combines a reverence for the beauty and integrity of this ancient building craft with an appreciation of contemporary building concepts that make the timber-frame a feasible alternative to the common stud-frame house.
Still another of the best ways is to subscribe to the best timber frame home magazines. You'll be able to read regular monthly articles by industry experts on the important parts of designing, building and decorating with timber. If you've been in an old barn and marveled at the great beams and posts, then you know what a timber frame is. You'll be inspired as you enjoy the photographs in each issue. You can learn so much from pictures!
Related timber frame articles...Go here for timber frame magazines. Log home magazines when planning your dream log home. Post and beam construction information. Go here for earthquake preparedness information. Enjoy these professional kitchen and bath magazines...
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