Timber Framing 101 Carolina Timberworks Presents

Timber Framing 101 Carolina Timberworks Presents:

Timber Framing

The old saying that “they silent tribute to the Inside this issue: don’t build like they used craftsmanship and durability to” isn’t necessarily true. of this method of building. A Brief History of 2 Take timber framing for Timber Framing Timber framing in the example. Timber framing is Using Timber Framing to 2 United States almost died Affordably Differentiate the craft of joining heavy out in the late 1800s with timbers with wooden pegs Structural or Non- 3 the advent of a cheaper way Structural? and intricate joinery. Our of building—2x4s and nails. ancestors built this way— Which Wood is the Best 3 However, the craft is being Choice for You? because nails hadn’t yet revived by craftsmen and Common Timber Species 3 been invented. Some of the women who take old timber at a Glance oldest buildings in the world frames apart—and study the The Case for Planning 4 are timber framed—the joinery methods of old. Ahead great cathedrals in Europe Getting Started 4 for instance—and have stood for centuries as a

Using Timber Framing to Affordably Differentiate Your Home

Timber framing is necessarily The ‘secret’ is to only timber Frankly, this approach makes an expensive way to build— frame certain areas of a a lot of sense—you get most given the skilled craftsman- home—and stick build the of appeal of a full timber ship and high quality timber rest. This is know as a hybrid frame at a fraction of the cost. that goes into it. In fact, there timber frame. Finally, incorporate any tim- probably isn’t a more expen- For example, a hybrid design ber framing early in the design sive way to build—but that might include a timber framed process—doing so is guaran- doesn’t mean it can’t be incor- entryway for curb appeal with teed to save you money. porated into your budget. several timber trusses in the great room 6’ - 8’ on center. Page 3 Timber Framing 101 www.carolinatimberworks.com

Structural...or Non-Structural?

In your project, one of the first tural, it will need to be engi- tural timber frame, by defini- questions that needs to be an- neered and will need to be tion, must be installed much swered is whether the timber constructed from a grade- earlier in the construction frame will be structural stamped timber. process—because other fram- (weight-bearing) or non- Non-structural timber frames ing will bear upon it. There- structural (decorative). The can be built from any species fore, a structural timber frame answer to this question will of timber—and are often built requires planning early in the determine the final cost, lead with Eastern White Pine be- process. time, and specie choice. cause it is one of the most af- A non-structural timber frame, Traditionally, all timber frames fordable choices—yet finishes by contrast, is usually installed were structural, but that isn’t beautifully. after the 2x roof is in place— the case in many of today’s The structural or non- usually before the sheetrock or A structural Douglas Fir homes. structural question is important tongue & groove decking is Timber Frame going up. For If the timber frame is struc- for another reason. A struc- installed. scale, the posts are 12x12s.

Which Wood is the Best Choice for You?

Your choices are indeed var- will be exposed to the weather, is readily available in large ied—ranging from Eastern naturally resistant to decay sizes, reasonably priced, strong, White Pine to Antique Recy- Western Red Cedar is the obvi- and grade stamped. Further- cled Heart Pine. Most timber ous, but expensive, choice. more, it is now available RF frames, however, are built with For non-structural interior Kiln dried—a big advantage one of the following species: timber frames, Eastern White over other green (wet) timbers. Eastern White Pine, Douglas Pine is a popular choice— Oak is more expensive, and Fir, Red or White Oak and economical, and easy to finish. often exhibits substantial Western Red Cedar. For structural timber framing, shrinkage and checking in dry- For exterior applications which Douglas Fir wins our vote. It ing.

Species Indigenous Characteristics Cost Color of dry Decay Notes specific Region: $ less expensive heartwood Resistance to timber $$ average $$$ most framing Eastern White Pine King Post Common expensive Cedar—Western Western US Softwood $$$ Reddish brown Resistant or very Red resistant trusses in a medium stain. Douglas Fir Western US Softwood; Strong $ Orange red to Moderately Boxed Heart (Green) red, sometimes resistant grade will check Timber yellow more than a FOHC grade. Douglas Fir Western US Softwood; Strong $$$ Orange red to Moderately Dry to the core (RF Kiln Dry) red, sometimes resistant therefore little Species at yellow to no shrinkage or checking. Stable. Straight. Pine, Eastern Northern US Softwood; $ Cream to light Moderately More rustic a Glance White Moderately soft reddish brown Resistant look; Darkens and moderately low with time to a in strength, low caramel color. shrinkage and ranks high in stability. Oak, Red Southern, Hardwood; Open $$ Light brown, Slightly or Heavy & Northern & pores, strong, usually with pink nonresistant Strong. More Appalachia heavy, fairly high or red tinge rustic look due shrinkage in drying to Oak, White Southern, Hardwood; Closed $$ Light to dark Resistant or very significant Douglas Fir custom trusses— Northern & pores, strong, even brown, rarely resistant checking as Appalachia heavier than red with reddish tinge timber dries. before any finish has been applied. oak

Timber Framing 101 www.carolinatimberworks.com Page 4

The Case for Planning Ahead

Here’s another ‘secret’— sometimes you can plan far enough in advance to have your timber framing prebuilt and flown into place with a crane—which can save money. Take a look at the roof system being flown into place at right. Imagine how much longer it would take to install it ‘from below’ one piece at a time. Remember that timbers often weigh 500 pounds...each!

Getting Started

Here’s how the best timber frames get built: The Architect or Designer works with the Builder and Homeowner(s) and the Timber Frame Company. The design that results from this collabora- tion is the best of all worlds—it looks gorgeous, it is as affordable as possible, and it can be built on time and within the budget. To make this happen, we need to be involved early in the process—and we look forward to working with you!