Frequently Asked Questions

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Timber framing is a distinctive style of building construction in which heavy timbers frame the structure instead of more slender dimensional lumber (for example, 2 x 6-in.). Timber framing was a building practice used throughout the world until roughly 1900 when the demand for cheap, fast housing brought dimensional lumber to the construction forefront. In the 1970s, craftsmen revived the timber framing tradition in the United States and have ushered the design style into the modern era.

One of the most defining elements of a timber frame is its unique joiner. Heavy timber is joined together via mortises and tenons, then secured with wooden pegs. 

Dimension-ally built structures (sometimes called stick built) are framed with slender dimensional lumber - lumber in preset sizes readily available at lumber yards. 

Log homes and structures are built of logs stacked horizontally, forming the walls. 

In post and beam structures, upright posts support horizontal beams. These may be built of logs (round) or timber (milled to square). Posts and beams structures are sometimes made of timber held together by metal brackets. 

Timber framing is a specialized version of timber post and beam that is build like furniture, using wood joinery such as mortis and tenon, held in place with wooden pegs.

As designs became more intricate and code requirements more stringent, the distinction between some of these common terms become blurred. For example, timber frames may require engineered connectors in some joints. These connectors can be hidden inside the joints instead of attached to the timber surface, preserving the traditional timber frame appearance while making use of non traditional technology. Also, hybrid structures are prevalent, where timber framing and stick building are used in construction of different parts of the building. 

In timber framing, all of the structural timbers for a building are prepared ahead of time - sized, planed, joinery cut, all according to shop drawings. The elements of each cross section, or bent, are test fitted: then, when all the cutting and testing is done, the bents are assembled and raised from horizontal to vertical one by one. As each bent is raised, it is joined onto the bent(s) already erect by horizontal beams. Then, usually, roof timbers are placed on top of the frame.

This raising can take place by hand - a hand raising - for smaller or historically authentic frames, through the use of pike poles, ropes, and people power. Gin poles and A Frames can help raise a frame or cranes can lift bents and timbers into place. Some raisings use a mix of methods.

Joinery is what ties timbers together, in traditional timber framing. The ends of timbers are carved out so that they fit together like puzzle pieces. A hole about an inch in diameter is drilled right through the joint, and a wooden peg is pounded into the hole to hold the joint together. 

The universe of possible joints is quite large and complex. Common joints include, mortis and tenon, dove tail, tying joint, scarf joint, and lap joint. There are many variations and combinations of these and other types of joinery. 

This young tree is called a "wetting bush"  the term originated in old German tradition but research shows it has multiple meanings and explanations.  My favorite is a combination of thanking nature for the resources used to build the structure and as a symbol of nourishing the home for the future inhabitants.