Frame Time

Choosing the basic elements of wood, joinery and style.

Today we ask a lot from our homes. They must not only shelter us from the elements, they must also be secure, energy efficient and good looking. When we build houses we also look for a solid in vestment that will last for decades.

Timber frame builders have responded to modern concerns by investing considerable effort in professional engineering and design to ensure that their frames will meet today’s needs and standards and will withstand the test of time.

In simplest terms, every solidly built timber frame contains hundreds of timbers working together to form a resilient self-supporting structure. Every joint is designed to transfer loads and stresses from one member to another. Each timber is positioned and sized to transfer a share of the building load through the frame to the principal posts and on to the home’s foundation.

Although the actual engineering of your frame will be left to the experts, you may find it useful to have a better understanding of the basics of a timber frame — from the wood species used to the joints carved into the wood. The illustrations and photographs in this article will show you some of the basics and your timber frame designer should welcome the opportunity to elaborate on the specifics in your frame.

WHICH WOOD FOR YOUR FRAME?