If you want your timber frame home to match your design needs, style needs and your budget …
Congrats, you made the decision to build a timber home. However, you need to do a few things if you want to do things right. Continue to read on to find out what top considerations you should keep in mind if you want your timber frame home to match your design needs, style needs and your budget.
Make Sure It’s Designed Properly
Everything starts with a piece of paper. What we mean by this is you want to make sure your timber home is designed properly, which is why it’s crucial to hire a professional who has sufficient experience with designing timber homes. A professional with plenty of experience will design your home properly and the end result will be a sturdy home.
Timber Accents or Full Timber
If you want a full timber home, then your entire home will be made with timbers. Your home will be extremely durable. Having your home built this way costs more than having a traditional home built.
Timber accents might be more for you if you don’t want to build a full timber home. One way to achieve this is to build a conventional framed home but use timber in certain areas of the home. Some of the best places to install timber includes bedrooms, living rooms and trusses, as well as entrance ways. Be as creative as you want when it comes to installing timber accents.
Post & Beam Frame or Timber Frame
It’s important to know what you’re looking for because post beams and timber frames can be interchanged. The main difference between a post beam home and a timber frame home is the type of timber that is being used. Post beam posts are usually round, while timber frames are produced by cutting the timbers into squares.
The process of building a timber frame involves assembling various parts to create the frame and then it is lifted, and bents are put into the frame. When all this is done, the roof and walls are installed over it.
Homes being built with post and beams undergo a different process. This is because posts and beams are large in size and they are heavy. More and more people are mixing and matching their timber frame homes because they want to go for a hybrid house.
What Wood to Use
You need to choose the best types of wood for your home. This requires hiring the right engineer and designer. They will help you select the right types of wood based on your personal preference.
The different types of wood species you can choose from include spruce, oak, cedar and pine. There are many other kinds, but those are some of the most popular ones. What you’ll pay for them depends on a number of factors such as where you buy them.
Also, the way timber is processed will affect various things, such as the strength of the timber, how long they will last and the way they look to name a few. This is why you need to consider what wood processing method you want to go with. Some of the most affordable options include boxed heart timbers, rough sawn and green wood.
We don’t really suggest using green wood because it hasn’t been dried. It’s also because it can lead to cracking as the years go by. However, the choice is completely up to you, but do choose carefully.
What Joinery Should You Use
You can join timbers via different ways. The main priority is to make sure it is strong. After that, the next important thing is the way it looks.
Fasteners and joinery made with steel is the top choice due to its durability. However, wood to wood joinery is a good choice too because it is also durable, and it has been used for many years in the building industry. If you choose wood to wood joinery, then you’ll pay more in labor, but materials don’t cost that much. This is because not as many fasteners are used.
When it comes to looks, think about what you prefer? Do you like steel or wood better because this will play a major role in which one you choose. Don’t be afraid to mix things up a bit because a lot of people do this, but make sure your budget can cover the costs.
What Method Should You Use
Builders can incorporate timber into a home’s structure in two ways. One way is via an enclosed timber frame, which means the home’s walls are built on the outer surface of the timber. This is a good way to highlight the home’s timbers and to keep the home airtight. It’s also easier to insulate the home.
However, the frame of the home is partly covered, which means the aesthetics of the outside of the home does suffer a bit. If there are strict regulations you have to adhere to, then this isn’t a bad thing. It’s also not a bad thing if you want an interior that is timber, but a home that looks traditional on the outside.
Building the walls between timbers is another way to do it. Do you want the feel and look of a timber frame home both on the outside and inside? If so, then this is the way to do it.
Choosing A Good Builder
The builder you choose should meet your requirements, budget and needs. Bear in mind that if a builder charges a very cheap price, then something might go wrong or there may be issues. On the other hand, just because a builder charges a lot of money does not mean they are the best.
Take your time to find a builder that knows how to treat a timber frame home. Otherwise you could end up with something you don’t want. Always take the time to research builders and compare as many as possible before making a decision.
Comments are closed.