Timber Frame Homes

Sue | May 9th, 2010 - 3:17 pm

Heavy Timber Post and Beam – Heavy Timber Framing- Heavy Timber Construction

Timber Framing can have many meanings in the construction world. Let’s begin with the term “timber”. Timber denotes a square log, one that has been milled flat on each side to make the “square” shape. If someone says “log”, then it is really referring to a round log. “Logs” mean the logs are round. “Timbers” mean the logs has been fashioned into a square.

square heavy timber roof system

There are two main kinds of timber framing. One is where logs are processed through a CNC machine. The precision cutting allows for every accurate and quick assembly. The timbers still retain the traditional joinery of mortise and tenon that was brought over from Europe to the United States in the early settler days.

The second type of timber framing isHeavy Timber Framing or “Heavy Timber Post and Beam”. This style timber framing is where we use square timbers that we hand cut with a ban saw. Then the square timbers are cut  by hand to fit into the timber frame shell. No two timbers are alike. All of the same old world joinery of dovetails and mortise and tenon are put into use.

timber frame post and beam

Wide expanses, high vaulted ceilings, and airy openness are all part of both styles of timber framing. Both the handcrafted timber framing and the CNC timbers are capable of this. If you can imagine with me the old majestic cathedrals then apply that feel to your own home, you will be on the right track. This great room has a high cathedral ceiling with a special timber scissor truss.

Timbers are limited to just the superstructure of the home. Between the timbers standard construction materials are used. A common choice is to wrap the timber frame in SIP panels. This is the option that was used for this home below.

timber frame home cody wyoming

For another look the round post and beam homes can also be seen here on our website. This style uses all of the same joinery as the heavy timber framing, but the logs are left round and hand peeled instead of squared.

Heavy timber framing is not to be confused with the Round Post and Beam homes. The concept is very similar but the timbers themselves are very different. Timber framing can also be used for roof systems on gazebo rooms, prow fronts of log homes, outdoor pergolas, and other spaces.

handcrafted log roof system

Cowboy Log Homes

Any projected costs, cost estimates, material costs, and estimated construction/ building costs, are only the opinion of Cowboy Log Homes and are drawn from our experience. Every home is custom tailored to meet our individual client's wants and desires. The construction of a log or timber home is based on two primary costs: material provided by the log home company and construction costs contracted with Cowboy Log Homes as the builder or another builder of the customer's choice. Final costs are obtained and contracted with each respectively. Cowboy Log Homes is simply the "glue" that helps bring these two together to provide a final culmination of a customer's project. * Please note photos and elevations may differ some from accompanying floor plans.
Both comments and pings are currently closed.