Classic Post And Beam And The Return Of Timber Framing

When the revival of classic post and beam timber framing began less than two decades ago, it was a peculiar hybrid.

Granted, there was the appeal of the wood and its ruggedness. But stud frames were erected around the timber frames to stiffen them and provide space for services and insulation.

Contributing to this were building inspectors who were wary and afraid, as were stud framers, of old construction methods, especially ones that didn’t rely on nails.

As with most advances or revivals, existing methods are employed to accommodate them until a new technology emerges that deals with them in a direct way.

Today, studding timber frames can be done away with due to the introduction of a rigid 4 X 8-foot panel.

The insulating sandwich panel has a high insulation value and acts as both interior finish and exterior sub-sheathing.

The panel is expensive, but its use is not as labor-intensive as the studding system and it can act a s a skin applied over a structural timber frame.

Possibilities Of The Classic Post And Beam

With some new tools and old technology, virtually any building can be built using classic post and beam construction techniques and timbers.

A small garden tool shed would be the perfect starter project for someone who wants to learn the old way of building.

A perfect addition to a country property, it can be used to store garden implements, a tractor, firewood, even an antique auto.

Benefits of The Classic Post And Beam

Is the past catching up with the future? Perhaps the time will come when we will have to return to stud framing after a long period of timber framing.

Whatever the future may bring, timber frames are competitive now and need not be a luxury.

Available power tools and green lumber have played a role in lowering costs.

Green wood, for example, is approximately one-half to one-third the cost of commercial lumberyard lumber, which is decreasing in quality and is often shipped in from another part of the country.

If a local sawmill is available, costs are lower because of less processing, less handling, and lower transportation costs.

Though he must learn joinery, today’s carpenter need not do much retooling to switch to timber frames.

Many of his tools are suited to post and beam construction, and the extra tools such as chisels that are necessary are probably cheaper than a new circular saw.

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