Post And Beam Barn Plans: How It Can Be Done

One person, working alone, can tackle a small building like the small barn or garden shed.

But if the joinery is too complex for post and beam barn plans, a few simple joints can be used and others can be butted and nailed.

Sheathing can be used in lieu of braces to resist the forces of the wind.

And if you don’t have some carpentry or cabinetmaking experience, a more experienced person might be willing to lend a guiding hand.

A Housewright

There may be one or more experienced timber frame builders in your area who are willing to take on your project.

You could act as a general contractor if you wish. Visit some of the housewright’s projects and meet their owners to see just how good his work is before hiring him.

If he is reluctant to show you his buildings, be wary.

Kits

Browsing through country magazines, you will spot ads for post and beam barn plans timber frames or post-and-beam kits.

They range from frames joined with metal brackets to mortised-and-tenoned, sanded-and-oiled frames of red oak.

Old Buildings

Many old barns and houses that would otherwise sink back into the landscape can be purchased inexpensively and refurbished, or re-erected, on a new foundation at your site.

Some new timbers may have to be fashioned to replace those that are rotten or broken.

It is best to reassemble the frame as it stood originally to retain the structural integrity and increase its value as an antique.

It is not advisable to use old timbers in new positions because empty mortises in them can weaken the wood considerably. In their original positions they are more than strong enough.

Stud-Frame, Post And Beam Barn Plans Combinations

Many builders today combine post and beam and stud frames.

There is no harm in this, but one should avoid redundancy in structural members.

If timbers are just for show, they are not doing their share of the work.

Nor is it cost effective to erect a timber frame and then stud in between members with 2X4s or 2x6s.

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