Learn the Difference Between Post and Beam Homes and Timber Frame Homes Construction
Both post-and-beam and timber frame homes use a traditional construction approach to produce impressive results.
In common, the two styles of design are seen to be distinct when, in fact, they are both modifications of the same thing.
To many people’s surprise post and beam and timber frame homes can be built to suit any lifestyle
Because of the way the frame is built, the home’s exterior shell rests gently on the home structure, allowing for an open concept design that is casual and unpretentious yet still visually spectacular.
The real appeal to post-and-beam and timber frame homes is a combination of the time-honored construction efficiency and beautiful design.
Post and Beam Homes
The fundamental distinction between the two is that post and beam homes frequently use glu-lam beams rather than solid wood timbers. Cedar Homes by Cedar Designs uses architectural grade Douglas Fir glu-lam beams as a standard.
Glu-lams are pre-engineered beams that comprise many pieces of lumber fused together to give the impression of a single massive solid wood beam.
The interiors of post and beam homes include high vaulted ceilings, open concept floor plans, and exposed wood posts and beams.
Post and beam construction incorporates the use of exposed beams supported by posts that run horizontal to support the roof rafters overhead and the sub floor systems, and then connected by metal bolts and brackets.
Post and beam homes can be considered as a modern, cost-effective adaption of wood frame design because they both use the same method of construction and produce the same visual appearance.
This form of house construction combined with conventional framing, the floor and roof system, uses trusses and 50% fewer materials.
Timber Frame Homes Construction
Tradition timber framing has been around for centuries, and the building technique has been used in many areas of the world.
Timber frame is an Old World/Medieval method of construction and in our authentic timber frame homes, the complete framework is composed of a series of exposed and connected bents (framework assembled from post & beam timbers).
The large solid wood timber crafted truss systems are supported by exposed timber posts, connected, and secured with oak pegs and mortise and tenon joinery instead of bolts and brackets.
The difference between a timber frame home and a post and beam home is the way the individual parts are connected. Timber frame homes use wooden pegs to create the structural framework of a timber frame home.
Traditional stick-built homes require more lumber than timber frame homes.
Any method of home building is satisfactory if the engineering specs are met. The first thing that is obvious is the fewer parts needed to construct the timber frame home and the second thing is that today’s modern timber frame home gets covered with sip panels.
SIPs stand for structural insulated panels. Along with your timber frame, they are the structural building sections of your timber frame home’s enclosure system.
SIP panels comprising a rigid insulated foam core inserted between two structural boards. SIPs are strong, cost effective and energy efficient.
Classic timber frame homes now come in a variety of more modern and elegant designs. Because of the way the timber frame is made, the choices are genuinely unlimited, ranging from modern house design to rustic, from comfortable to elegant.
The home’s outer shell rests easily on the house structure, allowing for an open concept design that is both informal and visually spectacular.
The beauty of natural wood framing combined with the superior energy efficiency.
The timbers are attached to each other according to engineering. The timber frame is covered with sip panels making it extraordinarily strong and virtually hurricane and earthquake resistant.
Hybrid Custom Post and Beam & Timber Frame Homes
On average, timber frame homes are more expensive than post-and-beam homes. However, hybrid models and modifications are frequently used when consumers want a timber frame look.
Since post and beam homes are usually more cost-effective, and for those consumers who want a timber frame look, the hybrid wood frame design is a great option.
If you want to draw the most attention to a certain place, many people will choose a timber frame entryway with some timber frame components on the gables or corals, and then once inside, some trusses in the great room.
To move into the kitchen, where there are some timber beams, which are lovely, but possibly the rest of the house and bedrooms are all framed in with typical stick frames.
The point is, you want to use timbers where they are appropriate, not misuse them, and that is something that can happen if you do not know where to draw the line, what to use, and how to approach it.
Cedar Homes by Cedar Designs has over 400 home plans in our design library, in a variety of styles and sizes to fit any budget or location.
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We can also build a custom design for you. We offer a design and material package or a cedar home kit to match your needs, no matter what you want to create.
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