Timber Frame (Post & Beam) Homes

BB_TX · Nov 10, 2003

There was a discussion recently on the pros and cons of a log home. Some pros, lots of cons. Although I love the look of a log home, I am not really interested in building one. However, I am interested in a post and beam home. I love the look of the exposed beams. I am concerned, however, that these could have some of the same settling/warping problems of a log home. Does anyone have any direct experience with timber frame or post and beam constructed homes?

Egon · Nov 10, 2003

Wet lumber shrinks mostly radially when drying. There is little change in the longitudinal direction which is the main dimension in post and beam.

Egon

Haz · Nov 11, 2003

We are in the process of building a Timberframe home and it is true that there isn't the problem with shrinkage and timberframes because the posts and beams shrink in width but not length. There was a thread not to long ago that I initiated and there was a guy who has a timberframe and gave some good advice. I'll see if I can find that thread.

Haz

Haz · Nov 11, 2003

Check out page 17, rural living. The last post is listed on 4-4-03. Hope this helps. Sorry I couldn't do a direct link to it. Haven't figured that one out yet and I'm to tired to try tonight.

Haz

Gatorboy · Nov 11, 2003

Is it this thread? Anyone who has built a timberframe?.

This was on PAGE 9 for my view.

tc35dforme · Nov 11, 2003

BB_TX,

Six years ago we built out timber frame ( post-beam ) home. Its an oak frame not pine or fir.

Some quick thoughts...

Big dimension timbers are inherently more unstable than small.

Hardwood is more stable than softwood.

The entire frame should be 'oiled' before set-up and then once again after it is up. 1/2 boiled linseed with 1/2 paint thinner works weel to penetrate. Just don't apply too much.

HVAC, wiring, and plumbing MUST be well considered prior to the start of the construction.

Avoid running a woodstove for the first few months and then only run it occasionally for a while until the frame becomes stable.

Expect some shrinking. Plan on a bit of touch-up with caulk and paint where the beams pull at the wall joints.

Plan on some sort of air-air heat exchanger. Panel systems tend to be very tight and humidity control and ventilation are important.

I'll think of more...

BB_TX · Nov 11, 2003

Thanks to all for the info. Seems most timber frame builders/contractors are in the north. Not many that I could find in the south, although I did find a couple in Texas. I will check them out and see if I can get some references for their work.