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WEB-EXTRA: Producers' Q&A on Timberframe Construction From "Be Your Own Contractor: Vacation Homes" episode DBCV-102

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Following below are some frequently asked questions and additional information on timberframe construction from the producers of Be Your Own Contractor: Vacation Homes.

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	Timber-frame island home. Put-In-Bay, OH.

Is a timber frame home a log home? How are they different?

A timber frame home is not a log home. For one thing, a log home is built by stacking logs one on top of the other. As a result, a log home will, to quote a log home-builder, "quit settling when the ridge pole meets the ground." Timber frames are a type of post-and-beam construction that uses mortise-and-tenon joinery to connect the wood members using no metal plates and no nails. Timber frames are the strongest form of construction utilizing natural materials, and the frame does not continuously settle. In addition, a timber frame affords a more open and versatile floor plan. A timber frame with stress-skin panels or straw bale walls is much more energy efficient than a log home. Finally, on the outside a timber frame can take on any look you want -- Cape, Ranch, Saltbox, Victorian, Santa Fe, etc. Once inside, the heart of the home is revealed: the timber frame.

How expensive is a timber frame home? Are they more expensive than a traditionally built home?

You may be surprised to find out that, typically, the overall cost of a timber frame home is comparable in cost to that of a conventionally built custom home -- even though there it little comparison in quality. Further, if one takes into consideration that timber frame homes are usually more energy efficient than conventionally built homes, and that timber frames will stand for centuries, it's clear that a timber frame is the superior long-term investment.

Generally, the cost of the timber frame itself will range from $25 to $35 per square foot of timber-framed area. Stress-skin enclosures run around $20 to $25 per square ft. of living area. Timber framing is like other forms of construction: the more complex, the more expensive. Overall, one can expect a contractor-finished timbeframe home to cost $100 per square foot and up. Owner finished homes can cost much less. Of course, the type of finishing work on any home dictates what the final cost will be. Contractors will work with you to balance the quality/size/budget triangle in order to build a home that works for you.

What is the difference between post-and-beam construction and timber framing? Why timber frame?

Timber frame construction employs time-proven mortise-and-tenon joinery secured by wooden pegs. Post-and-beam construction, on the other hand, uses metal brackets, plates, and nails. The aesthetic difference is obvious: timber frames are seamless and flowing -- like fine furniture on a grand scale -- whereas post -and-beam frames are interrupted and utilitarian. Timber frames also have proven durability. There are timber-frame structures built using mortise and tenon joinery approaching 1000 years old. One can still visit the timber frame home in which William Shakespeare was born, for example, and that structure is relatively young at just under 500 years.

How is a timber frame enclosed and finished?

The erected frame is typically enclosed with structural insulated panels (SIPS). Drywall or plasterboard is hung on the frame and then the panels are attached over the drywall to the exterior of the frame. Some builders attach drywall to the roof panels prior to raising them, and they are set in place over purlins or rafters typically placed on 4-foot centers, leaving no seams to be taped and finished. At this point, the home is tar paper away from being "dried-in." All exterior wall and ceiling drywall or plaster board is in place, all insulation is done, and the timber frame remains exposed on the interior of your home. It is a beautiful and efficient combination of old-world craftsmanship and modern building materials. Other enclosure systems, such as straw bale, clay/straw slip, straw panels, etc., can also be used. Timberframe builders will work with you to find out what best suits your needs.

RESOURCES :

Additional information on timber-frame construction:

Riverbend Timber Framing
Website: www.riverbendtf.com

Moonstone Timber Frame
Website: www.moonstonetimberframe.com

Wind River Timberframes
Website: www.windriver-timberframes.com

GUESTS :

Rick and Paula Ziebarth, homeowners
Columbus, Ohio