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Reclaimed Hand Hewn Beams
Hand hewn beams or: putting old wood back to work this started with a question A builder who purchased reclaimed wood trusses for his client asked if we’d send some information on the original source of old hand hewn beams. He acknowledged we probably wouldn’t know exactly which building or where the beams came from. But he wanted to know some general information—the approximate age of the reclaimed hand hewn beams; what they might have…
What Is Sustainability?
For nearly two decades, Carolina Timberworks has pursued sustainable building practices. Today, our passion for contributing to a sustainable future only continues to grow. Curious why we’re so invested and what this pursuit means to us? Let’s talk sustainability. What Is Sustainability? In a nutshell, sustainability is the concept that we can meet the needs of the current generation without compromising future ones. It’s a big idea that spans economic, social, and environmental concepts. But…
Timber Frame Construction
Are you curious about the history and the basics of timber frame construction? Let’s look at how this building method has withstood the test of time and why it may be the right choice for your next building project. What is Timber Frame Construction? What separates timber frame construction from other building methods? Timber framing doesn’t use concrete, metal, or mass-produced commodity pieces of lumber. Instead, timber frame structures are built with large, exposed timbers…
Timber Frame Building
Here’s the thing about timber frame building: it might be the perfect construction method. After all, the origins of timber framing date back nearly 2,000 years—and the basic elements haven’t changed much over nearly two millennia. Today, timber framing still features wood-to-wood joinery, much like centuries-old homes and temples in locations as varied as England and Japan. How have timber frame buildings withstood the test of time? Let’s look at the basics of this building…
What is Timber Framing?
You’ve heard a bit about timber framing, you might even be interested in incorporating it into your project. But how does it work and what does it look like? And more importantly, is it right for you?
Timber Frame Truss Design: A How to Guide
The sexiest TFEC* report ever. When a timber frame truss is designed as a collaboration between a talented architect, an experienced timber engineer, and an experienced timber framer, the result is often a work of art. There are two ways of doing things: the right way, and again. Here’s the right way to get the most out of timber frame truss design: Read this report to learn the unknown unknowns (the things you don’t know…
Continue reading > Timber Frame Truss Design: A How to Guide
How We Use Timber Framing Tools
When you admire the majestic beamwork and intricate joinery of a timber frame structure, you might wonder just what it takes to build something like that. Although it’s possible to lay out and cut a timber frame with surprisingly few tools (pencil, square, string line, chisel, mallet, saw, and drill), it’s easier and faster to use specific timber frame tools. Most of these “timber frame” tools would be familiar to any woodworker—but they’re much larger…
A Guide to Timber Frame Home Kits
Are you considering building a timber frame home but wonder if there might be a simpler approach than designing a custom plan? At Carolina Timberworks, we get a lot of questions about timber frame home kits. While we don’t build timber frame home kits, we want to share our expertise so if you choose to build one, you understand what the process looks like. We created a short guide that explores what you can expect…