or…What to Expect When You’re Expecting a Timber Frame The process of creating a timber frame is important, regardless of how well the finished product turns out—just ask someone who endured a terrible process to obtain their timber frame. There is neither a shortcut, nor any secret to designing a timber frame. But whether good […]
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West Jefferson, North Carolina
West Jefferson: The Coolest Corner Is West Jefferson, NC (Ashe County) one of the best places to live, raise a family, and work in Western North Carolina? Carolina Timberworks thinks so. West Jefferson, Ashe County by the Numbers Elevation (5 peaks over 5,000′) 3,178′ Population (people, not cows) 27,203 Square miles 426.14 People per square […]
Timber Frame Trusses
truss, n. A collection of timbers or members forming one of the principal supports, as of a roof or bridge, and framed together so as to give mutual support and prevent distortion, as by the forces of gravity and wind loads. Trusses, whether structural or decorative, are usually named in one of five ways: 1. […]
What is the best wood for Timber Framing?
We’re often asked, “What is the best wood for timber framing?” Although it’s estimated that 60% of timber frames in North America are built from Douglas fir, there are other timber frame wood species that may work as well, or better, for your building project. So, here in one place, is exactly how to select […]
Why Do Timbers Split and Crack?
Eric Morley on why timbers split and crack, how long it takes timber to dry, where to get dry timbers, and why gunshots in the night are nothing to be afraid of . . . The Short Answer: Woodchecking Splits and cracks (known as ‘checks’ in the industry) occur when wood shrinks as it dries. […]
How to Fit Timber Framing Into the Budget
Champagne timber framing on a (craft) beer budget After receiving the latest Carolina Timberworks newsletter, a potential client emailed a great question: “Can you show a recent home for a customer on a 300k budget, else this stuff is non-realistic to normal non-millionaire folks“. My Emailed Reply With respect to non-millionaire projects, we do a lot of […]
Differences Between Decorative and Structural Timber Framing
A homeowner building in the Outer Banks emailed a great question this week: “I was wondering if people typically use your trusses as structural members or just as decorative members attached to the existing frame structure?” We build and install both decorative and structural timber framing. What Is Decorative Timber Framing? Non-structural, or decorative timber […]
Is Timber Framing Sustainable?
Timber frame and post and beam homes are wonderful spaces. So, is timber framing sustainable? Buildings that are loved get maintained, and well-maintained buildings last far longer. Timber framing may be one of the best ways to conserve our resources because post and beam homes are special places that people love, and because they are loved, […]