WHY TIMBER FRAME? --- WHY POST & BEAM? WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? We find that many people aren’t really sure of the difference between Timber Frame and Post & Beam homes. They know they like the look. They like the beauty and strength of the exposed timbers and the open concept that is possible in these homes. But they aren’t really sure if what they have seen is Timber Frame or Post & Beam construction. If you’ve ever seen an old New England barn with all the exterior boarding stripped away, you’ve seen a true Timber Frame. The timber structure that remains is self-supporting with knee braces to keep it from “racking” and connections made with mortise and tenon joinery. And that’s exactly how our Timber Frame homes are built today. A Post & Beam home does not structurally require this special joinery or knee braces to keep everything in place. The timber beams span across the top of the timber posts, with ends fixed on top of the first floor walls. This still gives you the look of the exposed timbers without the cost of the handcrafted joinery. Most of the homes we build end up as hybrids using the two building methods in combination. Often, the vaulted (open to above) areas of the home like the great room are done as Timber Frame, where you can really show off the joinery and elaborate trusses. Then the areas with flat ceilings are done using the Post & Beam system. Timber Framing is more expensive that Post & Beam construction, and so this helps to keep costs down. Both our Timber Frame and Post & Beam homes are built using Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS) for the exterior walls. These panels have an R25 energy efficiency rating to really help keep heating bills down. They have a solid foam core which is stable, unlike regular fiberglass insulation. There is no possibility of air infiltration at the studs (as with a conventional stick-built wall), and electrical chases are pre-cut at the factory to allow for easy wiring by your electrician. We look forward to hearing from you to discuss which type of construction or combination of methods will work best for your new home. | 