Trusted Carpenters in Reading, PA

The oldest surviving timber frame house in North America was built in the 1640s. Many still functional timber frames in Europe and Asia are over 1,000 years old. So, timber frames are built to last. The combination of large timbers and mortise and tenon joinery creates structures of strength and durability.

Timber frame structures use timbers that are larger than the 2 x 4 lumber generally used in conventional framing. The increased space between the interior and exterior walls allows for more insulation, resulting in lower costs to heat and cool the building. The timber frame creates the structural skeleton of the building. We usually enclose the timber frame with structural insulated panels (SIPs) which provide a high R-value and a very air tight enclosure.

The difference between these two types of construction is the method used to connect the members of the frame. Timber frames are constructed with mortise and tenon pegged joinery to connect the structural frame of the building. Occasionally steel connectors are used in timber frames in conjunction with a mortise and tenon joint. Post and beam construction employs vertical beams supported by upright posts, typically connected with metal brackets or lag bolts. While the joints in a post and beam may look similar to a timber frame, there are no mortise and tenons cut into the timbers.

Structural insulated panels (SIPs) are often used in timber frame building. They are panels consisting of a rigid insulated foam core sandwiched between two structural boards. SIPs are strong, cost effective and energy efficient. While the cost of SIPs themselves may be higher than the comparable materials used in conventional framing, the labor savings to install them is significant. The energy savings is generally thought to have a 3-5 year return on investment, making the long term cost of the house lower.

Definitely. This is a great way to give your house a fresh look. You can do anything from adding decorative timber trusses to your exterior or the inside of a room, to a timber frame addition to your house or a timber frame porch. There are many options and price ranges for timber frame elements.