Timber Frame vs Conventional Stick Frame

People often ask us what the difference is between timber frame construction and conventional stick frame construction and which is better. If you are planning to build and trying to pick what style of framing is best for you, unfortunately, there is no simple answer you can reason your way through a decision by knowing more. In this clip, Pat Hennin provides a series of points.

We believe this is the most accessible and comprehensive timber framing education you can find on the Internet, and we are so excited for this course to be available.

Here are two pieces of feedback we think really sum up why we created this online course:
“…thank you for finally putting this online. I am a busy working mom without the opportunity to travel to Maine…I’ve been lurking on your website for years hoping to squeeze a class into the family vacation schedule, but have been out of luck. This will be great! I can’t wait to get started!”

“...I am very excited to see and participate in the online course. Just watching the teaser videos I gleaned some gems that I somehow missed when I took the in person Post and Beam course. I think both methods will have their benefits...so glad I was able to take the in person class (interacting with the staff and building relationships with like minded folks is amazing!) but really looking forward to seeing what you all will be presenting with the online format."

We really appreciate the votes of confidence on this new way to teach timber framing.

See you in the course,
- Pat, Gaius & Blueberry

[ShelterInstitute]

Take Your First (FREE!) Step Into Timber Framing with our Online Mini Course - tinyurl.com/u4ty9nm
We have taught thousands of ordinary people how to build their own timber frame structure, starting with raw timbers & ending with a beautiful 24' x 24' structure. Also check out our 5-day, in-person intensive Purely Post-And-Beam class -

[Heraclitean]

I'm starting to get the feeling this guy prefers timber frame construction.

[blackviking]

Is it just me, or are those small model frames the coolest coffee table centerpiece? They're like artwork.

[Chris]

Also fire resistance. Thick wood takes longer to burn through, whereas 2x4 are quick to burn through and you have a collapse sooner. Also less salvageable. Great video.

[mtpocketswoodenickle]

I've spent the last thirty + years doing barn and historical building's restoration.
Nothing matches the elegance of a hand hewn, timbers framed structure.
I live daily with the satisfaction knowing my work will be enjoyed and utilized for generations to come.
Leaving my mark, and preserving the iconic American landscape of the pioneers and our ancestors have left me blessed.

[--Paws--]

I remember watching a home renovation show and it showed this method of "timber framing". I asked myself why that house had less materials used compared to the "stick framing" method, I often see in other renovations. Thank you for the explanation.
The timber frame method reminds me of the cabin style houses and even the traditional Japanese houses.

[chrisguevara]

Can someone please tell him that no one can live in a house that small!!! It has to be at least 5 times bigger. My god.

[daveatfullcircleutub]

I took the home builder class back in the late nineties. We helped to frame up one of the sons home and another project further up the coast. I bought a few of the best Japanese pull saws and chisels I’ve ever had.
Back then I got a room at local landscaper’s house.
It was a special trip.

[stevebilliter]

I worked as a carpenter for over 25 years and never had a chance to build a timber frame home. It really looks like it would be fun to build. I built one post and beam, we called it, where the trusses on 2' centers lined up with 2x6 studs on exactly the same layout--it was quite a strong structure.

[Omlet]

YouTube algorithm: “You wanna learn the difference between timber and stick frames?”

[ZacchaeusNifong]

I don't know how YouTube knew that I wanted to see this, but I'm so happy that it did. I'm hooked.

[Ididerus]

Cost, cost is the reason we build with dimensional lumber. You can get a whole bunk of 2x4s for the cost of one timber

[wadeshimojo]

Ever since I saw that movie Witness with Harrison Ford I've always wanted to build a timber house. Super cool!

[jhosk]

Our barn is oak timber framed and the lumber was harvested off the farm almost 100 years ago. Something about seeing those old beams that warms your heart

[jtltet]

There's a lot more wood that goes into the timber frame than what is shown in this video. Before the SIPS go on the roof it would have t&g boards spanning across the trusses to support the SIPS panels depending on how far apart they are spaced. Of course the big factor when deciding between timber frame vs traditional stick frame is cost. Timber frames are much more expensive than traditional framed homes.

[r.a.mcgeoch]

The timber frame is just so beautiful once finished, plus the craftsmanship is just mind blowing

[nd-place]

You’ve sold me on building myself a timber frame house. Someday I want to build a retirement home for my wife and I in the mountains and I want it to be off the grid with well water and solar power. This seems like it would meet our needs nicely. We wouldn’t need anything large and I’m fairly handy. I’m sure with a few more decades of experience that I could build the entire thing myself. I would save money on materials, construction, and utilities and I could put those savings towards buying a large plot with good views.

[ElAnvaBar]

I absolutely love the warmth of timber frame houses!
Wood has lived years before it finally became a timber frame house. I think it's an ode to the tree itself to show its magnificent lines and colour, and a warmth you'll get nowhere else.

[joshgastin]

This is so cool. I have always admired timber framed buildings but had also assumed that they were no longer possible, simply due to the prevalence of stick-framed houses. Now I can dream again!

[GadgetEyeGuides]

Really quite fascinating. There is a definite allure to building structures that could last centuries. I'll keep this in mind when I have the opportunity to build a home.