What Is Timber Framing & Post Beam? **EXPLAINED**

The age-old building technique "timber framing" has been around for centuries.

“Timber framing” and “post and beam” construction are building methods that pre-date current “stick-built” framing. They utilize heavy timbers and in the case of timber framing, wooden joinery to create the structural frame of a building. Because of the size of posts and beams, larger trees are required to cut timbers from, and special attention is paid to the straightness and quality of the wood species itself (read more about wood species here.)

With timber framing in particular, traditional joinery (like mortise and tenon) is used to join together timbers, which is actually very structurally sound if done right. Traditional joinery offers aesthetic value as well, as it’s associated with hand-crafted artisan woodworking.

Post and beam construction is synonymous with timber framing, except in builder lingo, post and beam most often refers to using more basic joinery methods, and especially metal joinery.

Timber framing has been used for centuries and if constructed properly, and protected from the elements (through proper roof overhangs etc.) can last for an exceptionally long time.

Learn about Timber Framing, View Floor Plans & Explore the Timber Home Gallery!

[dustydreaver]

My dream is to build a timber frame home. The tough part is getting on with a crew in Saskatchewan Canada. I haven’t found anywhere to get experience. I’m currently a level 3 apprentice and I’m stuck framing houses.