By Dave and Mary

Timber Frame Home Design

Your Porch - An Entrance to Exquisite Craftsmanship

A timber frame home design is actually a work of art and is one of the oldest home building crafts in the world.

There is evidence of oak timber frames dating back thousands of years. Timber frame porches are a sight to behold. Mary and I are very grateful to Architectural Photographer Roger Wade for allowing us to share his amazing photos of timber frame homes with you.

It's a real treat to see these beautiful porches.

Some of the timbers you'll see in these pictures were provided by our friend Tom Blackburn at Pioneer Log Systems.


Example of Timber frame home porch design


Earlier methods of building a timber frame home used the scribe framed method. Each timber was numbered as it fit in only one location. Today, builders use the square rule method. All main joints are the same size and are interchangeable making building your timber home much faster.

A timber frame home is built much like a huge piece of furniture; heavy timbers are joined together using mortise and tenon joints.

Enjoy these astonishing timber frame home design photos by architectural photographer Roger Wade. Roger's works capture the true beauty of these wonderfully designed homes made possible by many creative designers and architects.


Timber Frame Home Design Photos


Photos are copyrighted; please do not use.
log porch with red rocking chairs - photo courtesy of Roger Wade Studios


log porch with dining area - photo courtesy of Roger Wade Studios


beautiful log porch with wood seating - photo courtesy of Roger Wade Studios


amazing view on this log porch - photo courtesy of Roger Wade Studios


expansive porch with exposed beams - photo courtesy of Roger Wade Studios


country style log porch with rocking chairs - photo courtesy of Roger Wade Studios


elevated log porch with hot tub - photo courtesy of Roger Wade Studios


cozy sitting area on log porch - photo courtesy of Roger Wade Studios


large cooking area on this log porch - photo courtesy of Roger Wade Studios

Timber Frame Home Design Tips

Knowing the process of designing and building a timber frame home is essential.
  • The home, in its entirety must be designed (some timber frame companies design and contract the construction; others may only design and construct the timber frame only)
  • The corresponding timber frame must be built and raised
  • Lastly, the pieces of the home must be pulled together and built (determine if you want to manage your own team or rather hire a contractor)

Here are a few pointers from the Timber Frame Business Council when designing a timber frame home.
  • Assemble the team: Select an architect or designer, a timber frame company, and a general contractor
  • Create the house plan: Determine if you are going to design a custom home from scratch or purchase plans
  • Understand the design process: This is an interactive process that will require you to accurately communicate your desires. Be flexible but decisive.

Photos are copyrighted; please do not use.


contemporary log home - photo courtesy of Roger Wade Studios


contemporary log home well lit - photo courtesy of Roger Wade Studios


mammoth stone columns - photo courtesy of Roger Wade Studios


amazing roof structure on this porch - photo courtesy of Roger Wade Studios


contemporary porch with in-ground hot tub - photo courtesy of Roger Wade Studios


photo courtesy of Roger Wade Studios


massive log porch with amazing view - photo courtesy of Roger Wade Studios


photo courtesy of Roger Wade Studios


Many of the timbers in the photos above are manufactured to very specific standards; it is exacting work. The better engineered the logs, the more beautiful the home.

If you are contemplating building a log home or for your timber frame home design, consider the source of you wood; it is critical to your home's construction and ultimate beauty. We are highlighting Pioneer Log Systems below. Pioneer Log Systems manufactured many of the timbers in the photos above.


Pioneer Log Systems makes and distributes custom log, post and beam and timber frame structures. Pioneer Logo Learn more about Pioneer Log Systems.




Advantages and Disadvantages of a
Timber Frame Home Design

Advantages

  • Reclaiming wood from old structures can help reduce the costs and add unique beauty of aged wood in your timber frame home design.
  • Using new timbers will reduce your construction time. And you can use beautiful woods like Douglas Fir, Southern Yellow Pine, Red or White Oaks, Redwoods, Spruces, Hemlock, or Hickory.
  • Timber frame homes are completely enclosed in an envelope of insulated panels (SIPs) which have a very high insulation value.
  • Immense floor plan flexibility. A timber frame home allows for an open floor plan with no interior load bearing walls.
  • Because of their construction, they stand up against major natural disasters. (They've been known to withstand category 5 hurricanes).

Disadvantages of a Timber Frame Home

  • Like other wood-type structures, they can be susceptible to infestations from pests, such as termites and mice. Prevention methods and treatments are available.
  • They are also susceptible to wood rotting and fungus growth (which can be treated).



Timber frame home design




Mary and Dave, Founders of Front Porch Ideas and More
Hi! We're Mary and Dave, lifelong DIYers, high school sweethearts, and we both love porches. You've come to the right place for thousands of porch ideas.

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Mary and Dave, Founders of Front Porch Ideas and More
Hi! We're Mary and Dave, lifelong DIYers, high school sweethearts, and we both love porches. You've come to the right place for thousands of porch ideas.
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Use the PCA Visualizer to design your screen door

Shop for Porch Parts at Vintage Woodworks.

The Porch Store

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At no extra cost to you, we earn a commission by referring you to some products on merchant sites. See our disclosure policy.
We, Front Porch Ideas and More, confirm, as stated on our privacy policy, that we do not sell personal information.

All content here is solely for presenting ideas. We recommend consulting with a licensed, experienced contractor before you begin your project.
We make no guarantees of accuracy or completeness of information on our site or any links to other websites contained here.

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