History of Timberframing

Timberframe buildings have been discovered in archeological sites in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. The frames have a long history throughout the world with joints for constructing the structures appearing as early as 200 B.C. Today’s framing tradition integrates advanced building techniques with technology that enhances the remarkable ancient designs. Industrial mill processing has accelerated production and reduced cost. Previously, timberframes were created solely by hand. Early American diaries recount a New England culture surrounding timber frame building as a community-centered and labor-intensive process. Under a framer’s direction, farmers would work with their neighbors to create the frames and raise the structures together to realize relatively quick construction with the help of fellow citizens.

Timberframe styles were a primary building methodology in the United States until the 1900s, when the industrial revolution substantially increased the demand for housing stock that was satisfied with smaller dimensional lumber from new mills. Instead of timber frame construction, this new type and dimensional lumber led to “light frame” construction, also know as “stick building,” wherein a series of small pieces of lumber comprise the structural frame. In the 1970s, a group of dedicated builders revived the timberframing tradition and started building structures in the historic fashion with an increased focus on design features. Today, timberframe construction offers the strength and beauty of the timberframe tradition, with modern improvements in insulation and design. New manufacturing techniques have increased the precision while reducing the labor involved in creating timberframes. The introduction of structural insulated panels (SIPs) has helped to speed up construction of timberframe homes for buyers to enjoy the warmth and elegance of the style along with energy efficiency.