Timber Framing Question

[MatD]

I recently read about timber framing and am quite intrigued at trying this on a small shed project. Does anyone here have any experience with this?

As far as actually using this on a full house, would the timber frame resist earthquakes well since it is so well joined or would it break the joints since it can't move with the ground? (If you can't tell, I live in California).

I'm not thinking of building a timber frame house, just interested in the idea.

Thanks,
Mat

[Lou_williams]

This is an interesting question. I am sure there are ways to build a Earthquake safe timber framed home. Here is a place to start [link:www.taunton.com/store/pages/070260.asp|taunton]. Ted Benson is the most famous Timber Framer in the country after a couple of This Old House appearences.

[MatD]

Wow, Thanks Lou. I will have to tell my better half to add this to the Christmans wish list :)

All the info that I could find on timber framing is on the east coast and one reference to some timber framing in Colorado. I guess I could call the planning department and ask them, but I already waste so much of their time I don't want to waste more with hypotheticals.

Mat

[Lou_williams]

Mat,

I checked out the introduction of the book and Teb references two things, One that it can be built to meet modern codes and two there was a lot of timber frame construction in california at the turn of the century.

The same basic structure is how modern sky scrapers are built but with steel not wood. I think it might be a good choice here in california if the right solution to the foundation attachement is developed.

[TDHofstetter]

Hi, Mat!

One good book in my library is Building the Timber Frame House by ... well, son of a GUN. It's by Tedd Benson with James Gruber. Published by Charles Scribner's Sons, ISBN 0-684-16446-9. The Woodwright's Work Book by Roy Underhill covers the subject well, too.

I don't think either book specifically touches upon timberframe construction in seismically active areas, but in general well-built timberframe is stronger than well-built stickframe.

We have quite a number of timberframers up here in Vermont, owing to the large number of ancient timberframed houses, barns, and wooden covered bridges here. Brings me to a thought - can you imagine the load imposed by a rooffull of 3-foot-deep snow on a covered bridge 150 feet long... and full of cars?

Personally, I have every intention of someday building a timberframe house - a large one. I've got a few unusual ideas to implement in it. I've used a little timberframe in smaller buildings, but never for a house proper. Improper, either, come to think of it... :)

Well-made and proportionate joints combined with oak trunnels will make for an incredibly strong structure.

-- Tim --

Argue for your limitations,
and sure enough - they're yours.
- Richard Bach -

[TDHofstetter]

Hi, Lou. Nudge ya elbow, ya nudge mine. :)

-- Tim --

Argue for your limitations,
and sure enough - they're yours.
- Richard Bach -

[Joe_Zuki]

website FORUM. There is a category on the forum called "Japanese Timber Framing" where you could post any question that tickles your fancy. The guy goes by "Daiku05353" on the forum.
Be careful over there, you might slide down that slippery slope and before you know it you'll be hawking ALL of your power tools to buy a set of Tasai chisels. (Might have to mortgage the house if you want the box to go with them)
Take Care,
Donald

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I- I took the one less travelled by, and that has made all the difference." Robert Frost

[MatD]

I went to borders yesterday to look at wood magazines and noticed that there is an entire mag devoted to timber framed houses. Then I was looking through the latest issue of Fine Homebuilding magazine and it seems that there is an add for TF homes on every other page. I guess I should have looked a little harder :)
I have to say, the TF homes that they were displaying were sure works of art. I will definitely have to look into that for my next house.
Mat

[tradewater]

As far as attaching a T/F house to the ground and earth quakes go, I have seen designs on skyscrapers that call for some give to lessen the effect of earth quakes. So it would stand to reason that if a T/F home were set on pillers it would take a quake better than if it were set on a solid foundation. Kind of like a tree in a storm "if it don't bend it will break". My way of thinking anyway.

[Blueraven]

Mat,

Here's the ones I've gone thru:

The Timber Frame House by Benson

Build a classic Timber Frame House by Soban

Timber Frame Construction, All About Post and Beam building by Sobon & Schroeder

Timber Frame Joinery & Design Workbook by The Timber Framers Guild of N. America. 413-623-9926.

There many workshops all over teaching poeple to do it..
Cascade Joinery in Wa, www.cascadejoinery.com builds them and has raisings you can attend..

Blueraven