A big repetitive frame out of oak really does show off what timber framing is all about. Within the confines of a 5 minute video, the essence of a timber frame raising: the bent assembly, the manhandling and futzing to fit up, the excitement of the first bent going vertical. Dropping the posts over the hardware. Pulling timbers together and that audible/visible jolt when they finally fit together. The mud. The post Timber Frame Barn appeared first on Carolina Timberworks ..read more

Reclaimed hand hewn beams or: putting old wood back to work this started with a question A builder who purchased reclaimed wood trusses for his client asked if we’d send some information on the original source of the hand hewn beams. He acknowledged we probably wouldn’t know exactly which building or where the beams came from. But he wanted to know some general information—the approximate age of the reclaimed hand hewn beams; what they might have originally been used for; what some of the original holes and joinery were for; and anything else that might be of interest to his clients. wher ..read more

For nearly two decades, Carolina Timberworks has pursued sustainable building practices. Today, our passion for contributing to a sustainable future only continues to grow. Curious why we’re so invested and what this pursuit means to us? Let’s talk sustainability. What Is Sustainability?  In a nutshell, sustainability is the concept that we can meet the needs of the current generation without compromising future ones. It’s a big idea that spans economic, social, and environmental concepts. But there’s one common goal: to maintain a healthy world for all living things for generations to co ..read more

Construction (and operation of buildings) has a dirty secret: together they account for nearly half of the U.S. fossil fuel emissions. The good news is that there is a vast amount of room for improvement, and building with mass timber can be part of the solution. The post It’s called trees. appeared first on Carolina Timberworks ..read more

Maybe the world of cheap and abundant energy is gradually coming to an end. Maybe it isn’t. But every extra kilowatt-hour from the sun fed into the grid is one fewer created by burning coal or natural gas. At Carolina Timberworks, we’re passionate about the idea that changes in how we build can be a major part of the solution to climate change, including our commitment to re-using salvaged timber in our timber frame structures. And one of our customers recently commented: “So, now you’re building a product from a renewable resource, with renewable energy. Well done.”   The post Thi ..read more

Maybe the world of cheap and abundant energy is gradually coming to an end. Maybe it isn’t. But every extra kilowatt-hour from the sun fed into the grid is one fewer created by burning coal or natural gas. At Carolina Timberworks, we’re passionate about the idea that changes in how we build can be a major part of the solution to climate change, including our commitment to re-using salvaged timber in our timber frame structures. And one of our customers recently commented: “So, now you’re building a product from a renewable resource, with renewable energy. Well done.”   The post This ..read more

Are you curious about the history and the basics of timber frame construction? Let’s look at how this building method has withstood the test of time and why it may be the right choice for your next building project. What is Timber Frame Construction? What separates timber frame construction from other building methods? Timber framing doesn’t use concrete, metal, or mass-produced commodity pieces of lumber. Instead, timber frame structures are built with large, exposed timbers and wood-to-wood joinery. The timber frame construction process starts with a design customized to meet the client’s p ..read more

Here’s the thing about timber frame building: it might be the perfect construction method. After all, the origins of timber framing date back nearly 2,000 years—and the basic elements haven’t changed much over nearly two millennia. Today, timber framing still features wood-to-wood joinery, much like centuries-old homes and temples in locations as varied as England and Japan. How have timber frame buildings withstood the test of time? Let’s look at the basics of this building method and the types of structures that fit best with timber framing. What Is a Timber Frame Building? From classic bar ..read more

You’ve heard a bit about the timber frame, you might even be interested in incorporating it into your project. But how does it work and what does it look like? And more importantly, is it right for you? From the key components to the biggest benefits of this building method, we’ll walk you through the basics of timber framing. What is a Timber Frame? from Carolina Timberworks on Vimeo. A Definition of Beauty and Grace Traditional timber framing is the art of connecting two or more pieces of timber using wood-to-wood joinery. Before metalworking, this is how timber posts and beams were attache ..read more

The sexiest TFEC* report ever. When a timber truss is designed as a collaboration between a talented architect, an experienced timber engineer, and an experienced timber framer, the result is often a work of art. There are two ways of doing things: the right way, and again. Here’s the right way to get the most out of timber frame truss design: Read this report to learn the unknown unknowns (the things you don’t know you don’t know) Hire an experienced timber engineer (here) read * Timber Frame Engineering Council Do not attempt to design a timber roof truss without adult supervision from ..read more