07932048753
Your Local Carpenter & Joiner
Timber frame specialist
Servicing Essex & Suffolk
Why Timber Framing?
Here are some of the reasons why timber framing is preferred than mortar builds.
SPEED
Timber framed buildings are generally a quicker build in comparison to masonry builds.
HEAT & SOUND INSULATION
Timber builds are usually a better at insulating and retaining heat and sound than brick.
DURABILITY
A timber frame is highly durable and strong and if properly constructed, they will last a life time.
SUSTAINABLE
Using timber is the most environmentally friendly form of construction, as it regenerative and has a low CO2 impact.
CHEAPER
Due to timber framed buildings being overall quicker to construct, with shorted labour days, saving you money!
DESIGN
Flexibility with design and adaptation.
What is is Timber framing and is it sustainable?
Timber framing is a construction method that utilizes large, wooden beams in the creation of a building's frame. While this approach may seem outdated, its use remains prevalent today—partially due to its sustainability. Timber grows naturally and in abundance, making it a renewable resource.
Additionally, properly harvested and processed timber can be incredibly durable and can last for decades or even centuries. Timber framing also has an inherent energy efficiency, as the ample installation space between the beams can be filled with insulation to help regulate indoor temperatures. As such, timber framing is a viable and eco-friendly option for those looking to build or renovate sustainably.
Timber framing is considered to be good for the environment for several reasons:
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Renewable resource: Timber is a renewable resource and can be sustainably harvested. This means that it can be grown and harvested without causing permanent damage to the environment. Additionally, trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during their lifetime, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change.
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Longevity: Timber is a durable wood that can last for hundreds of years without needing to be replaced. This means that structures built with timber framing have a long lifespan, reducing the need for replacement and the associated environmental impact.
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Low carbon footprint: Timber framing has a low carbon footprint compared to other building materials, such as concrete or steel. The carbon footprint of oak framing is reduced by the fact that it requires less energy to produce and transport compared to other building materials.
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Biodegradable: Timber is a biodegradable material, which means that it can be safely disposed of without harming the environment. This is in contrast to synthetic materials that can take hundreds of years to decompose.
Overall, Timber framing is considered to be a sustainable building material that has a low environmental impact and can help mitigate the effects of climate change.
What's the best wood for timber structures?
When it comes to timber framing, selecting the right type of wood is paramount to its structural integrity and durability. While there are numerous options for wood species, each carries its own unique properties and advantages. However, when considering the best type of wood to use for timber framing, one must take into account its strength, stability, and resistance to moisture, rot, and insect infestation. In this regard, Douglas fir, which is widely regarded as the go-to wood for timber framing, comes to mind. With its unmatched strength-to-weight ratio, inherent stability, and natural resistance to decay, Douglas fir has become a favourite among builders and architects alike. Nevertheless, it's advisable to seek professional advice when choosing the type of wood for your timber framing project, as individual factors such as climate, building codes, and structural requirements may dictate the most appropriate options.
Take a look at some of the best types of wood I choose when building structures.
