Include some posts and beams when you build or renovate

How to incorporate partial timber frames into a conventionally-framed home

Timber roof systems

A timber roof system can be used in combination with conventional framing to provide the beauty and strength of timbers throughout.

Trusses

A truss system can create a unique vaulted roof for, as an example, a 16' family room wing.

Principal rafters are 8 x 8 or 8 x 10. Purlins are 6 x 6 or 7 x 7, locked with dovetail tenons and oak wedges.

Principal rafters are notched to sit on stud wall. They can be spaced up to 16' apart.

Here are a few of the many possible truss configurations:

Timber floors to sit on stud walls

All timbers sit on the stud wall and are capped with a 2x6 shoe.

Renovation components

Timber frame openings such as the following can be added during renovation:

Above: 4 x 7 knee braces add to the load bearing capacity as well as provide diagonal stiffness to the wall. 8 x 8 timbers frame the 12' opening structurally as well as visually.

Here are some variations: