Information Resources for Builders & Contractors
Construction
Heavy timber construction is increasingly popular in the modern building industry due to its strength, sustainability, and beauty. These traits make it an ideal choice for architects and builders who want to construct strong, eco-friendly, and beautiful buildings that will last for generations.
Engineering
Engineering is responsible for designing timber frame structures to meet state building codes. Loads are calculated based on the structure's occupancy, use, and location. Traditional joinery or steel connection plates are used to connect the pieces of timber frame together based on the client's preference. A combination of wood and steel joinery may be used to transfer the forces at the joint, with the steel typically concealed in the wood.
Properties
When it comes to strength, nothing beats heavy timber construction. The thick lumber and massive beams used in this type of construction are incredibly strong and resistant to high winds, heavy snow loads, and seismic activity. This makes heavy timber construction ideal for both residential and commercial buildings in areas that are prone to severe weather conditions.
Performance
Massive heavy timber beams and thick lumber used in this type of construction are incredibly strong and resistant to high winds, heavy snow loads, and seismic activity, while also providing a unique and distinguished look.
Douglas Fir
Douglas Fir is a rot-resistant wood known for its strength and structural stability. It is often used for heavy load-bearing designs, exterior exposed woods, and is an ideal wood for spanning long distances. Douglas Fir is one of the most popular types of wood used in heavy timber, post-and-beam, mortis-and-tenon and timber frame construction projects.
Western Red Cedar
Western Red Cedar is popular in heavy timber construction for several reasons. Western Red Cedar is sustainably sourced from old-growth trees. The grain pattern and natural rich reddish-brown color of the wood give structures a unique look. It's a light-weight timber that's very rot-resistant without treatments.
Eastern White Pine
Eastern White Pine is a type of softwood that is often used in construction and millwork. It is known for its consistency, and its cost. As a more common wood that grows more rapidly than other species, Eastern White Pine is less costly than many other species of timber.
Specialty Timbers
Some projects require specialty woods such as Cypress, Hemlock, Oak, and use of both soft and hard woods. Contact us today for a custom estimate to fulfill your project needs and specifications, if you have a specific need.