What Goes Into Making a Timber Frame?

Although the tradition of timber framing has been around for hundreds of years, timber frame construction is an option that is not widely known or regularly considered by people building homes today. Consequently, the process involved in planning and building a timber frame may be a bit different from what you expect. Here’s what it’s like to work with us.

Step 1: Pre-Contract Consultation

We know you’ll have a lot of questions for us about what is possible.

We provide 2 free hours of pre-contract consultation to get your dream rolling and your questions answered. Consultation beyond the first two hours is billed monthly at $150 per hour up until receipt of the signed contract and down payment. Consultation after that point is included within the project cost.

Things to consider during this step:

·         Your budget. Our timber frames are custom-built and hand-crafted by experienced artisans from high-grade, sustainably sourced solid wood. They are not comparable to conventional, stick-frame construction. Expect to spend at minimum $35 per square foot for the crafting of the frame, depending on which species of wood you select and the complexity of the design, and an additional $30 per square foot for us to install it.

·         Your timeframe. Quality takes time. Our typical lead time from contract and deposit to frame completion is 10 to 16 weeks, depending on the size and complexity of the design. (See Homes & Cabins, Porches, Pavilions, Trusses for more specific average timeframes).

·         Your vision. Likely you’ve been dreaming about your project for a while and have a clear idea of your goal. The more specific you can be about what you are looking for, and the fewer changes you request once the project is underway, the greater likelihood there is that we are able to stick closely to our original estimate and timeframe. With timber frames, mid-course changes to the design are difficult to make and can be costly.

·         Your options. A tight budget and/or timeframe may be eased by considering a less expensive and/or more readily available species of wood or a simplified design.

·         Your general contractor. Ogonek Custom Timber Frames does not act as a general contractor. The general contractor you choose for your project will ideally be someone familiar with the needs and constraints particular to timber frame construction.

Step 2: Working with an Architect

Most often customers approach us with a basic design or floor plan in mind, and that may be sufficient for us to provide a rough estimate for your timber frame.

If you have been working with an architect or engineer, however, and have detailed drawings for us to review, our estimate will be more complete and accurate. We can recommend architects/engineers we’ve worked with who are familiar with timber frame design and construction requirements, and our master timber framer can also provide input into the design and joinery that would work best for your particular frame.

Step 3: Estimation

Based on our review of your design, we will provide an estimate that is guaranteed for 90 days.

Step 4: Contract and Deposit

Upon your approval of the estimate, we will provide a contract for construction. We begin working on your project when the signed contract and down payment (typically 50% of the total estimate) are received.

Step 5: Sourcing Logs & Sawing Timbers

Your logs will be sourced from our area in northeastern Ohio. Our in-house forester sources logs from landowners committed to adhering to proper forest management practices. We also work with other logging companies that do the same.

If there are logs available from your property that are being cleared for your project, we may be able to use them in your frame, or we can cut them for you to incorporate in some other capacity for your project, such as paneling or flooring (see “Step 8. Optional Add-Ons” below).

Logs are cut into the timbers needed for your frame on our Select Sawmill, which can cut lengths up to 52 feet. Our sawyers have particular expertise in cutting timbers, optimizing each log to extract timbers of the greatest possible beauty and structural integrity.

Step 6: Joinery & Pre-Assembly

Next your timbers move into our workshop where we craft the joints on each timber by hand. Hand tools used for joinery include mallets and chisels, hand planes, and hand saws. Circular saws, chain mortiser, and routers are the only power tools used in joinery.

Your timbers are then sanded, finished, and peg holes are drilled to prepare for assembly. We check to ensure trusses fit together properly before they are disassembled and loaded onto a truck for transportation to the construction site. Complex trusses may be shipped pre-assembled to save time on-site.

Step 7: Delivery & Assembly

The disassembled frame is delivered to your site where we will erect the frame on the prepared foundation. Assembly may take a few days to a few weeks, depending on the size and complexity of the frame.

Your building site must be able to accommodate our equipment and an adequately sized foundation must be in place prior to installation. A foundation that is off even a fraction of an inch can cause delay and necessitate on-site reworking of your frame, since your timbers will be pre-cut precisely to match the measurements specified in your architectural drawings.

Onsite frame raising involves first assembling trusses and bents (wall or post sections of the frame) on the ground, then using a crane to lift them into place. We use a variety of tools to aid in assembly, including cordless drills, wooden mallets for driving pegs, and commanders for pushing larger timbers into position. Consider being present at your frame raising, especially when the trusses are lifted into place. It’s an unforgettable experience!

Step 8: Optional Add-Ons

SIPs. Structural Insulated Panels are generally used to enclose and insulate timber frame homes & cabins. Ogonek Custom Timber Frames serves as a sales representative for Perma R and can order SIPs at a discount for your general contractor to have installed. We do not install SIPs ourselves.

Finishing lumber. We can provide additional lumber needed for your project, from decking to tongue & groove paneling and flooring.

Contact us with any further questions you have, and we’ll be happy to help.

We are looking forward to helping you make your timber frame dream a reality!