Frequently Asked Questions
Where does your wood come from? Where do you find such big trees? With the exception of western cedar, all of the timbers that we use have come from Nova Scotia. We buy from local sawmills, small woodlot owners, or farmers, and some from customers who want to use their own logs within their project. TimberhArt Woodworks is committed to supporting the local economy and reforestation. Does TimberhArt Woodworks have any environmental policies? We are committed to protecting the environment. We have a tradition of planting trees to offset those used. We utilize every part of the tree. After the timber is sawn from the log, excess wood is used for floorboards and trim, wood scraps become firewood, and shavings provide mulch in the garden and livestock bedding. Furthermore, our timber frames are built to endure for generations, thus protecting the forests from continued abuse. What is the difference between "Post and Beam" and Timber Framing? Post and beam is a generic term meaning any posts and beams connected usually with metal nails or brackets, or with wooden pegs. Timber Framing is the connection of posts and beams with the use of traditional joints (mortises and tenons) and wooden pegs. Timber Framing is a type of Post and beam. What is traditional joinery? A tried and true method of connecting timber with exacting mortise and tenon joints, joined by wooden pegs or "tree nails". The oldest surviving wood structures, built in 679 and 693 AD, are the Japanese Golden Hall and Pagoda. Traditional joinery is simply the best way to join heavy timbers. How is the surface of the timbers finished? Our timber frames are available planed, rough sawn, or hand hewn. The finish applied to the surface depends on the personal preference of the client. Timbers may be clear stained, whitewashed, or stained with color, depending on the desired finished appearance. Do you have "stock" layouts that can be selected, or is each home designed to suit the lot? Each home is uniquely designed, not just to suit the lot but more importantly to suit your needs and lifestyle. Thus we have no catalogue. The requirements (site, aesthetics, structural needs, space requirements and budget) of the project need to be addressed in order for the project to be a success in meeting your expectations. In our office we have plans and photographs of our work over the past 21 years. Can the floor plan I have be constructed as a timber frame? Most times with only slight modifications your plan can be adapted by TimberhArt Woodworks' design team. Do you sell kits? Most people are interested in kits because they offer the opportunity to be involved with a project by putting in "sweat equity" and being a part of a unique process. We have worked with people in a variety of ways. We always install ("raise") our timber frames. Some clients have assisted with cutting their frame in our shop. Often our clients will provide local labor for the pre-assembly and raising. Similar to an ol' fashion barn raising with a celebration afterwards. What services do you offer? TimberhArt Woodworks specializes in the design, supply and installation of high quality engineered timber frames. We sometimes work on inexpensive frames but will not create cheap ones. TimberhArt Woodworks works in collaboration with other members of the project team. Generally the team consists of the owner(s), designer - TimberhArt or designer/architect of your choice, timber frame company, and contractor or on-site carpenters. We offer design packages and a timber frame supply and installation package. Our plans are to build next year, am I starting too early? It is important to allow time to develop both the perameters of a project and the design. In other words, you are not starting the process too early. How much do timber frame homes cost? There are many factors that contribute to costs. Some variables are: Site, Structural, Space, Aesthetics & Budget. The choices you make about the size of the home, finishes, the design complexity, and your market location, will all have an effect on the final cost of your home. Most people considering a Timber Frame love wood! If so, you probably love the beauty, strength, longevity (many homes built in 13th century Britain & Asia are still inhabited) and are intrigued by how Timber Frames are built. With quality workmanship and materials (as natural as possible), openness and light, visually appealing charm and warmth, energy efficiency, versatility are offered in TimberhArt's Frames! TimberhArt has developed an interactive collaboration design process which addresses variables, considers your needs and wishes as well as what design, quality or budget driven, to create a building program. Site Conditions: geographic and remoteness location, road & service access, soil type, grade, time of year, environment (snow & wind load, water proxomity), building codes & covenants. Structural: size & timber species - heritage or new (from softwoods to hardwoods and exotic), structuring to meet building codes, engineering, non structural trimbers or structural timber frame or hybrid. Space: size, shape, flow of rooms & traffic, location of posts, additions. A general rule of thumb is that the larger homes cost less per square foot then small houses because larger structures are more efficient to build. A small home still requires the foundation to be dug, the framing crew, the plumber and electrician, etc so the per squre foot cost may be higher. Simple designs with roofs that are straightforward are also less then homes that include many wall jogs, hips, valleys, angles, etc. Two story homes also cost less than signle story designs since the foundation and roof cover more than one floor of living space. Aesthetics: size, shape & complexity of the timber frame, style, configuration of timbers (timber & rafter end details, corbels & bracing, chamfer styles, pendants), interior finishes. Budget: What TimberhArt and Purchaser each provide, "design-driven" or "budget-driven". Call us to discuss the cost and how we can help you with a TimberhArt design that fits your ideal budget and includes the features your new home should have. Inspired by your love of wood, Crafted by Ours.If you can dream it, we can bring your vision beyond the ordinary that will last for generations.
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