Timber frame FAQ
Discover why this popular construction method could be the best solution for your project
Is this fast and flexible build route the right choice for you? We give you the lowdown on the key advantages
Timber frame continues to be a popular build route for self builders because of its many benefits, from versatile design options through to quick construction times. Different suppliers have individual ways of working, but fundamentally the system consists of storey-height timber panels created in a factory. They’re premanufactured from a network of structural studwork, racked with wood sheathing, and are often supplied pre-insulated. In some cases, windows and other elements are factory-installed.
1 There’s design versatility
Having a timber frame manufactured from scratch means it will be tailored to your exact requirements, from architectural style to the size of individual rooms. There are various ways to work alongside a timber frame specialist, each offering you a chance to come up with a bespoke scheme. Many package firms have in-house designers or partner architects that you can work with. Alternatively, you can sometimes choose from a range of pre-made plans and adapt them into your dream home. Another route is to go to a supplier with drawings you’ve already had created by an external architect. The only thing to remember is that it’s difficult to change your mind further down the line as a pre-manufactured structure may be expensive to change once created.
2 You can be as involved as you like
While some people like to be hands-on with their build, others prefer to entrust key decisions to a specialist provider – and a timber frame project allows you to be as involved as you’d like. For instance, you can engage a specialist to just provide the structural shell of your house, after which you’ll coordinate the rest. At the other end of the scale, you can go for a turnkey package where the company oversees the whole scheme, from project management to internal fit out. Different firms can offer varying levels of service, so look for a specialist that can match your needs.
3 Performance & costs are agreed in advance
You’ll be finalising at least the core infrastructure, if not more, before work begins on site. Pricing tends to be fixed before manufacture starts, meaning you know exactly what you’re getting and what it will cost. This leaves you able to accurately allocate the rest of your budget. The same is true for the level of energy efficiency that you can expect from the final result. Having the building manufactured under the high accuracy of factory precision means you’re less reliant on individual trades to guarantee the finished thermal performance and airtightness of your home’s fabric.
4 The building goes up quickly
Off-site construction methods come with another boon in terms of how fast the structure goes up on your plot. It can take around 8-12 weeks for the delivery of the timber frame, but groundworks can be completed at the same time as work in the factory, which obviously isn’t possible with methods such as brick and block. Once it arrives on site, a timber frame shell can reach weathertight stage in under a week, meaning you aren’t likely to face delays due to bad weather conditions.
5 Timber is a sustainable material
A huge benefit to working with wood-based build methods is that you can easily track the eco credentials of the components used to create your home. If the timber is sourced from sustainable forests, such as those with FSC or PEFC certification, then this is effectively a carbon neutral construction method. The super eco-conscious can also specify other natural products to complement the frame, such as sheep’s wool fibre insulation. Creating a bespoke design will also enable you to create a structure that will guarantee good energy efficiency once built, too.