Introduction to timber frame construction

Timber frame construction of some description is a method which has been around for millennia; however over time it has become a tremendously refined practice to the point that - as buildings of up to six storeys become widely used in England and Wales - timber frame constructions of today are unrecognisable next to their ancestors.

Modern methods of timber frame construction were introduced into the UK in the 1960s and are a fully accepted method of building. Whilst not suitable for every construction situation, timber frame construction has its own range of strengths compared to alternative materials the most appealing being the quick assembly time due to the ability to prefabricate elements.

This Wood Information Sheet will give readers a solid understanding of timber frame construction and contains information on the benefits of its use, as well as the ways in which it can work with other construction materials such as external cladding on brick walls.

This WIS serves as a starting point for anyone interested in expanding their knowledge of timber framed construction and contains a list of other useful references and reading examples.

Contents:

• Benefits of timber frame construction
• Related publications
• Method of construction
• Other structural elements
• Services
• Preservative treatment