Timber Frame Construction History
Timber frame construction uses massive timbers that are tightly fitted together with mortise and tenon joinery, and then secured with hardwood pegs. European cathedrals and manner houses were constructed using these techniques. The craft of timber framing reached it's maturity in Europe in the 1400's. There are timber frame buildings in use today that were built over 1000 years ago. In the middle 1800'swith the advent of milled lumber, steel nails and mass production two by four framing became popular. Timber framing which required much more skill and labor began to decline in use. It was revived again in the 1960's. Timber framers today use the same methods and joinery that were used in the 13th and 14th century in a blend of old-world knowledge and today's power tools. Cranes lift the heavy timbers, which took over a hundred workers in times past. Today a timber frame can be erected with only four or five workers.
Shown on the left: A 172 year old mortise and tenon joint still in perfect condition
Timber Frame Construction Techniques
The timbers are cut in the shop weeks ahead. Pegged mortise and tenon joints are cut in to the timbers. Careful planning is necessary for success. Before raising day, the timbers are taken to the building site and assembled in cross sectional units called bents. The foundation of the building is readied with mortises cut in to the sub floor. The frames are stacked with blocks in between them. On raising day, the frames are raised one at time. Boards are clamped to them to hold them place while raising them, called a strong box. Come-along pulleys are also used to hold the frame in place while it is being raised and to bring sections together. Rafters are typically 8 x 12, posts are 8 x 8 and girts are 8 x 10. The posts of the bents have a tenon on their bottoms, which fit into mortises in the sub floor of the building. The space between bents is called a bay and is generally 14 feet. After each bent is raised the girts or horizontal members will be attached to join them. A frame is usually put up in one day. The exterior siding can be most any material. Structural insulated panels are most often used. The beams are usually exposed on the inside. Inside conventional framing, techniques are used to add walls, plumbing and electricity.
Shown above: Craftsman at Trillium Dell Timberworks cut the timbers in the shop weeks ahead. Pegged mortise and tenon joints are cut in to the timbers. Careful planning is necessary for success.
Early American Barn Raisings
European settlers brought timber frame methods to this continent and used them for many early buildings. Early American barns with their large open expanses were timber frame buildings. Timbers were cut weeks ahead and then assembled on the site. The individual sections called bents were raised with poles up to 30 feet long called pike poles. After each bent was raised the girts were connected. With careful planning and plenty of help, a large barn frame could be erected in one day. These barns raisings were often the social event of the year. Men worked while the women cooked enormous meals. After the barn was erected, the eating, socializing and dancing went on for long hours.
Shown on the left: The Phelps timber frame barn with hand-hewn beams and peg construction was constructed in the 1850's near Elmwood, IL. The Phelps Barn (without siding) is an excellent example of early timber frame construction in this country. This barn was restored by Trillium Dell Timberworks for the Elmwood Community Foundation in 2001
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