Timber is an excellent all-purpose material for building and has been used in house construction for centuries. Modern timber-framed houses differ from their brick-built counterparts in that the main structural elements are timber frames, irrespective of whether the walls of the building are clad with brickwork, timber boarding or tiles.

A timber-framed house is built on sound concrete foundations. These are usually of ’strip’ or ‘raft’ construction to spread weight to firm ground.

Do it Yourself Timber Frame Construction

Modern timber-framed house walls are constructed of vertical timber studs with horizontal top and bottom plates nailed to them. The frames, which are erected on a concrete slab or a suspended timber platform supported by cavity brick walls, are faced on the outside with plywood sheathing to stiffen the structure. Breather paper is fixed over the top to act as a moisture barrier. Insulation quilt is used between studs. Rigid timber lintels at openings carry the weight of the upper floor and roof.

Brick cladding is typically used to cover the exterior of the frame. It is attached to the frame with metal ties. Weatherboarding often replaces the brick cladding on upper floors.

Floors in a timber-framed house are either solid concrete or suspended timber, as with a masonry house. In some cases, a concrete floor may be screeded or surfaced with timber or chipboard flooring. Suspended timber floor joists are supported on wall plates and surfaced with chipboard.

Timber-framed houses usually have trussed roofs — prefabricated triangulated frames which combine the rafters and ceiling joists — which are lifted into place and supported by the walls. The trusses are joined together with horizontal and diagonal ties. A ridge board is not fitted, nor are purlins required. Roofing felt, battens and tiling are applied in the usual way.