About Timber Frames

Hampshire Timber Frame is a "True Timber Frame" company. Just as conventionally constructed homes have several methods of design and construction, Timber Frame homes also do. A few conventional construction methods are "On Site" stick built and System-built (modular) systems. Both of these conventional construction types may have around 16% of the outer shell (walls & roof framing) un-insulated, due to the fact that there is no insulation where the studs are located and the wooden studs are a bad insulator. Our Timber Frame Homes which are insulated with Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS) have an immediate advantage, being almost 100% insulated.

Timber Framing vs. Post & Beam

Many people both in and out of the Timber Frame industry interchange these terms. Joinery methods determine the true nature of the frame, whether it be Timber Frame or Post & Beam. No matter the company's name, understanding the joinery system and how the timbers are to be finished off is vital.
The term "Post and Beam" to us, means just what it says, posts and beams that are put together using a variety of construction methods and using various types of joinery to complete the frame. The posts and beams may be solid wood but frequently are made of laminated wood. They may be hand cut, machine cut or a combination of the two. They may have metal plates or hidden bolt connections which get plugged with a wood veneer so that they appear to be true Timber Frames, but they are not. With the use of metal connectors, these companies are able to reduce the size, quality and quantity of timbers. This is good for their "bottom line" but they are not true Timber Frames. A true Timber Frame structure should be a single solid structure with all or most of its posts starting on the 1st floor and ending at the roof plates or ridge beams.
You may notice that we call ourselves "True Timber Framers". This is for a number of reasons.

• We cut our timbers with hand tools and map the joints resulting in superior craftsmanship.
• We hand pick timbers for their particular location in the house.
• We go beyond the use of traditional joinery and utilize fully housed joints as much as possible and the use of 4” tenons (not 3”) resulting in a larger, stronger and more beautiful timber frame.
• We design the posts to be continuous from the bottom floor up through the frame to the roof rafters, creating a "Solid Timber Frame Structure".
• We do not use metal plates, bolts or hidden metal connectors as standard.
• We wax all exposed end grain surfaces including inside every joint. This slows the drying process and results in a more stable and attractive frame.
• We have all the finishing options you need to personalize your frame such as oiling, staining, chamfered edging, gun stocking, curved bracing and hand carvings.
• We will raise your frame and install the wall and roof panels using the very same craftsman that just "Hand Cut" your frame, resulting in the highest quality installation.

It is extremely important that you learn about each company's services, products, production methods, installation process and copyright policy before starting the design process with one. You will be happy that you did and more comfortable throughout the rest of the building process. Some companies view a knowledgeable client as a problem; we view a knowledgeable client as a partner.