Build a Classic Timber-Framed House: Planning and Design, Traditional Materials, Affordable Methods

by Jack A. Sobon

While a timber-framed home might look like a typical stud-framed house from the outside, the two building systems are actually quite different. Timber-framed buildings have a skeleton of large wooden structural members connected to one another primarily by wood-on-wood joinery; timber framing isn't simply stacking big beams on top of big posts. This system is highly evolved, very traditional, and lends itself to affordable and practical techniques for the contemporary owner-builder or professional. The result is a home that is strong and graceful and - with the help of Jack Sobon's Build a Classic Timber-Framed House - economical as well. An architect and timber framer, Jack Sobon coauthored the still-popular Timber Frame Construction in the early 80s. Now he's written a timber framing book for the 90s and beyond: Build a Classic Timber-Framed House. He shows readers how to build an early American hall-and-parlor house that integrates modern American interests in passive solar heating, quality building techniques, masonry and wood stoves, and creating a healthy home. Most important, Jack Sobon proves that timber framing is affordable. With some time and interest and the help of his clear instructions and numerous illustrations, you can build your own timber frame - a home to make you feel proud and secure in its handsome strength. This book doesn't take a romantic look back at the "good old days." Build a Classic Timber-Framed House demonstrates that timber framing works for today and tomorrow by showing how to find affordable local supplies, process those supplies quickly and inexpensively, and use efficient and economical hand tools. Best of all, the hall-and-parlor house is designed to be expanded easily in the future for growing families and changing needs. It's all here, from finding the ideal building site to creating a master site plan. Build a Classic Timber-Framed House covers hewing and milling timbers, integrating electrical and plumbing systems, mak

Genres: Construction, Woodwork, Architecture, Reference

202 pages, Hardcover

First published January 2, 1994

Reviews

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely book with more finishing details than many others on the topic

The project house discussed in this book is larger than I’m interested in building, and the details for smaller variations are a bit scant. Still, the details for options to finish the house after the framing is up are much more extensive than other books I’ve read on the topic, and I appreciate that.

[Joe Beeson · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome book about how to build a Timber Framed home. Societial commentary and citation of other books took it from a 4 star to 5 star

[Chris DeCleene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully encouraging and empowering. Also, a great example of how great writing and clear thinking can make niche, specialized topics very accessible to an everyday reader.