Joinery - The Essential Part of Timber Framing

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In New Orleans, the 2005 catastrophe known as Hurricane Katrina left a path of destruction in her wake. Hundreds of homes crumbled as the Category 3 hurricane plowed through the region. On the Louisiana/Mississippi border, one of the few remaining homes with enough structure left to rebuild was none other than … a timber frame.

This serves as a perfect example of the strength of timber frame joinery. The structure of a post and beam home provides not only the strength of the home, but also immense beauty. The rugged elegance of timbers connected through skilled joinery is what makes a timber frame home so special. Once the home is finished, the towering timbers remain visible as a testament to the craftsman’s skill. But what is joinery, and how is it used to create a strong foundation for a gorgeous home?

Joinery is defined as any method of taking two distinct timbers and assembling them into a whole. The great thing about timber framing is that it requires no nails; just wooden pegs holding the timbers in place. This allows for a stunning aesthetic in your home. There are several different ways that timbers can be joined together. The following is a basic guide to the types of joints that go into making a timber frame home.

The most common type of joint is known as a “mortise and tenon” joint and most other joints are just variations of this joint.

Some Basics of Joinery:

Girt to Post – The post that stands upright is attached to the girt, which runs perpendicular to the post. They are connected with a mortise and tenon joint.
Kneebrace – whenever an important beam is meeting a post, a kneebrace is added. This creates a triangle which provides more strength to the structure.
Stopped-Splayed Wedged Scarf – This type of joinery is used to connect two smaller beams into one larger one.
Spline – This joinery is used when two different girts are coming together at the same post from different sides. Since one mortise and tenon joint would not be strong enough to support the two girts, this joint is added to provide tensile strength.

Timber frame homes are built to last. Many homes have survived through several generations. So what makes timber frames so strong? Timber frames have the ability to withstand different types of stress, including compression, tension, bending, and deflection. Carefully selected pieces of timber are connected together in harmony to create a strong, durable structure for the home. Whether it's a simple barn home or an elaborate mansion, timber frame homes combine history with modern technology for long-lasting results.

Want to know how timber frames will withstand the elements in your neck of the woods? Contact Woodhouse today to speak with one of our experienced specialists. 800.227.4311.