What's The Difference Between Timber Framing & Post and Beam?

If you're new to timber framing, you may be wondering what are the differences between timber framing and post and beam. You're not alone. The two terms are so closely related that they are usually used synonymously, even by industry professionals. "Woodhouse, The Timber Frame Company" actually uses "Woodhouse Post and Beam as their corporate name.

When you get right down to it, there truly is no real difference between timber frame and post and beam construction. In the early years of Woodhouse, competitors in the industry would tell customers that certain companies were either "post and beam" or "timber frame." Depending on which the client was asking for, it was easy to pick out subtle differences in the two terms, so that customers were left thinking that "post and beam" companies could not offer them a "timber frame" home. The truth is that timber frame companies and post and beam companies are one in the same. It really comes down to semantics.

If we were to try explaining the manner in which the terms were broken down, the subtle differences would be as follows:

Timber frame homes are constructed using a centuries-old technique known as joinery. This traces back to early furniture making, and has long been a strong and durable form of wooden construction. The mortise-and-tenon joinery style is used and incredibly, there is no need for metal brackets or bolts. Everything is secured using wooden pegs. The joinery shop at Woodhouse ensures that our timber frames are pre-fit before we ship any package. That means that when your timber frame package arrives, the pieces will fit together perfectly, making assembly time much quicker than a conventional stick-built home.

In a post and beam home, horizontal beams are connected to upright posts. These are then fastened with metal bolts and brackets. Although we typically engineer timber frame homes that require no metal brackets, we will work with your plan. In the past, upon customer preference, we have used brackets .

If you have questions about timber frame/post and beam homes, please do not hesitate to contact us. Call 800-227-4311 today and our experts can answer your timber frame (or post and beam) questions. Or, better yet, plan a visit to Woodhouse and tour our model home and see our joinery.