What are the advantages of a timber frame house?

As building a house or buying an existing home is one of the biggest investments we can make, we want to make the best possible choices. There is so much we need to take into consideration, before we start, including the size of the house to the design and structure.

As the frame of any dwelling is what ultimately supports it, you need to consider all options to ensure you are making the right decision for your home and investment.

Today, lightweight framed construction (including timber framed homes, as well as frames made from alternative materials) is the most common construction used in Australia.

Timber-framed houses are typically built with unseasoned timber with a moisture content of 15% or less. The timber must be dry, as wood with a higher moisture content tends to warp. This could create unwanted issues, particularly if it's used when building a house frame.

If you’re looking for a top-quality, sustainable home that will last for generations, then a timber frame house is the perfect choice for you. You will get all the benefits of modern construction techniques combined with the beauty and charm of a traditional home. Additionally, by choosing a timber frame you could save on building costs.

Most common timber used for house frames

Radiata Pine
Hoop Pine
Slash Pine
Iron Bark
Merbu
Spotted Gum
Blackbutt

Once you have made your decision to build or buy a timber-framed house, you can feel confident you have made the right choice, as timber is timeless.

Advantages of timber framing

Timber frames are tried and tested

Lightweight timber framing is a popular choice for Australian homes. Decades of experience have ensured that this system is safe, reliable, cost-effective, and understood by designers. Owners and occupants can be assured that they are gaining the advantages of a proven building method.

Strong, stable, and quiet

Since the properties of timber are so well understood, a timber-framed house won't be noisy as it does not expand and contract during temperature changes. In addition, this reduces the risk of premature cracking in plaster linings.

Speed to build

Prefabrication, flexibility, and builders' knowledge combine to deliver fast and efficient home building projects.

Easy to renovate

Regardless of what renovations you may need whether adjusting, adding or removing rooms, the timber frame makes this a very easy process compared with brick homes.

Simple to install services in timber framing

Timber can easily be drilled to install plumbing pipes or electrical cables. Unlike some materials that require cushioning grommets to protect cable insulation during installation and limit longer-term damage to plumbing due to expansion and contraction corrosion, timber offers the flexibility to adjust easily.

Timber is cost-effective

If you are looking at minimising your building costs, timber frames are approx 10-20% cheaper than steel. As timber is easy to work with you can also benefit from reduced labour costs and generally fewer difficulties during renovations or extensions.

Environmental advantages of timber framing

Choosing timber helps remove greenhouse gasses from the air. Approximately half the dry weight of wood is carbon, absorbed from the atmosphere by growing a tree. Using timber in buildings stores the carbon for as long as the building exists or the timber is reused and recycled.

Symcorp has helped hundreds of homeowners design and build custom homes that they love. Our builders can help with all your inquiries, and explain our process step by step. We will ensure your project runs smoothly from start to finish. Contact Symcorp builders today at 07 5558 3812.

Reference: https://www.woodsolutions.com.au/blog/12-reasons-why-more-australian-home-designers-builders-and-owners-choose-timber-framing

Builders & Renovations FAQs