Understanding the Differences Between Timber Framing and Post & Beam Construction

Introduction to Timber Framing

Many people have a hard time distinguishing between the two methods of building with heavy timbers. The primary difference is the connection.

Timber framing is a method used by our forefathers and their ancestors who brought with them the skills used in Europe and other countries for centuries. Using traditional wooden joinery to piece together large, usually squared timbers, the connections are carved out to fit together like a puzzle.

An example of such a connection is a mortise and tenon joint. When the connection is made, it is usually with wooden pegs because the use of metal is not practiced with traditional timber framing; this type of framing requires a high level of skill and can be time consuming.

There are schools that offer courses to teach these methods such as the Shelter Institute in ME; other companies such as Bensonwood in NH or Carolina Timberworks in NC will custom build your dream home or barn using the traditional methods.

Timber Framing with Mortise and Tenon Joints.

What is Post & Beam Construction?

Post and Beam, in contrast to traditional timber framing, has a distinct look that provides a more industrial appeal. This method of framing also uses heavy timbers, but the connections are less complicated; fasteners in the form of metal screws, bolts, and plates are used to connect the timber. This simpler connection usually requires less time to craft. A business like Simpson Strong Tie offers functional steel plates and bracing solutions, as shown below.

Mission Collection from Simpson Strong-Tie

Connection Innovation

Connext Post & Beam offers an alternative to both framing with mortise and tenon and framing with angle/corner bracing. The company manufactures extruded 6061 aluminum connectors with thin black lines exposed and no special skills required for installation.

Fine Homebuilding called this method "21st Century Post and Beam," in an article in one of their publications, Building Sheds.

Inspired to improve post and beam framing, Connext created a simple connection that balanced the art of timber framing with the modern look of post and beam. Their customers were not interested in spending the time to find the skills needed for traditional methods, nor did they want to use the big metal plates and corner bracing available as an alternative. Framing with the Connext system presents a viable alternative with a minimal metal look not only engineer-approved but cost-effective as well.

Plans, connectors, and custom tooling are available at Connext Post & Beam.

8” x 8” T Connectors from Connext Post & Beam

Conclusion

Building with timber allows for a diverse range of architectural expressions, from the handcrafted and rustic to the streamlined and modern. By choosing between traditional timber framing and innovative solutions like those offered by Connext Post and Beam, builders and homeowners can tailor their construction projects to reflect personal style preferences while benefiting from advancements in building technology.