Timber Frame shed - anyone do it?

[FleaDog]

Hello all, in the past year doing a lot of reading in preparation to build a 12x20 shed i planned to go stick built all the way but I recently can across plans for timber framing, using 4x4 for the most part with lap joints. For some reason it interests me more and I would really like to go this route, I dunno why. Anyhow the framing and all the rafters (12-12) are 4x4, the top plates are 4x6 beam.

Plans mostly based of this but modified for my size:

http://woodtools.nov.ru/projects2/PlanPDF/Woodworking - Plans - Timber Garden Shed - Part I.pdf

And

http://www.blackanddecker.com/Step-...7ba5Post:3cd4f996-b262-4d3c-b59f-2058630c793a

And

http://www.blackanddecker.com/Step-...7ba5Post:aa30595e-1ade-439b-bcee-fc01e0629405

Thanks!

 

[bczygan]

If you just want to do it for the fun of it fine. But it is going to be way more expensive and take a lot more material and lots more time to do by far. It is an obsolete construction method. If you want to go even more rustic, go with log construction.

Conventional framing with engineered material for large openings is your best bet. It is more efficient of materials and labor.

That said, I think I saw a small shed on here (Or somewhere) done that way. There are even outhouses build with timber framing.

Are you going to use wattle and daub to fill the wall spaces in?

 

[36racin]

It's not a shed but we built this last year.

http://www.qdma.com/forums/showthread.php?t=51122&highlight=barn

Todd

 

[ozyborn]

Efficiency? Bhah no matter. Your shed. You want it built the way you wish.I would love to build a mini barn, complete with old limestone foundation. But the city then considers it a permanent structure and wants to inspect and tax.

 

[Engineer61]

Short answer - NO!!

You need a proper design for a timber frame building, and then you need a lot of very precise joinery in order to put one up that will stay up. Both are in very short supply today.

 

[aardquark]

I made a 12x16 timber frame shed, based upon some plans in Timber Frame Construction by Sobon and Schroeder. Here is what it looked like at some point during the build:

I basically did it just to get some experience in the process before I committed to building a garage using the same process. Bottom line: I decided that although the results look great, I would go with conventional stick framing for the garage.

 

[FleaDog]

^^^

Looks great.

Here are some similar videos on fine home building:

http://www.finehomebuilding.com/how-to/video/series-build-garden-shed-introduction.aspx

 

[Garage Dog]

Obviously you could build either of the ways you describe. Conventional stick construction will take less time and cost less money for materials and labor in general.

Just depends on what interests you.

Doing things that interest you are more rewarding; if you can afford them.

Timber Framing is a very different approach with different rewards and results.

If you have the time and money (which only you can decide) I would do timber frame if you plan on owning the place long term.

Good Luck...