I have been clearing land all weekend in the rain and spring is coming soon. I want to build a monitor post and beam (timber frame) barn myself. I have zero experience with post and beam but I have done stick frame and pole barns in the past. Plans? Kits? Where is the best place to start? I want it to be really nice approximately 40X60. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I searched the web but nothing has been jumping out as a great resource.
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Where to start post and beam barn?
- Thread starter Jfresh
- Start date
tomroblee
Well-known member
I was interested in having a timber framed house built----until I learned that it was out of my budget.
The best source of information I found (to discourage me) was the Timber Framers Guild.
http://www.tfguild.org/
The best source of information I found (to discourage me) was the Timber Framers Guild.
http://www.tfguild.org/
kd3pc
Well-known member
timberframe is a great method, but is not really a DIY project. It requires precise woodwork and equipment (or copious manpower/mules/ropes - think Amish) to raise the basic frame, as you will be sliding at least 4 joints together - at the same time. Then the same sequence on the next section.
Your dimensions will require repetitive sections to be added, usually 10-12' (longer timbers are $$$ and even more heavy) sections and so on. Most of those sections will be at least 3 or 4 pieces already fit and ready to slide in, and so on.
Your location is important, as shipping/moving timeberframe kits and materials are expensive and a crane (or manpower) required to unload. When I "unload" material, I watch carefully to make SURE the first piece(s) needed are on top, the second pieces next and so on. This cuts down on crane time as well as making sure the work follows the proper install.
Did I say they are $$$.
best of luck
Your dimensions will require repetitive sections to be added, usually 10-12' (longer timbers are $$$ and even more heavy) sections and so on. Most of those sections will be at least 3 or 4 pieces already fit and ready to slide in, and so on.
Your location is important, as shipping/moving timeberframe kits and materials are expensive and a crane (or manpower) required to unload. When I "unload" material, I watch carefully to make SURE the first piece(s) needed are on top, the second pieces next and so on. This cuts down on crane time as well as making sure the work follows the proper install.
Did I say they are $$$.
best of luck
Jon_E
Well-known member
I built a 4300-sf timber-framed home (approximately 34x44, 2 stories and a basement). It took four people over a year to build it, including sawing the timbers. Unless you already have an enclosed space to work in, a great deal of experience, and a lot of time, help and heavy equipment, I wouldn't consider it. Timberframing is not really a DIY project.
Voi
Well-known member
Kits?
I believe at least one GJ member has documented a build from Sand Creek Post and Beam.
http://www.sandcreekpostandbeam.com/products/wood-barns
I don't have the build thread bookmarked, however.
There have been a couple of them here.
Nasman and his wife built one in that style but not truly post and beam and there was another built with "Sock-it system" (spelling?) connectors that had the look but was easier to erect.
I seem to remember another father-son project but can't recall the thread.
Don't be discouraged - the method has been around for a long time and was accomplished with hand tools. It will take time, and the development of new skills but it's certainly isn't impossible.
Nasman and his wife built one in that style but not truly post and beam and there was another built with "Sock-it system" (spelling?) connectors that had the look but was easier to erect.
I seem to remember another father-son project but can't recall the thread.
Don't be discouraged - the method has been around for a long time and was accomplished with hand tools. It will take time, and the development of new skills but it's certainly isn't impossible.
Voi
Well-known member
I think this is the thread I was thinking of.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=156563
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=156563