HOW TO BUILD A TIMBER FRAME HOUSE

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on 11th November 2016 and has been updated with up to date content for July 2024.

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on building a timber frame house! As a leading timber frame manufacturer, Vision are here to share our expertise and guide you through each step of this rewarding process. Timber frame homes are not only aesthetically pleasing but also durable, eco-friendly, and versatile. Let’s dive into the journey of constructing your dream timber frame house.

1. Planning and Design
The first step in building a timber frame house is meticulous planning and design. This phase involves several key considerations:

• Choosing the Right Site: Ensure the land is suitable for construction, has good drainage, and is accessible for materials and machinery.
• Designing the Home: Work with an architect or use design software to create a layout that suits your needs. Consider factors like room size, layout, and the placement of windows for natural light.
• Budgeting: Establish a budget that includes all costs from design and materials to labour and permits.

We have some helpful blogs on the planning and design stage of a new timber frame house. You can read them by clicking the buttons below.

2. Sourcing Quality Timber
Quality timber is the backbone of your frame. At our manufacturing facility, we source sustainable, high-grade timber to ensure the longevity and strength of your home.

3. Creating the Timber Frame
Once your design is finalised and timber sourced, the manufacturing process begins:

• Cutting and Shaping: Using advanced machinery and traditional joinery techniques, we cut and shape the timber to precise specifications. Our manufacturing teams meticulously follow the approved drawings to ensure 100% accuracy.
• Insulating & membranes: All our external timber frame panels come with high-quality insulation, pre-fitted in our factory before assembly. This not only accelerates the construction process but also ensures precise installation with no air gaps.
• Enclosing the frame: Our external timber frame panels are all fitted with a sturdy structural OSB board with an insulating breather membrane that also acts as protection to the external walls during the build process.

Here are two projects where you can see how the external timber frame panels look once installed. Click each photo to learn more about these builds.

4. Erecting the Timber Frame
With the foundation ready, it’s time for the most exciting part – delivering and raising the prefabricated timber frame:

We have curated a collection of videos showcasing various timber frame installations completed by Vision for our valued customers. These videos offer an insightful look into our work and can be accessed on our Video Gallery page.

In just a few weeks, the primary structure of your new home will be installed and ready for exterior and interior finishes. Thanks to the quick construction with timber frame, your roofing contractors can start working the day after we finish the roof installation and begin to make your new home weatherproof.

Here are some of the complete homes for which Vision has provided and installed the timber frame structure:

Building a timber frame home is a significant investment and here at Vision we are committed to helping you every step of the way, from the design stage to deciding on finishes externally and internally. With our expertise, your dream of a beautiful, sustainable timber frame home can become a reality.