Timber Frame Workshop – A Great Gift For Father’s Day

Posted on June 14, 2013

Let’s face it, Dads do a lot.  From part time nurse when boo-boos need bandaging, to expert math tutor – Dads nowadays do it all.  So when we sat down to think of a great gift for Father’s Day, a big gift came to mind.  For all the Dads out there who have a hobby they truly enjoy – why not get out there and build a space that you can use to really pursue the hobby you love?  The workshop we’re featuring here is just one example of the type of space you can build to facilitate a hobby.

This wonderful, barn style timber frame workshop was built in Long Valley, NJ for an avid woodworker.  The space is truly inspirational, and has ample room for all the equipment and tools that the owner uses.  And, if the timber framed nature of the workshop weren’t woodworking inspiration enough, the ceiling showcases beautifully crafted scissor trusses.

The entry to the workshop has a double door to easily allow large pieces to be moved in and out.  The simple New England style of the workshop is a perfect match for the surrounding neighborhood.  In fact, the simple design of this workshop speaks to the versatility of a barn style structure.  A passerby might easily think this is a barn style home, or just as easily think it’s a working barn for agricultural purpose or housing livestock.  That’s one of the many reasons we love barn style architecture.

Inside the workshop, various stations are set up around the multiple pieces of equipment.  From a drill press to a table saw, this workshop provides the owner with endless options for crafting wondrous creations.  One of the particular interests that the owner has is in crafting model airplanes.

The workshop opens up on half of the space to reveal a cathedral ceiling and a loft space above.  The loft space is used as office space for the owner.  A cupola helps to provide light to the space, as do the many windows.  Multiple ceiling fans help to circulate air through the space, which can help to aid in the even drying of finishes and sealants.

If this workshop has gotten you inspired to build a hobby space of your own, please don’t hesitate to contact Timberpeg or Yankee Post & Beam with any questions.  From art and pottery studios to yoga and dance centers, a timber framed space can provide just the room you’ve been looking for.  And, of course we hope you have a wonderful Father’s Day no matter what space you’ll be enjoying it in!

 

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Timber Frame Home Photos – Gathering Ideas

Posted on June 7, 2013

With the growth of internet usage, and particularly social media usage, it’s become easier than ever to go hunting for ideas, solutions and inspiration.  Simple Google image searches can help you find what you’re looking for, but another great way to cruise for ideas is by using Pinterest to create idea boards.  We see a fair amount of Timberpeg photos being pinned, and thought it would be fun to post some of the most popular photos.

A quiet little loft space

This cozy space, in a white washed Timerpeg home has gotten a lot of pins from timber frame home fans.  Maybe it’s the cozy tree house feeling, or maybe there are a lot of avid readers out there longing for a library space like this.  All we know is that this timber frame home photo is a crowd favorite that hopefully gets people thinking about crafting their own little quiet space.  We particularly love the hanging star lanterns that add an ethereal quality to the space.

A South Carolina Grand Entry

South Carolina Timber Frame HomeThis timber frame home built in South Carolina has such charm, elegance and class, it’s no wonder it is such a popular choice for pinning.  With its grand staircase leading up to the front porch it’s a true stunner that seems to welcome you in with all the fabled southern hospitality we hear so much about.  And, it really departs from the stereotype so many have about timber frame homes and that they only look like New England style capes and lake homes.  A timber frame home can be built with any design style in mind.  Pin this one if you like to be unique and break the mold.

A Massachusetts Great Room

Timber Frame Great Room with Curved TrussesThe great room of this Massachusetts timber frame home has some very unique trusses indeed.  The entire home itself is unique, built to look like a home added on to a lighthouse.  You can see the entire timber frame home here.  But, the unique style of these timber frame trusses no doubt contributes to the number of pins it gets.  People love unique styles, and design ideas that are uncommon – and this fits right in with that concept. Pin away!

A New Hampshire Lakefront Stunner

Timber Frame Home on Lake with Dock and KayakWhether or not you’re a lover of timber frame home photos, we think you’ll find something to love about this photo.  Taken from the dock of a New Hampshire timber frame home, it captures the spirit of living in a natural setting and taking in all the joie de vivre afforded by such lush surroundings.  Even if you don’t enjoy kayaking, the thought of resting on the dock and watching the sun go down should bring a smile to most peoples’ faces.  It will also be a great addition to your inspirational pin board.

We hope you’ve enjoyed the peek at what photos have been popular as of late.  To see all of Timberpeg’s pins, please visit the Timberpeg Pinterest page.  And, to see photos from Yankee Post and Beam, visit the Yankee Post & Beam Pinterest page.  If you think you’ve got a truly inspirational pin board, leave us a comment or share with us on Facebook.  Happy timber frame home photo hunting!

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Decking Materials for Your New Barn Home

Posted on May 24, 2013

A deck is a wonderful addition to your barn home, allowing you to create an enjoyable outdoor room perfect for dining, entertaining and enjoying the warm weather. Although wood decks have always been the most popular choice for decking material, recently composite materials have become popular. In this post, we will discuss common choices for decking material and how to decide which is right for your new barn home.

Pressure Treated Lumber

Pressure treated lumber is the most common choice for decking material, with about three-quarters of new decks using this wood for construction. Southern Yellow Pine is typically milled for this application and then chemically treated to resist insects and rot. It is the least expensive deck material available, with 2×6 or 5/4×6 planks running at or under a dollar per linear foot. Although it is the least expensive option, it also requires the most maintenance since the lumber is prone to cracking and warping if neglected. The finished deck should be power washed every year and wood preservatives should be reapplied every couple years.

Natural Lumber

The most commonly used domestic natural lumber products for decking are redwood and western red cedar. Since both of these products are harvested in the Western United States, they tend to be cheapest there; prices for 2×6 or 5/4×6 boards are as low as $2 per square foot in the west but increase as you move east.  Although they are more expensive than treated lumber, these woods have a rich color and are naturally resistant to insects and rot without added chemicals. Also, a cedar deck is a great compliment to a house with cedar shingles. These decks should also be power washed yearly, and resealed every four years or so.

Imported tropical hardwoods are also a common choice for decking. Ipe is the most common wood used for decking with 1×6 boards running around $4 per linear foot. The wood is naturally a deep red color but will weather to a silver color over time. Again, a preservative should be applied to the deck every four years. Since most tropical wood is harvested illegally and unsustainably, make sure to only buy wood that is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified.

On most wood deckings there are usually several grades based on quality and appearance. Most grades perform structurally but the price varies considerably for higher grades, so shop carefully.

Composites

alaska home on cliff side

This timber frame home in Alaska is the perfect candidate for composite decking material to weather the harsh elements in both winter and summer.

Composite decking is the fastest growing segment of decking materials. This type of decking can be made from plastic alone (typically PETE or PVC) or a blend of plastic and wood fibers to promote a more natural appearance. These materials cost around $3 per linear foot, but are very low maintenance compared to wood products. They never have to be refinished like wood decks and although they will eventually weather, composite decks will have lifespans of around 50 years.

With Memorial Day here to kick off the start of summer barbecue season, now is definitely the time of year to get outside and enjoy your deck or patio.  We hope you are inspired and ready to get started.  If you have any questions about the homes pictured here, or designing a new barn home, please don’t hesitate to contact Timberpeg or contact Yankee Post and Beam.

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Timber Frame Homes and Regional Architecture Styles

Posted on May 17, 2013

One of the most wonderful things about the United States is how each state has its own history, traditions and style.  That of course applies to architecture as well.  Sometimes you can see a picture of a house and you just know what region of the country it was built in.  And, with the amazing versatility of timber frame homes, we thought we’d highlight some of the regional styles and how a timber frame home can be at home across the country.

Midwestern Barn Style

This barn home was built in Northern Ohio, and while barn homes can be at home in many regions, it’s a great fit for the rolling, agrarian hills of this region.  And, as with many real barns in Ohio, this home is complete with a silo.

New England Coastal

This traditional coastal home was built in Rhode Island and exemplifies the common architectural elements of the area.  It has shingle siding left to weather naturally in the ocean winds.  The roof-line is a gambrel style.

Carolina Charm

This South Carolina timber frame home has real Southern charm.  With a wrap around porch across the front of the home, it would be the ideal place to rest while enjoying some sweet tea on a hot afternoon.  The home’s architectural style borrows some elements from federal style homes in that it is quite symmetrical.  The dormers on the upper level, though, make it unique.

Pacific Northwest Lodge

This timber frame home was built in Oregon and has a real Northwestern feel.  With the natural red cedar shingle siding, and the stone foundation work, the home is one with the surroundings.  The roof lines and finishing details give this home a touch of the Craftsman which is a popular style in the Pacific Northwest.

Western High Plains Stucco

This ski home was built in Vail, Colorado and is a great example of the architectural style elements which are popular in the region.  With close proximity to the Southwest, and an arid climate, the style showcases stucco siding reminiscent of native residences made from local material.  The dry environment makes stucco an easy choice to maintain.

These are of course, just a taste of the regional variations in timber frame home style.  But as you can see, a timber frame home can fit in to almost any style of architecture from classic cape to modern ski home.  If you’d like to learn more about any of the homes featured here, which are all by either Yankee Post & Beam or Timberpeg, please contact us to learn more.

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