What’s the Difference Between Log Cabins, Timber Framing, Post & Beam?
The Difference Between Log Buildings & Timber Framing In short: round vs: squared. Log homes and cabins are built using the whole log, peeled of their bark and are round. In some cases d-shaped logs are used. These are primarily structural logs that are placed...Structural Lessons from 500-Year Old German Timber Framing & Gallery
Why do I only notice the windshield of my vehicle if it has a big ugly chip or is cracked? Or why do the few airplane crashes that happen end up on the news? The reason I pose these questions, which reveal how we as people learn and process information, is because...Song: The 12 Days of Building (Promise of a Timber Frame Home)
Perhaps the FIRST song ever written and recorded about Timber Framing. If not – we’d love to hear about a previous one! In the spirit of Christmas and the holidays – Arrow Timber brings to you: “The 12 Days of Building” A song about the...Easy-Peasy Lazy Lingo Learning?
Oh-Hello! You’ll have to excuse me. I wasn’t really expecting too many people, but I’m glad you are here. There is nothing like sharing something you are passionate about with other people. If you just happened to stumble across this page without...3 Unique Approaches to Perfect Timber Floor Plans
Why are floor plans so “sticky?” By that, I mean, “Why do so many conversations about building and remodeling begin with floor plans?” I have my ideas I can share with you, but for now, let’s look at three distinct approaches you can use to get your ideal...Other Trusses
Other Timber Frame Truss styles such as Mono Truss, Cable Truss, Arched King, Arched Queen and other variations
Simple Trusses
The size of the simple truss is limited to the load bearing capacity of its diagonal members, since it doesn’t have webs; this means your common simple truss span will max out around 30′.
Hammer Beam Trusses
The Hammer Beam Truss is not a gambrel truss, instead it’s got a strong, solid look, perfect for large spaces.
Scissor Truss
A variable slope timber truss with multiple webs and a lot of flexibility. The scissor truss design still fits in well with modern building styles – especially useful for roofs with different opposing slopes.
Queen Truss
The size of the simple truss is limited to the load bearing capacity of its diagonal members, since it doesn’t have webs; this means your common simple truss span will max out around 30′.
King Trusses
A popular and well-liked timber truss style for timber framing – with wide variety of web styles etc. You will need to consider factors such as wall height, room volume, truss spacing and roof slope to arrive at the best variation of the truss for your situation.
A Couple Decides on Timber Framing
A Couple Decides on a Timber Frame Home Is it “compromise” when a couple comes to an agreement on homebuilding? Or is it the end result of research? In this case, Peter and Sarah came to decide on a hybrid timber frame home. Peter was first to delve deeply...Timber Lakehouse
Fulfilling the Vision of a Timber Lakehouse Listen to Matt M. talk about his experience first deciding to include beams, then learning about the floor plan timber design process with Arrow Timber. By working with Matt’s questions and ideas, the design team...A Brief History and Evolution of Timber Framing
A Brief History and Evolution of Timber Framing We almost “lost” timber framing during the time of the Wild West expansion. Watch the video and read the article below. T imber Framing is an age-old building technique that fell out favor as the...What It’s Like Owning a Giant Sawmill
What It’s Like Owning a Giant Sawmill Bert Sarkkinen of Arrow Timber talks about how he came to buy his first sawmill. But for timber framers, you can’t just have any old sawmill. Bert has worked with mills like WoodMizer and now a custom Cooke’s...The Arrow Timber Philosophy
What is the Arrow Timber Philosophy? People want things which reflect their personality. People want an enjoyable process with a mutual exchange. People want teamwork, transparency, and creative solutions. I experience this over and over in the course of a year, not...The Real Reason(s) Lumber Prices Skyrocketed
**Dive deep into the world of Hybrid Timber Framing and get 3 FREE chapters. Get an autographed book written by Bert Sarkkinen, or get 3 chapters emailed to you – just get your name in the hat on our website! The crazy prices of lumber is being talked about...Timber Framing – Why It’s A ‘Green Building’ Technique
Here are some questions to ask so you can be sure you are making a well-informed choice for yourself and the environment. Does the product use renewable resources? (Think forest products, or better yet, reclaimed timbers!) What kind of energy is used to make...Stock vs Custom Plans: Which is More Effective for Hybrid Timber Framing?
So you’ve considered all your options and looked deep within and you are positive – your new home is to be a timber frame home. Firstly, congratulations! But, now what? Where do you begin? At the heart of planning for any home is the floor plan. The way in which...A Tale of Two Clients
Experience teaches us that nothing in life is truly linear. Our careers, goals, and plans are subject to change as more information comes in. Our path forward is very rarely as simple and straightforward as we first think. Taking your building idea from conception to...Could you live in 760 sq. feet? Down-sizing with timbers.
Could you live in a small Timber Frame Cabin? Some may answer reactively “no” or assume “yes” just based on a sense of adventure. Perhaps the “tiny home” explosion has really prompted a trend and movement towards downsizing. Yet,...Full Timber Frame, A Hybrid Timber Frame System, or Small Accents
The difference between a full timber frame and a hybrid timber frame is this: 1. Full timber framing means your house is designed and constructed with full timbers. The full timber frame dictates that exposed beams are part of the home decor in every corner of your...Where To Draw the Line For Timber Decor in Your Home
A Full Timber Frame vs. A Hybrid Timber Frame System… or just Small Accents? Stop. Clean slate. The difference between a full timber frame and a hybrid timber frame is simply the number of decor decisions you will be exposed to. A Full Timber Frame dictates that...Trial by Fire: The Birth of ATF
Arrow Timber Frame’s official story began with our first post and beam job. But our actual roots go much deeper. My love and fascination with building and creating structures started with building forts and carving projects as a youngster. The History When I was 16, I...7 Steps to Beautiful Timbers | Staining, Cleaning & Washing
How to Stain, Clean & Wash Timber Framing Post & Beam construction is built from wood, and thus it has organic, natural tendencies. Along with the rustic beauty of the beams, there is a living, breathing element to it. They must be maintained over time for...Outdoor Living Pavilions
Hello there! Before you dig into this fun little lifestyle quiz about outdoor living, here’s what you should know about me: I am a timber enthusiast. I have helped many people brainstorm, plan, and build outdoor living structures that have made a lot of people smile....8 Timber Frame Mantels – Design Inspiration
Mantels have been used for thousands of years often above fireplaces to display family portraits and heirlooms. They are often requested during floor plan design. Below are six examples of timber mantels in timber frame homes that we’ve built. Traditional style...How to Quickly Create Your Timber Design Master Plan
Imagine This: You have a special team assembled around your kitchen table. Sketch pads, portfolios, color swatches, and laptops are spread out and ready to engage in creating a Timber Design Master Plan to transform your entryway, kitchen, outdoor living area,...7 Reasons You Should Build Green
“Building green is no longer just a luxury, it’s a necessity!” Green building is becoming more and more popular among homebuyers. This means fewer materials, less pollution and more eco-friendly habits. I recently had a couple come to me wanting to...Analyze the Message of Your Home
The statement that a home makes can be a very subjective, broad topic and is influenced by many factors, including the personality and needs of the homeowners. This report will touch on some examples of general messages and themes, give you an adjective/noun screening...Brand Your Timber House w/ Carvings or Wood Burnings
How a personalized carving or wood burning design can add class to your post and beam home. Having a design burnt into exposed structural beams is a great way to accent your home and lifestyle with a sense of stability and permanence. A classic example is the date the...What Type of Beam Finish is Best for You?
When deciding to build a timber framing home you have to ask yourself, “What Type of Beam Finish Is Best For Me?” Choosing and applying a finish or protective coating for your timber project is deceptively complex. What first appears as a simple decision becomes...5 Simple Steps to Plan Your Outdoor Living Structure
The invigorating aspect about outdoor timber living is that it adds a whole new dimension to the fun and unity created when you begin to plan, visualize and talk about what could be. Perhaps it is invigorating because of the longevity of big timbers. Your creation...UGH! Who Likes Maintenance? Make Maintenance Fun!
Maintenance: almost everything in this world requires it. Roads, bridges, buildings, equipment, cars and even your health! Yet we have a tendency to loathe anything that has to do with maintenance. This article is intended to help you in two ways: The first...I Want It Big! Designing a Rustic Timber Frame
“I want it big. I want it rustic – Really big!” Ron Veach, the owner of Tuscany Homes was talking my language. Big, sturdy, strong, and stout. I knew this project was going to be fun. We had preliminary plans and a short, clear description of the style Ron...How to Promote Physical Well-Being
How to avoid couch potato syndrome using one simple rule and other mental tips to promote physical well-being. This article may not seem consistent with content I have provided you with previously, but if you look deeper you can see how it aligns with the core values...4 Steps to Your Post and Beam Remodel
Creating post and beam makeovers is our cup of tea! It elevates our heart rates. We love working with architects and clients and seeing the unique solutions created by the cross-pollination of ideas. In some cases, an architect will approach us with new construction...Choosing Timber Trusses
The size of the simple truss is limited to the load bearing capacity of its diagonal members, since it doesn’t have webs; this means your common simple truss span will max out around 30′.
