ECO DESIGN/BUILD

Timberwork

We’ve worked with BT for over 10 years to resolve complex joinery and framing challenges. BT approaches each project with enthusiasm, professionalism and creativity which carries through to completion. Tom Beaudette Beaudette Consulting Engineers Missoula, MT

How does your company differ from other timber frame companies?

We were one of the first companies nationwide to use recycled timbers and crooked logs in our frames. Our goal from the start was to develop a “western” vernacular in timber framing that was not the traditional style of log building. We have never been content to copy the established eastern traditions of timber framing, so we set out to establish a new tradition that feels right in the West. We don’t use automated joinery equipment to cut our frames; instead we rely on talented craftspeople to cut and fit our unique materials.

Can we erect the timberwork that BT cuts for us so we can save money?

Generally we erect anything that is cut in our shop. We can guarantee only the products that we erect. We’ve found that we can put frames up much more safely and quickly than someone who has less experience, therefore it is a false economy to think that it would be less expensive to not have us erect our work. The only exception to the above statement is trusses which we can ship assembled and require only lifting onto the building.

Does our whole building have to be timber framed?

BT very seldom builds structures that are entirely timber framed. Western houses are generally more spread out than the traditional New England model, which is usually more compact and two-storied. Therefore our clients most often choose to timber frame the public spaces (kitchen, dining, living, porches, entry ways) while saving money on the more utilitarian spaces. This style is often called a “hybrid.” Timber framing can combine with almost any type of construction.

What kind of timbers do you use and why?

Primarily we use Douglas fir because it is the most prolific lumber tree in the west. It is strong, relatively light, plentiful, available in large sizes and lengths, and widely recognized for its beauty. There are four types available to us:

1. Reclaimed timbers from the obsolete “industrial forest”—factories, warehouses, bridges, and sawmills: The wood tends to be high quality since it was taken from our old growth forests over 50 years ago. Reclaimed wood is the most expensive option but it is the most stable.
2. Timbers sawn from large standing dead fir logs: Moisture content of these timbers average 20-28% so they are marginally dry. This is a good use for a material that might otherwise be underutilized, and is a less expensive option.
3. Kiln dried Douglas fir: Kiln drying is an inexact science and the dried wood is a bit strange to work. The guaranteed moisture content will still cause moderate shrinking in the West. Kiln dried wood is almost as expensive as recycled and requires longer lead times.
4. Green Douglas fir: In addition to the shrinkage and movement problems, some might wrestle with the issue of cutting old growth forests. We use very little new green timber.

Do you use panels to enclose your frames?

We generally use panels to enclose our roofs but almost never use panels to enclose walls. We’ve found wall panels are problematic for electrical and mechanical systems, we don’t like fastening siding to wafer board skins, and we’ve found panels to be springy when doors close.

We use other systems which solve many of the problems that insulated panels have. We generally use our walls structurally and eliminate posts, connectors, and braces on the exterior wall line. In contrast, most other timber framers use two structural systems: the timber frame and insulated panel system are both capable of carrying vertical loads. In that type of system the timbers carry the vertical loads and the panels mainly act as the insulation and base for finishes.

What do your frames cost per square foot?

We have never built the same frame twice: every frame we build is designed for one-of-a-kind spaces in one-of-a-kind places. Once design and engineering are completed, we price using the following criteria:

• total material including timbers, hold downs, hardware, pegs, etc.
• shop drawing time
• number of and type of joints
• type of surface finish: planed, sanded, wheel sanded-oil, urethane, etc.
• transportation distance to site
• crew expense and labor for raising
• crane, forklift expense

That said, we can supply pricing information based on previous projects as a general guideline.

Can you handle design and engineering for our project?

We work with a consulting engineer that is licensed in over 45 states. We have years of experience in designing timberwork and we prepare structural drawings in CAD.

What kind of lead times do you have?

Lead times vary depending on season. During the summer they often run about 4 months; at other times during the year they average about 2 months. If we receive a commitment in a timely manner we can usually complete a project within a timeframe that is agreeable to the client.

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