Post & Beam Framing Information

Construction

• Post and beam framing can be accomplished by using logs or timber or a combination of the two. Log homes commonly feature post and beam framing. Mountain style homes typically feature post or timber and beam construction without full log walls. Logs and beams are visible in the living quarters of the home while the exterior walls of the home tend to feature stone facings.

History

• The concept of post and beam framing originated in Egypt around 2,000 B.C. When the first settlers began to build homes in America, they made several failed attempts due to a lack of skilled craftsmen, supplies and tools. When skilled craftsmen and tools began to arrive they began with a primitive form of post and beam construction. This first attempt at post and beam construction made use of slats and mud between posts. The design later moved on to brick between posts when skilled brick layers arrived. Post and beam framing began to fade from popularity around 1800 when two-story clapboard homes became the most common choice.

Costs

• The cost of building a post and beam home is a great deal more costly than a stick built home. The main reason for the higher cost is the need for higher quality wood. All visible posts and beams need to visibly appealing and this can cost plenty. Costs can be kept down by using drywall in conjunction with the post and beam construction for interior walls and ceilings. Another way to keep costs down during construction as well as heating and cooling costs later is to have a flat ceiling instead of a cathedral ceiling. "see reference 2"