Timber frame houses not only offer a sophisticated, modern country feel, but they also have a wide range of benefits, structurally, aesthetically and economically. When deciding whether to go ahead with a timber frame house build or extension, it’s important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of this construction type before you invest.
Firstly, What is Timber Framing?
Timber framing is a traditional, centuries-old construction method, whereby heavy timbers are precision cut to size and then carefully jointed and secured using large wooden pegs. Most of the framing is to be fabricated off-site and then put up on-site, which reduces the risk of introducing moisture and damp into the frame.
Timber framing is becoming an increasingly popular choice of construction type due to its unique features, modern feel and incredible durability. Timber frames can be used for a range of projects, including houses, extensions, conservatories, and outbuildings.
But like any big decision, with a big investment involved, we think it is worth looking at both the positives and the possible drawbacks before you commit. As oak framing specialists, we’ve put together a simple guide to the pros and cons to help you decide if a timber frame house is the right choice for you.
Why People Love Timber Frame Houses
1. A Greener Way to Build
Timber is a natural, renewable material, so choosing to build a timber frame house or extension is an environmentally sustainable and eco-friendly approach, as the timber can easily be regrown. Choosing timber is kinder for the planet, and building with oak instead of concrete, plastic, or steel lowers your carbon footprint, making your home a truly eco-friendly choice.
Even when timber is cut to use in construction, the carbon dioxide that it absorbs remains inside the wood for the entire lifespan of the building. This makes timber framing a form of carbon storage, which results in less CO2 in the atmosphere, making your timber-framed home a more sustainable option than a regular brick build.
2. Cost Effective Building Method
Timber-frame houses can be more affordable to build than traditional brick homes. Because timber is lighter, it often requires less extensive foundations, which helps cut down on groundworks costs. As the frames are made with such precision, there’s very little waste, which means you’re not left paying for materials that don’t get used.
On top of that, timber’s excellent natural insulation keeps energy bills around 20-30% lower than in a standard brick home. Over the course of a decade, this can add up to thousands of pounds, meaning that while a brick-built may seem cheaper initially, the long-term energy savings can quickly close the gap.
3. Faster Build Times
One of the biggest advantages of timber framing is speed. Most of the frame is manufactured off-site in controlled conditions, protecting it from weather damage. Once transported to site, it’s erected quickly, with finishing touches added on-site.
Because the bulk of work happens off-site, disruption is minimal, ideal for extensions or conservatories. Fewer workers, less noise, and shorter hire of equipment all reduce costs.
In many cases, a timber frame can be assembled and made watertight in as little as 5 days, compared with 12–16 weeks for traditional brick builds. This means a lot less disruption and less waiting around, allowing you to enjoy your new home or extension sooner.
4. Durable and Built to Last
Timber frame houses can retain their structural integrity, character and elegance for many years when installed by experts and well-maintained. Many oak framed buildings in the UK have stood strong for hundreds of years, proving just how durable this construction method can be.
Maintaining your oak framing is as simple as wiping down the frames with a soft cloth or a vacuum cleaner brush extension once every couple of months. This ensures that dust doesn’t build up and keeps the timber foundations healthy.
Whilst brick construction inevitably degrades over time, oak framing actually gets stronger. As oak framing absorbs and releases moisture, small cracks start to appear on the surface of the wood. These cracks make the timber framing more robust because, as temperatures change and humidity levels change, they create room for the joints to expand and then tighten into place. This means that the structure of your oak frame becomes even more solid and secure over time.
5. Full of Character
Nothing quite compares to the natural beauty of exposed oak beams. Whether you’re planning a cosy countryside retreat, a modern open-plan space or a traditional oak framed extension, timber frames will add warmth and natural charm that will never go out of style.
6. Energy Efficient Living
Timber is a natural insulator, which means it slows down the transfer of heat better than other materials such as steel or concrete. This means that timber framed houses, conservatories and garden offices stay warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, saving on both heating and air conditioning, whilst making your home feel more comfortable.
Oak frames are built using traditional mortise and tenon joints, held together with oak pegs instead of metal fixings, meaning that the frame can naturally flex and adjust as temperatures and humidity change. As our climate becomes more unpredictable, this flexibility helps keep your home strong and durable for many years.
The reduction in sudden temperature changes in timber frame houses also helps to reduce the risk of mould formation, which occurs when moist air meets a cold surface and condenses. By keeping your home at a more even temperature, timber frames can help create a healthier living environment, with less chance of damp.
7. Increased Value and Market Appeal
Timber-framed houses often add 5–15% to property value thanks to their character, durability, and unique design. Their light-filled, country aesthetic photographs well, boosting online appeal and attracting more viewings.
Highly sought after, oak-framed homes frequently sell faster and at higher prices, with estate agents highlighting them as “premium quality” or “character features” to draw buyers.
Things to Consider Before Choosing Timber
1. Higher Upfront Costs
High-quality oak and timber can be more expensive upfront than some standard building materials. Whilst this can increase the initial build cost, timber-framed houses often balance this out over time.
The natural durability of oak means that fewer repairs are needed over time than with a standard brick build, and timber’s excellent insulation properties help you to save money on heating and energy bills.
When you come to sell your timber framed home, its unique character and desirable features increase its market value, giving you a great return on your investment.
2. Planning Permissions
Depending on where you live, you may need to meet certain planning requirements for timber frame houses, orangeries and conservatories or outbuildings. However, working with experienced specialists in this area can make the process much smoother and achievable.
3. Buyer Misconceptions
A common misconception held by buyers is that timber-framed houses require a lot of upkeep and maintenance. In reality, modern timber-framed houses are built to last for decades and only improve with time. You’ll probably spend less time looking after your oak frame than you would re-painting or re-pointing your brickwork.
Why Work with Oak Framed Specialists?
We understand that deciding whether to build a timber frame home is a big decision and researching the pros and cons is key to making the right choice. While there are a few considerations, the pros really do outweigh the cons for most homeowners.
If you’re dreaming of a timber frame house or a bespoke oak framed space to add to your home, choosing the right team will make all the difference to your construction journey. Oak framed specialists bring together traditional techniques, modern know-how and a real passion and understanding of their craft. The result? Oak frame structures that are strong, beautiful and tailored to your lifestyle and surroundings.
Ready to Start Your Oak Frame Journey?
At Green Oak Carpentry, we love helping people bring their vision to life, whether this is a brand-new timber frame house, extension, sun-filled orangery or outbuilding. Whatever you have in mind, we’ll guide you from design through to installation with the care and attention to detail required at every stage.
So, if you’re considering taking the next steps towards an oak frame space we’d love to hear from you.
Get in touch with our friendly team today to chat through your ideas and see how we can help bring your oak frame dream to life. Or even better, why not come and visit us at our office and workshops at Langley Farm? You’ll get to meet the team, see the construction quality up close and discover what makes our oak frame structures so special.
And if you’d like a little inspiration before you decide, why not take a look at some of our previous projects – you’ll see just how much character and beauty oak framing can bring to a home.