The Grandeur of Post and Beam Construction

By Earl Hunsinger

Construction methods that utilize wood for structural members can be divided into the general classes of heavy timber construction and light wood framing. While light wood framing is by far the most common, this has not always been the case. Heavy timber construction is a natural descendant of the construction methods used in the United States and Europe for hundreds of years. It can be seen in older buildings in numerous countries, most commonly in barns in the United States.

In contrast, light wood framing is a fairly recent invention. It was developed in the United States in the middle of the 19th century to meet the growing demand to erect structures more easily and cheaply. With this method, the building load is supported by a large number of light structural members rather than a few large posts and beams. These light members are placed at regularly spaced, fairly close intervals. Depending on how they are used they are referred to as studs, joists, rafters, etc. In the building trade in the Americas, these members are now commonly known as dimensional lumber or "two bys," since they are typically 2" by 4", 2" by 6", 2" by 8", and so on. They are usually made from a soft wood, such as pine, and are easier to produce, ship, and use than larger pieces.

• They can be produced in local sawmills from relatively small trees.
• They can be moved and set into place without the use of a crane.
• Since any given member carries a very small portion of the total load, its engineering and placement is less critical, and can therefore be less precise, than in heavy timber construction.

In spite of its benefits in terms of convenience and cost, something has been lost by the adoption of this building method. Heavy timber, or post and beam, construction uses heavier members set further apart. Cutting these members requires larger trees. Since each member handles a large portion of the building load, this method requires more precise engineering and placement. Finally, because of the weight involved a crane or other mechanical assistance is almost always required to handle and set the posts and beams into place. This results in higher costs and a limited pool of contractors with the skill and willingness to tackle this type of project. However, the results can be worth the trouble.

Post and beam construction allows large expanses of glass, since the weight of the structure is supported on posts that are fairly far apart. Coupled with high vaulted ceilings, this creates large, airy, well-lit living spaces. That in itself would be enough to give a home or public building an appearance of grandeur. Since most people that choose this type of construction have a love for finely crafted wood, they leave the posts and beams exposed, giving the building an added warmth and beauty.

Today, post and beam construction has experienced what might be called a renaissance. This has paralleled, and at times merged, with the construction of log homes, which are quite different from what the early American pioneers constructed. Old barns in various parts of the United States are being restored and converted into homes or commercial spaces, and numerous companies have sprung up to provide services to those who have fallen in love with the beauty of this architectural style. These companies provide everything from log kits that can be assembled by following a set of detailed instructions to a complete service where your custom designed home or office is completely built for you.

Still not convinced that you want to shell out the extra cost for a post and beam structure? It's been said that a picture is worth a thousand words. Normerica is one of the oldest manufacturers of timber frame buildings in the world. Goshen Timber Frames also does beautiful work, as do Arlington Timber Frames and many other manufacturers. Visit any of these sites to see for yourself what a modern post and beam home is like, and see if you don't fall in love with the grandeur of post and beam construction.