What are the advantages of a timber frame home over a log home?
Less exterior maintenance:
Unlike log homes, with a timber frame home, the structure is fully enclosed and never exposed to the elements. Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) create an exterior that can be finished in any number of styles (including logs).
Better insulation and air infiltration:
Log homes are notorious for being poorly insulated and prone to air-leaks. Wood is not a good insulating material and, over time, it shrinks creating gaps around the doors, windows, and chimneys of log homes. Timber frame homes, on the other hand, give you many options on how to finish and insulate your home. SIP panels create a nearly air-tight environment and once the home reaches room temperature, it stays within a few degrees at all times.
Greater interior design flexibility:
In a log home, the logs also serve as the interior of the home, which can sometimes be dark, overwhelming and limits options for finishing the inside. Timber frame construction gives you the same flexibility as a traditional home. Whether you choose to paint, sheet-rock, or leave the interior rustic, your timber frame home will retain that unique aroma of wood for many after it's built. Additionally, the frame itself is free-standing and this allows for amazing option with open floor plans. There are no beams in the center of the frame supporting the roof and this makes it possible to create great rooms, mezzanines, multiple rooms layouts as well as a wall of windows.
Higher resale value:
The limited market for log homes means they often take longer to sell and can't command the same premium prices that timber frame homes do. Timber frame homes have a higher resale value and locking in your design and construction schedule TODAY will provide for a higher return on investment years down the road.
Interested in discussing your timber frame home design? Want to browse our pre-designed homes for inspiration? Interested in visiting Woodhouse and seeing our model home, design shop and joinery shop? Call 800.227.4311 today. Or email sales@timberframe1.com.
