When you choose timber frame, you choose a home that comes with a legacy — and the most modern advancements.
Timber frame homes and log homes are both masterful showcases of artisan material and craft, yet only one can offer the most up-to-date innovations in comfort and efficiency.
A timbered pilgrim cottage. A cabin in the woods. Long romanticized as emblems of American history and the pioneers’ hardy spirit, timber frames and log homes are legacy structures. And yet, despite the fact that these two different construction systems are symbolic of U.S. history, only one can boast roots spanning more than a millennium and, at the same time, some of the most advanced benefits available in homes today. In the comparison between a timber frame vs. log home, a timber frame stands apart . . . and races ahead.
Timber Frame Vs. Log Home
Wood, a celebrated icon of strength and enduring longevity, is the defining building material for both timber frames and log homes. As a result, many people tend to conflate the two. It’s understandable; both emerged in the U.S. around the same time. Both the oldest timber frame and log home standing today in the U.S. (the Fairbanks House and the C.A. Nothnagle Log House, respectively) were built around 400 years ago, in the 1630s.
However, timber framing stretches much further back into history. The joints of timber-framed structures have been found in historical sites around the world, some from as early as 200 BC.
Timber frames offer unparalleled flexibility when it comes to layout and aesthetics.
Structural Adaptability and Style
In any home, structure and style are inherently intertwined. However, some construction systems afford more design flexibility than others.
In the timber frame vs. log home equation, log homes and cabins offer a one-dimensional aesthetic. Constructed by stacking logs, which carry the home’s weight, a log home’s exterior is exactly what you will see in the interior. Logs can be hand-milled to capture a tree’s natural history or machine-milled for uniformity that rivals a box of pencils. For personal preferences and personality, homeowners choose between different stains, log profiles, corner styles, and the option to utilize chinking.
However, when it comes to stylistic diversity, timber frames reign supreme. Built with bold, stout timbers that carry the home’s weight, the frame provides extraordinary structural adaptability that perfectly balances artistry and functionality. Different styles of trusses can evoke dramatically different personalities. Furthermore, the timbers used come in various sizes, and can be tapered for a nuanced elegance, made smooth, rough-hewn or sawn, or be embellished with additional timbers and details for an utterly unique, artisan touch.
Beams, trusses, and joinery work together to achieve any combination of tastes and genres. Think: rugged and rustic, sleek and modern, or elegant and traditional. Woodhouse’s timber frame homes take on aesthetics like farmhouse, coastal, mountain, or even that of a cute cottage. Plus, all Woodhouse floor plans are fully customizable, and many homeowners choose to start entirely from scratch for a truly custom dream home.
Speaking of floor plans, the strength of these trusses allows for a flexible interior layout and gorgeous soaring ceilings. This copious space can be filled with lofts and walkways or left entirely open. Expansive window walls that highlight inspiring views and flood the interior with natural light. Interior layouts accommodate all creative possibilities. Meanwhile, a timber frame’s exterior can be outfitted in nearly any type of siding to suit your dream home style.
Thermal Insulation
When it comes to creating an airtight seal, a log home simply cannot compete. Timber frames, in contrast, take advantage of advanced modern technology in the form of structural insulated panels (SIPs). Not only do these interlocking, airtight panels provide some of the highest levels of insulation available in a residential structure, but also they protect against harsh weather and insulate against sound. The result? A healthy, comfortable oasis of quiet bliss.
Cement log siding gives this Deep Creek, Maryland, home all the charm of a log cabin without the upkeep.
Maintenance: Timber Frame Vs. Log Homes
Maintenance is another variable between timber frame homes and log homes. After building your dream home, you’ll want to spend your time enjoying it without being dragged down by upkeep requirements. The low-maintenance nature of timber frames results in very happy homeowners. Woodhouse will make it even easier by guiding you with material selections and design details to optimize your home — and time.
Begin Your Dream Home Journey
A Woodhouse timber frame pairs thousands of years of proven performance with the latest modern advancements, resulting in a practical and gorgeous high-performance custom home. Explore our extensive collection of floor plans, check out real-life Woodhouse projects, or contact us to learn more.
