Recent updates to the International Building Code (IBC) have expanded what’s possible in mass timber design and construction. While these changes open the door to new building heights, many jurisdictions across the country have not yet adopted mass timber–specific provisions for Type IV construction. To bridge that gap, the American Wood Council…
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Evaluating and approving a property’s drainage, topography, environmental conditions, and code compliance spurs a building project forward in earnest. For a timber frame build, additional requirements should be considered early in the planning process to ensure structural integrity as well as performance and durability for years to come. As…
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By now, we all know that timber and lumber prices have increased significantly over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, that doesn’t mean you have to put your wood building projects on hold. Thanks to building techniques using heavy timber and mass timber / CLT, you have options to keep costs down in the face of high timber prices. Why…
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At Mid-Atlantic Timberframes, we insist on using the best-grade lumber available. All of our timbers come from sustainable, well-managed forests, and we use a variety of woods for our homes and timber-framed buildings — mainly Douglas fir, eastern white pine, red cedar, and oak. Each species offers unique character, from the beautiful grain to…
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One of the most notable benefits of timber framing is its impressive energy efficiency. Thanks to the natural insulating properties of wood and the flexibility to incorporate high-performance building systems, timber frame structures are well regarded for their thermal performance. But what many people don’t realize is that this efficiency…
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How do we make a house a home? We design and create a warm and inviting space by paying close attention to the home’s floor plan. There are so many ways to go about designing timber frame home plans, but many will agree there are some fundamental things that must be included. The easiest route to take when building your custom timber frame…
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Few things exemplify the aesthetic of a heavy timber structure like trusses soaring overhead, supporting a high ceiling, giving the space a feeling of grandeur. Whether in a home, commercial space, or barn, these structural systems are a hallmark of heavy timber construction and timber framing, allowing trusses to serve both functional and architectural…
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Barns might typically be associated with farmland, but in today’s market, they have functions beyond just housing animals and farm equipment. More specifically, barns are becoming desirable options for wedding and event venues. Timber frame “party barns” are trending as one of the top venue choices for wedding ceremonies and receptions…
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When planning a new home, builders have no shortage of materials to choose from — each offering its own set of advantages and limitations. Whether it’s conventional stick-built framing, steel, or concrete, the decision ultimately comes down to what aligns best with your vision, values, and long-term goals. While these alternatives aren’t…
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Our team of timber frame builders and designers at Mid-Atlantic Timberframes frequently work with custom home builders. Because we are not a general contractor, we must rely on them to take the timber frame plans we design and then execute the actual timber frame home build for our clients. The custom home builders our customers choose do not…
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