Common Questions

Over the years, we have had many of our clients ask us quite a few of the same questions about timber frames. We hope that in reading this section, you might find some of your questions answered. If you have a question that is not addressed by this page, please give us a call. We will be happy to take the time to explain the answer and make sure that you get the information you need.

• How does timber framing compare to stick framing in cost?

We are a "timber frame only" company. This means that all we build is the timber frame. Depending on the size and style, our cost is usually around $28 - $32 per sq. ft. The overall sq. ft. price of your house depends primarily on the general contractor and the interior finishes. We have seen houses come in well over $200.00 per sq. ft. and as low as $85.00 per sq. ft.

• What species of wood do you use?

We prefer to use #1, KD, S4S, full dimension, Douglas Fir. We have used other species and have access to old growth and reclaimed timbers. When choosing a wood species and grade, there are many things to consider. We can explain the how's and why's of timber selection to you.

• Do you raise your own frames?

Yes. We have found that the raising takes less time and results in a better finished product when we raise our own frames.

• How far will you travel?

Since we build the frame here in Kansas before the raising, we are open to travel just about anywhere in the United States. Some of the states we have raised timber frames in include: Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, Texas, New Mexico, and Wyoming. As you can see, we cover a large portion of the midwest and then some. If you're seeing this and thinking we wouldn't be intrested in your project, remember that we are open to travel just about anywhere in the United States.

• How do you close in the frames against the weather?

We recommend using Structural Insulated Panels (SIP) with a urethane base foam. Visit our SIPS page for more information on Structural Insulated Panels. Under our "Green Building" page we cover how the SIPS and the timber frame work together to help create an energy efficient home.

• Will you work with any panel company?

Yes. The process for working with the company you choose will be very similar to the one discussed on our SIPS page. In the selection process, let us know who you want us to send plans to and we will get them any information they need. We discuss Thermocore so heavily on our SIPS page only because we feel that they offer the best product and services for your money. We are in no way tied to them through kickbacks or "deals" like that. We believe that products should be promoted for their quality, not how much we get paid for recommending them.

• Do you have available floor plans for me to look at?

No. We do not subscribe to the cookie-cutter mentality of timber frames. All of our designs are custom to each homeowner. Many of our completed homes are posted on our "Home Tours" page. If you like the look of one of those houses, we will certainly use those plans as a base to start from. Also, there are numerous floor plan books on the market and we are comfortable using these plans as a base to start from.

• Do we need to hire an architect to provide plans?

We provide in-house design services and are capable of producing all the plans needed to build your timber frame home. That being said, if you want to hire an architect, we will be happy to work with the architect you hire.

• Is a timber frame home green?

We cover this question on our "Green Building" page.

• Can any floor plan be adapted to a hybrid timber frame?

Yes, any floor plan will work, however, only some of them are an efficient hybrid. Trying to line up roof planes or ridges from stick built construction to timber frame construction is costly, difficult, and has a high chance of not looking right. The "best" plan for a hybrid timber frame is a central timber frame portion with single story wings to the side. Also, the ridges of the wings should be perpendicular to the center ridge.

A great example of this can be seen on under our "Home Tours". Look at the house near Frankfort, Kansas. As you look at the front of the house, the left wing of the house is stick built while the center and the right wing are timberframed.

• Is a hybrid timber frame cheaper?

Depending on the design...yes...other designs...no. This is much easier explained when we have a design in place, and then can discuss the positives and negatives of hybrid construction.

• Do you have a spec home we can come see?

We don't have a spec home. However, if you call in advance, we can line up some walk throughs of homes we have built. Or if you prefer to see our work from the comfort of your own home, view our "Home Tours" pages. We have posted some pictures of finished homes we have built.

• What is our first step to begin the process?

First contact us and send us any sketches or pictures you may have. From there, we can discuss the concept of the house. After we are sure that we are visualizing the same thing as you, we will proceed with the design of your frame.