How long does a timber frame last?
Timber frames last as long as the wood lasts. However, it is important to have a good design that protects timber from weather and lets air go through so that the timber will stay dry. The lifespan of wood depends on the age of the wood when it’s cut from the tree. Wood from a 100-year-old tree will last longer than wood from a 50-year-old tree. Being older doesn’t necessarily mean that it’ll last longer, however. There is a point at which wood starts to lose strength as it gets old. We use material that is over 80 years old, determined by having eight to 13 rings per inch. Its longer life is an important factor when choosing material for a frame.
