What’s the difference between Timber Framing, Post & Beam, and Stick Framing?
Timber framing is the ancient craft of building with large section timbers, locked together with all wooden mortice and tenon joinery. It was used extensively in medieval times all over Europe, and was brought to the new world with European settlers. It died out towards the middle of the 19th century, when balloon or stick framing was developed here in North America. Since the end of the 1970’s it has enjoyed a rebirth, both here in North America, and in Britain. Stick framing was brought about by a need to build houses more quickly, by less skilled hands and at a lower cost. By using 2X dimensional lumber and nails, the need for complex three-dimensional joinery and large section timber was eliminated. Stick framing is considered rough carpentry as the framing is never meant to be seen from the inside of the home. Post & beam construction is often thought to be synonymous with timber framing. It isn’t. Post & beam is heavy timber construction without the use all wooden joinery. Instea
