At Target Timber, we’ve always believed that timber frame house construction will become the norm one day, and that day is getting ever closer.

The benefits of using timber in construction have been widely publicised in recent years, leading the government to set out a Roadmap for Timber in Construction as part of its drive to achieve net zero by 2050.

Understanding the benefits of using timber frames for building houses has led most of the UK’s main contractors to invest heavily in large-scale timber frame manufacturing, and increasing numbers of small to medium-sized construction companies to come to us for their timber frames.

The list of benefits of using timber frames for house building is long, so let’s look at some of the biggest advantages for those looking to build single houses or building new housing developments.

Quicker build times

Speed of construction is one of the top benefits of building with a timber frame. In general masonry construction build times can be difficult to predict but not with timber frames.

Our timber frame systems are prefabricated offsite by our specialist craftsmen to exact specifications in as little as 8-10 weeks, and delivered to exact schedules, often cutting build times by a third.

The full timber frame house kit is taken directly to the site and the whole superstructure of a house is erected by our specialist team in just days. And as a dry form of construction, no drying out time is required.

Lower Costs

Keeping building costs low is of major importance to both self-builders and housing developers.

Timber frame lowers costs in multiple ways including:

Timber frame is less costly overall than brick and block
Less labour is required
There are no costly delays due to inclement weather
There is less waste so fewer handling and removal costs
A lifetime of lower energy bills for homeowners
Houses go on the market quicker for a faster return on investment for developers

Guaranteed compliance with building regulations

Timber frames are manufactured offsite under strict conditions to ensure that they meet regulatory compliance before they leave the factory.

Furthermore, being an Assure Gold Member of the Structural Timber Association, our in-house manufacturing processes and on-site installation practices are independently assessed to ensure that quality and safety standards are met.

Our timber frame wall panels are pre-insulated to deliver high thermal performance and airtightness that contribute toward Part L compliance. They also come with LABC Warranty and Premier Guarantee.

Timber frame construction in limited space

Minimal build space for construction

Another primary benefit of timber frames is that they are light in weight and are delivered compactly, so they are ideal for building houses in tight spaces or where access is limited, as well as when contractors want to build multiple houses at the same time.

Our timber frame kits are crane-lifted directly onto the foundations; all walls, floors and the roof are fully erected within the footprint of the property.

Furthermore, no storage areas are required and there is minimal local disruption or noise.

Sustainable and eco-friendly

Over and above all the practical and financial benefits that come from building with timber frames are the environmental benefits.

Timber is the most environmentally friendly and sustainable building material on the planet.

Trees absorb and lock in carbon for life, even after harvesting. Timber is naturally warm, organic, renewable, and it is 100% recyclable.

This natural, low-carbon resource is why the government has set out its Timber in Construction Roadmap to help contribute toward UK decarbonisation.

Our timber is sourced from sustainable forests where two new trees are planted for every tree harvested, and a full chain of custody certification is provided with our products.

Learn more about the environmental benefits of timber frames or find out more about sustainability facts and figures.

Homeowner benefits

Our customers, new and returning, repeatedly tell us how impressed they are by the quality of our products and the speed at which they complete their projects. However, the benefits to the owners of timber frame houses are of equal importance.

Today’s new home buyers want homes that are built sustainably and offer high-quality insulation that results in low energy use – these are key benefits of a timber frame house.

And of course, they don’t have to wait long to move into their new home thanks to quick completion times.

If you’re planning to build a house or a new housing development, please tell us about your project and we will be happy to provide preliminary cost and timing estimates.