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What are the benefits of using timber frame for self-building?

If you’re reading this, there’s a high probability that you’re one of a rising number of people who recognise that self-building your own home is far more cost effective and satisfying than buying a conventional new build.

Self-building allows you to design a home for your needs and for the way you want to live – ask any self-builder if they are happy with their self-build home and 96% will say yes.

Choosing the best structural material for self-building

Timber frame is the number one choice of structural building material for self-builders, and it is obviously of interest to you too. As one of the most trusted timber frame manufacturers in the UK, we’re here to help you at every stage of your build. Let’s begin by outlining the wide-ranging benefits that timber frame offers self-builders..

The benefits of using timber frame for housebuilding

Timber frame is a sustainable environmentally friendly building material

Timber is a sustainable material: 90% of all wood consumed in Europe is sourced from European forests. The forests that Target Timber source from grow by 3,500 square miles each year and our products come with a full chain of custody
99% of UK timber frame is European softwood. Like all timber, it is organic, natural and non-toxic
Timber has the lowest C0₂ of any building material; every timber frame home saves around 4 tonnes of carbon dioxide
The total carbon sequestered in Europe’s forests is over 9.5 million tonnes
Only older trees are harvested because they have absorbed high levels of carbon which will stay contained inside the timber for life.

The practical benefits of timber frame for self-building

Time saving – one of the biggest ways to save money on a self-build is to build efficiently and quickly. Constructing with timber frame can reduce construction times by a third
Timber frame is a highly effective thermal insulator; it keeps the home cooler in summer and warmer in winter, reducing energy bills. By nature, it also has better sound insulation on external and internal walls
Timber frame wall panels carry the loads on the building to the foundations, whilst the outer cladding provides decoration and weather protection e.g., brick, stone, timber, tile or render
Timber frame is a dry form of construction; there is no drying out period so no drying cracks which are common in wet construction
Inclement weather can seriously delay conventional builds, whereas timber frames are manufactured off-site so can be brought to site and constructed in days
Once the timber frame is up, the programme of following trades is easier, saving time and money
Timber frame offers better accuracy and finish, and allows you to design in exposed beams and unique features.

Benefits of using a timber frame system manufacturer for self-building

A reputable manufacturer will work with you and your architect giving you complete control and flexibility over design and function
The timber frame building is supplied complete with all of the materials required; walls, internal walls, floor joists, floor deck, insulation, fixings
Target Timber frames are designed and manufactured off-site and delivered to site in just 8-10 weeks.
A house shell and roof structure can be fully constructed in under a week by the timber frame construction team
Off-site fabrication reduces site build time, labour, waste, noise and pollution
Converting timber into a useable building material takes far less energy and much lower pollution that alternatives such as steel, concrete and brick
Waste wood from your project can be used for design features or as fuel.

We hope we’ve shown you why self-building with timber frame is so beneficial. The ease of construction, the flexibility with design, the beauty and strength of the timber, all help to ensure that your experience of building your very own home is one that will bring you happiness and peace throughout your lifetime.

For more information, please get in touch, or send us your plans via our online form. We can then provide you with specific information for your build and an estimate of costs.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROJECT

We would love to hear about your project. Whether you have full architectural plans, outline sketches or you would simply like to find out more about timber frame and our range of services, please get in touch by completing the form below or by calling us on 01403 782 600.

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