The Forestry Forum

Can a timber frame home be constructed using only 8' lumber?

I'm going to start building my house this summer and am considering timber frame but all I can saw on my mill is a max 9'3" piece.

Would it be feasible to use only 8 foot pieces or would it become slightly ridiculous in regards to the amount of work for joints and such.

I guess it would depend on how tall (short) your are. :D  For height, that might be a little short.  For spanning, I would think way too short.  You would have a forest of posts for a decent sized building.  Can't you extend your mill track?

Ya I hope to extend it and the more I consider a timber frame the more I want to extend the track and build a timber frame.

You should have at least 17ft cut capacity for many members.  You will likely need longer timbers for tie beams.  If you had say 5 long tie beams to cut, you can do them on the mill with the 17ft cut capacity by first cutting 16 ft and then moving and resetting the log and cutting the rest.  It takes a lot more time and work, but can be done, especially if you're only doing a half dozen or so.  If mill bed extensions are available, its worth considering buying enough to get out to 25 ft.  or so if you plan to do more than just a half dozen.  Rafters can be longer too.  Keep in mine that if you can break up your rafters into shorter segments, it's more economical.  The frame has to be designed for shorter rafters.  By shorter I mean keeping them to 16ft and under if possible.  Even a segmented rafter roof may require long continuous rafters on the gable ends for the overhang.