Author Topic: Timber Frame / Post and Beam supports for ridge beam and loft (Read 1806 times)

clayhillsfarm · « **on:** May 22, 2014, 06:13:38 PM »

I am building a metal SIPs home and I am going to need a post to support the ridge beam. Rather than having an ugly beam in the center of the house I would like to use timbers. Additionally, for the loft area, I do not want to rely 100% on SIPs wall attachments for the joists and flooring so that will be traditional framing / timber framing. I would like to add a timber frame structure to the inside of the great room and above the kitchen area. I have attached a proposed sketch. Any input would be appreciated. Let me note... I have no experience with timber framing or building but just seeing if this is feasible. I will certainly use a structural engineer and an architect before building this home. We are in the concept phase now.

VictorH · « **Reply #1 on:** May 27, 2014, 01:03:42 AM »

What you want can be done and is done all the time using Timber framing. Just How long of a ridge beam do you need and do you plan on it just being supported at the end posts? There is a lot of info that will be needed for the folks here to be of help to you.

btw - Welcome to the forum clayhillsfarms!! Tell us a little more about you and where you are from.

shinnlinger · « **Reply #2 on:** May 27, 2014, 05:44:34 AM »

Typically might be too strong a word but frequently SIPS are installed over a traditional timber frame. You are in the right place. Check out some of the other frame plans on here to get an idea.
Dave

clayhillsfarm · « **Reply #3 on:** May 27, 2014, 10:51:05 PM »

Thanks for the replies! I am a mechanical engineer so sometimes I will "over-engineer" things. Which in the case of a home that I don't want to fall down, is a good thing. I am just trying to keep costs down overall or I probably would go with a timber frame home covered in SIPs.

The workshop is 60' long so the ridge beam would be that long. I think supporting it about 2/3rds of the way along the beam with a post would be fine. However, if I go with metal SIPs I may not need to support the ridge beam for that span. In that case I would use more timber to support the loft area. I have attached another drawing of the proposed workshop layout.

I will look at some of the plans on here to get a better idea and plan to get some books from the library this week as well.

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