Pros and Cons of a Timber Frame Barndominium

Building a barndominium is a fantastic way to get a home project off the ground if you work with a budget. For many first-time home builders, a barndominium can be an excellent project with many benefits. However, you may not want to go with a metal building for your custom home project. Fortunately, a timber frame barndominium is a good alternative that offers many benefits. 

While a traditional barndominium will be a cheap option, a timber frame barndominium may be more suited to your needs. To help you decide which is best for your future home project, we have compiled some pros and cons of a timber frame barndominium. With a good understanding of the benefits and drawbacks, you can create the perfect solution for your home-build project. By knowing what to expect and how you can benefit, your custom home will last you for many years to come. 

What is a Timber Frame Barndominium? 

Most of the time, when you think of barndominiums, you are probably thinking of a metal building. That’s because most barndominiums are built using steel beams and posts that are driven into the ground. While this is a great way to get a home project off the ground, it may not be the right choice for everyone. Metal homes don’t quite have the classic look that you think of when you think about a house that you build from scratch. 

A timber frame barndominium is built more like a traditional home with many of the barndominium elements. In a timber frame barndominium, the framing is generally done without fasteners. Instead, it is done using mortise and tenon joints. This means that you get a much more classic style with a rustic feel that can be incredibly beautiful when it is done correctly and tastefully. 

Benefits of a Timber Frame Barndominium

Beauty 

One of the biggest benefits of a timber frame barndominium is the beauty of the whole project once it is done. Because there is less metal used for the framing, the home ends up looking a lot more organic and rich. One thing that people tend to not like about barndominiums is that they can feel cold and industrial. If you like that look, it is not a problem, but if you want something warmer, a timber frame barndominium could be a good option. 

When you use timber framing for your barndominium, you also get the benefit of not having fasteners. Since timber framing is put together with joinery, you get a clean, cohesive look. This is important if you want your home to feel more rustic without the fasteners and plates that are used in a traditional steel barndominium. 

Durability 

A timber frame barndominium is almost always going to be more durable than a traditional barndominium. This means that you can count on it getting through all kinds of weather and different elements. While a traditional barndominium design is very strong, it has some deficiencies. With timber framing, you can rest easy knowing your home will not have some of the issues that a metal home might have. 

One of the things that makes a timber frame barndominium a good choice is rust protection. A steel frame home will almost always be more susceptible to rust and oxidation. Depending on where you live, this could be a fairly serious problem. With a timber frame barndominium, you can check that off your list of potential issues. 

Efficiency 

A downside of building a traditional barndominium is the fact that you can have issues with efficiency. Steel buildings are known for having problems with insulation. Because of that, extra care and money needs to be involved to make sure they are liveable and efficient enough for year-round use. With a timber frame barndominium, you have fewer worries about these issues. 

With a timber frame barndominium, you can build efficiency and insulation into the whole home. While you will still have to do some insulation, you can rest easy knowing that everything is fairly efficient to begin with. This means that you can save a lot of money on both construction and heating and air. These long-term savings can make building a timber frame barndominium a great choice if you are budget-conscious. 

Drawbacks of a Timber Frame Barndominium 

Potential for Rot 

Perhaps the biggest downside of building a timber frame barndominium is the potential for rot and deterioration. This is especially an issue if you live in an area that has a lot of wet weather. While rot is something you have to worry about with any home, a metal barndominium may not be as susceptible to it. 

If you live in an area that gets a lot of rain or humidity, it is a good idea to use treated wood. However, this will affect the look of the home and it may not be acceptable for residences. Knowing what your options are and how you can protect your home will help you make the best possible choice. 

Price 

There is no doubt that a metal barndominium is one of the least expensive types of homes that you can build. If you are working on a budget, a steel building can save you all kinds of money and open up the opportunity to a wider variety of people. A timber frame barndominium, though, is almost always going to be more expensive. You can count on spending a lot more at the outset because of the work involved and the price of wood, which is always in flux. 

When building your home, you should be thinking about the overall cost of ownership first. While a timber frame barndominium might be more expensive outright, it could be cheaper to own in the long run due to its durability. Running all the numbers and knowing what you can expect will help you choose wisely. 

Conclusion

Building a barndominium can be an absolute joy and give you the home you have been dreaming of. Knowing what your options are when it comes to the design and materials is the best way to make smart choices. With a good understanding of the pros and cons, you can decide if a timber frame barndominium is right for you and your needs. 

If you would like more guides like this one, check out the rest of BarndominiumLife.com. There, you will find more helpful tips and tricks from the pros. You will also find featured barndominiums, barndominium floor plans, and information on financing and insurance. Knowing as much as you can will help you get the best results for your dream home.