Timbers, Finishing, Embellishments and Closing In
The exterior cladding of a home with a Timberworks exposed Post and Beam frame or architectural Truss’ can be as conventional as its neighbours. However open the door and the visible elegance of the timber and joinery is apparent. Inside dramatic cathedral ceilings display the natural warmth and beauty of the timber beams, and allow for light and airy open plan areas with large window openings. Living areas are brought to life by the majesty of the timbers, evidence that a Timberworks Post and Beam house is no ordinary home.
Timbers: Timberworks has used a range of NZ grown timbers but predominantly uses Macrocarpa due to its wonderful depth of grain, colour and its minimal movement and shrinkage. The following is a list of timbers that Timberworks has used in providing attractive Architectural trusses or Post and Beam structures.
- Macrocarpa
- Douglas Fir (Old growth)
- Lawson Cypress
- Pinus Radiata (Old Growth)
- Rimu
- Larch
- Imported Douglas Fir (Kiln dried old growth timber that is sustainably grown)
There are other timbers both native and exotic that could be used depending on the clients needs and timber availability. Timberworks is very specific on the quality of the timber it accepts from the timber supplier knowing that the higher quality raw material produces a higher quality end product. The NZ grown large size timbers are generally air dried for as long as possible prior to manufacture. A minimum seasoning time of 8 to 12 weeks is aimed for especially with larger jobs.
For more information on the timber species visit the NZ wood website at www.nzwood.co.nz/what-wood/timber-species
Closing in: A Timberworks Post and Beam frame or exposed Trusses are typically closed in using conventional stud framing as per the NZ building code NZS 3604: We encourage clients and designers to leave the Timberworks timbers fully exposed on the inside of the ceiling or the wall linings and have developed some simple details to allow that to happen. Adobe and strawbale enclosure systems also beautifully compliment a Timberworks structure.
Finishing: The timbers can be finished in many different ways. They can be left bandsawn with a light sand for a more rustic finish or planed and sanded for a higher quality furniture like finish. The timbers can have an oil-based stain which gives it just about any timber appearance a client is after. The Timbers leave the workshop with a coat of wood sealer which gives them 8 to 12 weeks of moisture protection while the timbers are closed in. Once closed in and the ceiling and wall linings have been painted the exposed timbers can be cleaned sanded and have their final coats of an oil based product of the clients choice applied. We recommend an oil based product to allow the timbers to breath as they continue to dry out.
Embellishments: The edges of the timbers can be finished in a number of ways from a simple arice to complicated chamfers. These can be discussed with Timberworks during the design phase. The ends of exposed timbers can also be finished to great effect. Clients can choose from carved pendants to sculpted pergola or rafters ends. Again these options are addressed at the design phase of the project.