We can host an initial meeting at our premises to discuss your requirements that may lead to an outline sketch scheme for estimating purposes free of charge. We offer the following additional services:
There are many factors that contribute to the price of a timber frame such as which timber species, how complex, how many joints, how large the frame is, where the site is and what the site conditions are like.
In order to produce a meaningful guide price, we prefer to discuss the project to thoroughly understand the client's requirements. Following a meeting in our design offices we can produce either a hand drawn scale sketch scheme, or a 3d CAD virtual model. Our initial estimates will be based on these drawings, which aids the design cost process that will shape the final design.
If you know what you are looking for, please go to the TFCo information request form. This will open in a new window.
We specialise in designing, cutting and erecting the principal timber frame, which often extends to common rafters. (See also What We Do)
In support of our timber frames, we work with a number of specialists in other areas who provide frame cleaning, glass, glazing and joinery. You can find many of them on our links page.
Many of the points mentioned in the question How much do Timber Frames cost? also have a bearing on the length of time a frame can take to manufacture and erect.
In the first instance, there will be a period of time during which the frame design evolves and is agreed with you, your architect (if applicable), our affiliated structural engineers and potentially the planning or building inspectors.
The payment of a deposit will guarantee your frame a place in our work schedule; we do our best to be as flexible as possible and we will endeavour to ensure our work schedule coincides with your site schedule. We have found the fairest way to work is on a first come, first served basis.
Once we have received an initial payment, there will then be a lead-time dependent upon the amount of timber to be used, whilst the timber mill prepares the timber and delivers it to our yard. There will then be the carpentry work period when the frame is cut and fitted in our yard. The frame raising is the end of the process for The Timber Frame Company, and this will vary depending on frame design, site conditions etc.
We can offer UK sourced Oak, Douglas Fir and Larch. Examples of these can be seen throughout our portfolio.
We only design, supply and erect bespoke frames.
We have a great heritage of early Oak framed buildings in this country; the church of St. Andrew at Greenstead-juxta-Ongar in Essex originates c.664 AD, and the remarkable Westminster Hall 1394 - 1400.
By combining good design and the appropriate timber species with modern building materials and techniques, there is no reason why with appropriate maintenance the frame should last for hundreds of years.
We do. Please send any details you may have by completing The Timber Frame Company's information request form.
We do not recommend the use of any chemical preservatives. We advise on appropriate species that are naturally durable. Some of our clients choose to oil their Douglas Fir or Larch frames which have a planed finish. While most of our oak frames are completed with a sand blasted finish, we can supply oak frames with a planed finish that can be oiled.
The variety in the size and shape of timber frames is almost limitless. However, the fact that our frames are individually designed and cut means that smaller standard type frames may possibly be more economically supplied by way of a "kit" from another supplier. Once we have studied your drawings we will be happy to suggest other framing companies who we consider to be a more cost effective alternative. See also "How much do Timber Frames Cost?"
We have consulted TRADA who have advised that the normal atmospheric levels of chlorine in an enclosed swimming pool building environment would not present any problems to timber frame elements, whichever timber is used.