what wood is the best for post and beam homes and what size beams should they be?

Answer 1

Back in the 18 century there was no other form of construction. Indigenous woods were always used cost was important. Posts must be termite safe. Today beams that span distances of modern houses will make white pine structural lam beams necessary but you can hide them between floors. Build for the next century so you will be the 2006 Frank Loyd Wright. Plan the for nature and where the structure is in its environment. What came before should be your guide and do not forget cement really works wonders. Balloon frame houses will be torn down!

Answer 2

Oak is probably the strongest commonly used wood. The timbers range in size depending on the load (design). Their size is also determined by how many members intersect in the same place.

You can't have too many mortises at the same height (like in a corner) without a large enough timber that you won't cut out too much meat. If you had two mortises on adjacent sides (like in a corner), you would weaken a post by cutting out too much wood from a small timber.

Usually the main timbers are at least 8x8.

Answer 3

hard to tell, man! it really depends on your locality, i.e., availability of timber specie will be dictated by the market. Sizing of your beams will depend on your length of span and loading, etc. Consult a civil or structural engineer in your area.

Answer 4

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