Build a Classic Timber-Framed House: Planning & Design/Traditional Materials/Affordable Methods [Paperback]

Jack A. Sobon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 2, 1994

The timber-framed home is attractive, affordable, and easily expanded to meet the needs of a growing family. With the step-by-step instructions in this book you can build your own classic timber-framed house -- one that's enduring, and features a level of craftsmanship rare in modern construction. Following the traditional "hall-and-parlor" home design, architect and builder Jack Sobon carefully and clearly explains finding the ideal building site; creating the master plan; selecting the best tree species; hewing and milling timbers; assembling the frame; installing wall sheathing, windows, and doors; designing and finishing the interior; expanding on the plan.

One of the best-known and most distinctive figures in the timber-framing revival, Jack Sobon knows how to make home building affordable with economical hand tools, by taking control of the processing of building materials, and through using local inexpensive supplies.

The basic house design of this book is easily adapted to meet different needs. Sobon's practical advice incorporates the latest knowledge on building a healthy house, integrating natural systems, and finding effective home heating solutions.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Sobon outlines a unique craft that is part conventional furniture building, part home construction. In timber frame construction, there's a minimum of metal fasteners (nails, nuts, bolts, etc.), and wood is joined by many of the basic joints (for example, the mortise and tenon, the dovetail) traditionally used in making furniture. Knowing that one's home is put together by a variety of pins, slots, and notches may not be reassuring to most, but be assured that timber framing is an old technique that produces very solid structures. It does, however, require quite a lot of timber, since main beams, for instance, can be as much as eight-inches square; the various cuts must be made to rather close tolerances; and the way the timbers are harvested and sawn will have great effect on how they (and the building) respond when exposed to moisture and cold. Although the book's sample project and copious illustrations do enlighten the initiate, it's possible to come away feeling that a month-long class on the subject might provide a better education. Still, this is an excellent how-to. Jon Kartman --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Back Cover

The timber-framed home is attractive, affordable, and easily expanded to meet the needs of a growing family. With the step-by-step instructions in this book you can build your own classic timber-framed house -- one that's enduring, and features a level of craftsmanship rare in modern construction. Following the traditional "hall-and-parlor" home design, architect and builder Jack Sobon carefully and clearly explains

-- finding the ideal building site
-- creating the master plan
-- selecting the best tree species
-- hewing and milling timbers
-- assembling the frame
-- installing wall sheathing, windows, and doors
-- designing and finishing the interior
-- expanding on the plan

One of the best-known and most distinctive figures in the timber-framing revival, Jack Sobon knows how to make home building affordable with economical hand tools, by taking control of the processing of building materials, and through using local inexpensive supplies.

The basic house design of this book is easily adapted to meet different needs. Sobon's practical advice incorporates the latest knowledge on building a healthy house, integrating natural systems, and finding effective home heating solutions.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC (January 2, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0882668412
• ISBN-13: 978-0882668413
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #119,670 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #27 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > How-to & Home Improvements > Home Design > House Plans
  • #68 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > How-to & Home Improvements > Carpentry

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This is great first book on timber frame construction., July 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Build a Classic Timber-Framed House: Planning & Design/Traditional Materials/Affordable Methods (Paperback)

This was my first look at timber framing and this book was a great primer. It explains the history of timber framing, the terminology, the how to's of getting started. I wish it would have had more suggestions for finishing the house after the frame is up, but it definitely gave me a good foundation and the confidence to give it try.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The source for learning timber framing, June 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Build a Classic Timber-Framed House: Planning & Design/Traditional Materials/Affordable Methods (Paperback)

Jack Sobon does a great job walking you step by step in building your own house. It is one of the best sources out there for learning traditional timber framing technique. A must read for anyone interested in learning how the early framers built the barns and houses we love today. Expect hands on information and thoery for the practical end of getting the house frame built. Expect a well focused instructiional manual that is light and entertaining to read.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The perfect introduction to timber framing, April 27, 2000

By 

Donald J. Berg (Rockville Centre, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Build a Classic Timber-Framed House: Planning & Design/Traditional Materials/Affordable Methods (Paperback)

The plans, photos, patterns and details in this book can be used as a step-by-step guide to building a New England hall-and-parlor house. It's also a designer's guide, a history book and a great introduction to the craft and art of timber framing.