Design & Types of Frames

The beauty and charm of timber frame barn homes have captivated property owners seeking a private getaway worlds apart from busy cities and suburban sprawl.

What’s so ideal about a barn home? There’s something about the drama of the open interior space and the coziness of the barn structure.

In recent years, timber framing has become increasingly popular in barn homes. We might be a little biased, but it’s easy to see why. Known as “cathedrals on the prairie,” timber frame barns are both majestic and familiar—a wonderful concept to inspire a living space.

What Are Timber Frame Barn Homes?

These structures incorporate traditional timber frame building methods into a barn-style home. At Carolina Timberworks, we build them with heavy timber and wood-to-wood joinery, using timber frame trusses and pegged mortise and tenon joints.

Although they offer plenty of room for customization, most timber frame barn homes feature open-concept floor plans with large interior spaces and plenty of room for entertaining.

How Can You Build a Timber Frame Barn Home?

If you truly love the concept of an antique barn, you might like the idea of reclaiming one of these structures and turning it into a home. This option is a nice way to preserve a piece of history while turning it into a usable space.

The only catch is that this approach requires finding, purchasing, and moving an antique barn. In the past, we’ve purchased antique barns for this purpose. But as you might imagine, supply is running short, and they’re increasingly difficult to find.

Building New Barn Homes

Fortunately, reclaiming old barns isn’t your only option for a timber frame barn home. It’s far more common for these homes to be new construction, using traditional building methods.

Why Build a Barn Home?

To begin, we happen to think barns are special (click here to read why).

Barns are the original multi-purpose structures. The open floor plans offer lots of space and flexibility for customization with both wide-open and tucked away spaces. Why compromise? Start a list. Bedroom(s), living room, kitchen and bathrooms–check. Workshop? Garage for your antique truck collection? Entertainment? Gym? Office? Guest bedroom suite? Game room? Basketball court (yes, it’s been done). Instead of building several buildings, build a timber frame barn home that efficiently houses everything under one roof.

The benefits of building new include substantially improved energy efficiency, as timber frame barn homes are often wrapped in a blanket of high-performance SIPs (structural insulated panels). These panels are delivered to your site pre-cut (including all door and window openings), are labeled, and go up fast (meaning you can be in the dry in days, not weeks). Later, sheetrock or wood paneling is applied to the interior walls, and the exterior can be anything you’d like (siding, wood, stone, etc.).

Assuming your building site permits orienting one roof slope facing south, the typical large barn roof shape is ideal for solar panels. Timber framing also happens to be one of the most sustainable building methods available for residential construction (and we even make our timber frames with renewable energy).

The future-proof nature of timber frame barns make them an attractive option. They’re certainly durable structures (probably because they’re loved and useful, and possibly because the simple roof shapes are less likely to leak). The open floor plans in barn homes permit reconfiguration to accommodate different stages of life. And of course, barns have a timeless and enduring appeal that has outlived quite a few other architectural styles over the past thousand or so years…

Want to learn more about the timber elements that make barn homes unique? Check out our Timber Frame Glossary for insights into key timber framing terms.

Traditional Barn Homes

We’d argue that traditional barn homes appeal to our connection with the past. Maybe we’re consciously or unconsciously re-creating something we experienced in our childhood or travels. Or perhaps it’s just the way a traditional barn home just “fits” certain pieces of property and naturally blend with, and compliment, the setting.

Modern Barn Homes

Building new also gives you significantly more opportunities for customization and the option to create a more contemporary aesthetic. Curious how a modern barn home might look?

Above, you can see a glimpse of the clean lines, open spaces, and modern finishes you can expect in this kind of space.

How Can I Build a Timber Barn Home?

We’re glad you asked. In our guide to timber frame barns, we’ve answered many of the questions that homeowners ask about building a barn, including:

• How much will it cost?
• Should I hire an architect?
• How long will it take to build?

If this is the first time you’re considering a timber frame project, you might have questions about that process, too. We’ve answered a lot of them in our homeowner guide, which we like to call What to Expect When You’re Expecting a Timber Frame.

If you’d prefer to talk with our team or if you’d like to discuss a project in North Carolina or beyond, we’d be more than happy to do so. Send us an email or call us at 828-266-9663 – we’re nice!

These timber frames don’t just offer shelter, they tell stories

Hand hewn beams

or: putting old wood back to work

What are hand hewn beams?

A builder who purchased reclaimed wood trusses for his client asked if we’d send some information on the original source of old hand hewn beams.

He acknowledged we probably wouldn’t know exactly which building or where the beams came from. But he wanted to know some general information—the approximate age of the reclaimed hand hewn beams; what they might have originally been used for; what some of the original holes and joinery were for; and anything else that might be of interest to his clients.

where do your antique beams come from?

From painstakingly dismantled barns that have weathered many storms (both literal and economic) but reached the end of their useful life.

why would somebody sell their old barn?

Usually because the nature of farming has changed and the old barn layout (think posts in the way, haylofts, milking parlor) doesn’t work as well as a wide-open metal pole barn building on a concrete slab. Other times the barn hasn’t been used (or maintained) for years and a hard winter delivers a coup de grâce.

Occasionally the family farm is sold to a developer, or the heirs don’t have any sentimental connection to the barn and simply want to maximize the value. Tragically, not many years ago, these old barns were burned or scrapped. Today, thanks to television and social media, people are more aware of the value.

how old are the barns?

If the reclaimed beams are hand hewn, it’s a good bet that the barn was built before sawmills–from the mid-1700s to the mid to late 1800s. That makes the barn from 170 to 270 years old, with the average reclaimed barn about 220 years old.

okay, so how old is the wood?

The trees for the barn were cut down from forests that had never been logged. Known as old-growth, virgin, or first-growth forest, these were forests that had grown for centuries undisturbed by axes or saws (fire is another story). A typical tree would have been from 200 to 400 years old. Assuming an average of 300 years at time of felling, the tree began life as a seedling 520 years ago (circa 1502).

why not just hew new wood beams?

It can look contrived. It’s been said that the look is a bit like cultured stone: good from afar, but far from good.

how did the old-timers do it?

what was the original purpose of the holes and joinery in my antique wood beams?

If the barn was timber framed (here’s the difference between timber frame and post and beam if you’re curious), your reclaimed beams will likely contain rectangular holes (mortises) and round peg holes similar to those shown above.

Timber framed structures were (and still are) connected using traditional pegged mortise and tenon joinery–meaning without nails, bolts, or metal plates.

So the the mortise holes and other joinery you’re seeing are evidence that your beams were recovered from an antique timber frame (often an old barn).

If your reclaimed wood beams don’t contain any joinery, it’s likely they came from an industrial post and beam structure (usually a factory or mill, but occasionally a WWII era military building).

By the way, we do not fill or patch mortise holes in reclaimed beams. It just doesn’t seem right to cover up examples of historical pre-industrial craftsmanship that was cut by hand.

Here in our North Carolina timber frame shop, we never tire of looking at old joinery; guessing what piece of the antique structure we’re looking at (was it a post, a plate, a rafter, or something else); and marveling at the work it took to cut joinery by hand. It’s also a fine way to fall asleep on a Sunday afternoon…

did you ever find out where the builder’s hand hewn beams came from?

We got lucky.

The owner of the barn had only one picture that survived:

As it turns out this barn was not only erected once but erected twice and has been passed down through the family since the 1850s when it was originally erected. Within a few years of the barn being built, the railroad came through the valley and basically told the family their barn was in the way and they were taking it.

They were given a 3 month notice to vacate the property and remove all the livestock.  Anything that remained after the 3 month window would be burnt down to make way for the railroad. They received a $300 payout for the barn, land, and the house.

Given that the barn was only a few years old, the family elected to move the barn! They disassembled it piece by piece from the roof down, transported all the material about 5 miles away via horse and cart and then began to rebuild it in a new location.

Unfortunately, the customer couldn’t give me the exact location where the barn originally sat. Apparently his grandfather had developed Alzheimer’s before his passing and the story had changed several times over the years.

The current owner opted to sell the barn because he is in the armed forces and primarily staged overseas. He was quite proud of the legacy that followed along with the barn and said it gave him a “great peace of mind” knowing that the “heart of the barn” would continue to live on with somebody else.

WHAT WE BUILT

(4) 18′-6″ architect-designed non-structural King Post trusses using traditional hand-cut pegged mortise & tenon joinery.

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Since the first timber frame we built more than 20 years ago, we’ve been building great timber frames for great people. We build people’s dreams and do what we said we’d do–when we said we’d do it. Sometimes we’re not the right choice for a particular job. So, we ask questions and listen–because that’s the only way we know to determine if what’s most important to you matches what we do well.

Tel: (828) 266-9663

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How to make a grand entrance and enjoy unloading groceries in the rain

We always enjoy driving into a porte cochère: there’s a certain sense of making a grand entrance, of feeling important, tinged with our nostalgia for more elegant times.

So what is a porte cochère? The literal translation from French is “Door Coachman”, and is sometimes (erroneously) defined as “carriage porch” or “Carport”. We define it as “a sheltering roof without walls over a driveway next to the entrance of a residence or business.” And in case you were wondering, here’s the correct pronunciation: /ˌpôrt kōˈSHer/.

Although we readily admit our bias for heavy timber porte cochères, examples of beautiful steel porte cochères do exist. To wit, Marylebone Station in London:

In addition to providing embarking and disembarking vehicle passengers with a glimpse into the ageless past, adding a heavy timber porte cochère to a home or business brings another benefit: it shields guests and customers from the weather.

Build a timber frame porte cochère driveway at your residence, and you’ll appreciate it every time you unload groceries in the rain or snow. Here are some porte cochere ideas to inspire you:

Stay tuned: my wife wants to add a timber frame (what else) porte cochère to our home and she’s designing a contemporary shed type roof version with large overhangs.)

Learn more about our timber frame projects for places we live.

From raw timber to complete structures, see timber framing in action

Sadly, the age of antique timber frame barns is drawing to a close. Put simply, time, the elements, and neglect are hard on old barns. There are lots of barns for sale, but most aren’t worth saving.

At North Carolina-based Carolina Timberworks, we usually have a couple of antique timber frame barns in inventory that we couldn’t resist buying an old barn for sale. And we’ve also built brand new timber frame barns using traditional methods.

Why all the fuss about old fashioned barns? Perhaps Tedd Benson said it best when he opened a timber framing talk with these two words:

Barns resonate.

Tedd Benson

Let’s look at how old wood barns create memorable experiences—and how you can build or refurbish one of your own.

What Is a Timber Frame Barn?

A timber frame barn is a large structure built using traditional timber framing methods for agricultural and storage purposes. Well, at least that’s how they were historically used.

These days, some traditional barns have taken on new lives as gathering spaces or entertainment venues. No matter their function, however, timber frame barns are built to last—often for generations.

Timber Frame Antique Barns vs. Conventional Barns: What’s the Difference?

Known as stick framing, the conventional method of barn building requires minimal skilled labor. When you build a barn with stick framing, you build with smaller pieces of wood—typically 2x4s or 2x6s. Then you assemble the pieces with screws, nails, or other metal hardware.

To build a timber frame barn that has ample open space, you start with lots of heavy timber (mere 2x4s could never do this kind of job). Then you connect the pieces of the frame using traditional joinery methods, such as mortise and tenon.

What about post and beam barns? Aside from the joinery, they’re pretty similar to timber frame barns. Post and beam barns typically use heavy timber connected by exposed metal fasteners and steel plates, as opposed to the traditional wooden-pegged joinery in a timber frame barn.

Want to learn more about the timber elements that make this barn unique? Check out our Timber Frame Glossary for insights into key timber framing terms.

What Are the Four Traditional Barn Styles?

Whether you’re on the hunt for the perfect antique barn or you’re planning to build a brand new s barn, you’ll want to get familiar with the most common styles. Here are four to consider:

• Think of a classic barn. What kind of image do you see? There’s a good chance it’s a gambrel barn, which most closely fits the typical “classic barn” definition. This type of barn also has great storage space, thanks to its double-sloped gambrel roof.
• Another timeless style, a gable barn has a pointed roof that looks a bit like the letter A. It also features that classic barn aesthetic but generally has a bit less storage space than a gambrel barn. 
• Bank barns are two-level structures built right into a hill—or a bank. The design gives you access to two levels. The main entrance at the bottom of the hill leads to the first floor, while the second-floor entrance opens to the top of the hill.
• Saltbox barns have slanted roofs and eye-catching asymmetrical profiles. You’re most likely to spot these unique designs in New England.

Barn accessories give all these styles added functionality. For example, swinging or sliding barn doors can completely transform the entrance and change the space.

Barn windows can determine light levels and define both interior and exterior aesthetics. To complete the exterior, add an original touch with a cupola or a weathervane.

What are Creative Uses for Timber Frame Barns?

You don’t have to own a working farm to find a good use for a timber frame barn. There are countless creative ways to enjoy a new or antique barn:

• How about a timber frame party barn? This type of structure can add rustic charm to any event you host, and it’s especially popular for weddings. Did you know? Even Carolina Timberworks’ very own Eric Morley got married in a timber frame barn.
• Do you have a lot of equipment to store? A timber frame barn doubles as an oversize shed and provides ample storage space.
• Are you ready to move your workshop out of the garage or basement and into a dedicated space? If you’re a fan of building or repairing things, a barn can easily become a workspace. In a big timber shed like this, you’ll have plenty of room for tools, equipment, and much more.
• Do you want to bring a barn-inspired aesthetic into your living space? Using a timber frame barn as a cabin, bunkhouse, or carriage house is a wonderful way to capture the rustic appeal of this structure.

Do you own horses? Old wooden barns are perfect for creating a safe, comfortable space for horses—and these structures can come in a range of sizes to meet your needs.

It doesn’t seem too great a leap to assume that some of our ancestors who built the great halls and cathedrals of the Middle Ages would also be charged with constructing the other great buildings of the era (barns).

Perhaps then, it’s not surprising to note how both the size and aisles of barns evoke the space and shape of a cathedral:

Fast forward a few hundred years, and it makes sense that immigrants to the United States would bring those skills to bear on the barns (and houses) they built on the shores and prairies of a new land.

With their wide-open spaces, soaring ceilings and weathered wood, antique post-and-beam barns of centuries past are being reborn.

THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

So What Can You Do With Old Barns for Sale?

Barn projects, like their owners, vary widely…

Wedding and Event Venue Barns for Sale

Party Barns

Barn Conversions

Two of Our Favorite Old Barns

All the beautiful projects above began life as old barns, much like the two structures below. There’s a certain logic to the idea that the best barns were built on the most fertile land–the idea being that these farmers were the most successful financially, and therefore had the means to build unusually nice barns (usually timber framed as opposed to nailed or bolted together).

Although we don’t have these two used barns for sale any longer, we would be happy to discuss an antique barn project with you. Have one in mind? Tell us about it, and we’ll keep an eye out for a specific size barn for you. Or talk with us about our custom timber frame barns and learn how an old style barn could create an experience that’s just as memorable.

Lancaster Barn: 26′ x 38′ 4″

Cooper Road Barn: 40′ x 60′

Who Buys Old Barns?

The allure of antique barns attracts a diverse group of enthusiasts and professionals:

• Homeowners seeking a property with rustic charm
• Architects and builders looking for authentic, aged timber for unique construction projects
• Collectors passionate about preserving historical structures

Many buy old barns both because of the structure and the stories and heritage they embody.

How Much Do Old Barns Sell For?

Old barns can vary greatly in cost, depending on size and condition. On average, a small barn of 30 by 30 feet or less in reasonable condition can cost around $10,000. This cost does not include the dismantling, packaging, and shipping of the barn and its materials.

Barn wood and vintage hardware can also be valuable, but the prices vary widely depending on the species and quality of the wood. Values can reach $50,000+. Old-growth barn timbers do not have a definitive value; their worth is determined by what a buyer is willing to pay.

From the aesthetic to the experience, we’re big fans of timber frame barns here at Carolina Timberworks. In fact, we’ve even refurbished a number antique barns and built “brand-new old barns”. Take a look at a few of our favorite timber frame barns in and around North Carolina, learn more about timber frame barn homes, and don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have a project in mind. We’re nice!