Tag Archives: heavy timber

Cabins, Product Launch

Introducing our New Line of Coastal Cabin Kits

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Anyone who’s traveled to the Oregon Coast can attest to its breathtaking natural beauty and allure. With its pristine beaches, magnificent evergreens, and soaring dunes, the Oregon Coast is one of the most stunning and accessible natural wonders in the world — and that’s not just us exaggerating or bragging about our home state!

When designing our new line of modern cabins, we created these structures with a vision of Oregon’s sensational coastal terrain as their backdrop. Taking inspiration from modern Scandinavian-style cabins, we crafted three contemporary cabin models — all named after some of Oregon’s most notable beach towns — that wouldn’t just complement the Oregon Coast but exude its uniqueness and beauty in any natural environment. 

Whether you’re seeking a stunning vacation rental or planning to develop a beachside resort, our brand-new contemporary cabins will undoubtedly make valuable and lucrative investments for your upcoming projects. Continue reading below to learn more about these new prefab cabin designs and the massive potential awaiting your chosen kit. 

The Manzanita

The Manzanita Cabin Kit is a gorgeous three-bedroom, two-bathroom cabin design named after one of Oregon’s favorite beach cities. This clear-span structure offers a compact yet spacious floor plan that includes a 924 sq. ft. main level, a 443 sq. ft. enclosed loft space, and a 276 sq. ft. covered patio with a heavy timber overhang — perfect for scenic properties with majestic mountain, coastal, or desert views. 

 

This two-story cabin boasts tongue and groove siding, a trapezoid-style wall of windows, and parallel chord roof trusses to achieve its distinct contemporary appearance. Depending on your style and preferences, you can swap any standard options with one of our enticing upgrades, like our new Millboard wood-free composite siding option, to create your dream cabin design! 

Click here to view our product page for the Manzanita Cabin Kit.

The Bandon

This two-bedroom, two-bathroom cabin design features an attractive single-sloped roofline that maximizes simplicity and efficiency. Inside this prefab cabin, you’ll find a wide-open great room, kitchen, and dining area with a sloped window wall and access to a 273 sq. ft. covered patio space. Toward the rear, two bedrooms and two full bathrooms offer a cozy and comfortable area for you and your family, your guests, or even a set of offices.

 

Additionally, this building model comes with a 139 sq. ft. covered entry with a slat wall for enhanced privacy and curb appeal. No matter what you have in mind for your Bandon, our team is here to help you bring your vision for a contemporary cabin to life.

Click here to view our product page for the Bandon Cabin Kit.

The Gearhart

The Gearhart is a slightly modified version of our Bandon Cabin Kit, with this model boasting a 6/12 and 10/12 roof pitch instead of the original 4/12. This off-center roofline adds an incredibly unique touch to the cabin, giving the interior curvature in all the right places and accentuating the distinctness of its custom window wall. 

With 1,009 square feet of conditioned living space, plus a 273 sq. ft. covered patio, this apartment-sized structure offers endless possibilities for those seeking a personalized cabin retreat, a profitable Airbnb rental, or a detached mother-in-law suite. If you’re in the market for a one-of-a-kind cabin with Scandinavian influences, our Gearhart could be the ideal fit for you. 

 Click here to view our product page for the Gearhart Cabin Kit.

Have an idea in mind for your contemporary cabin design? We want to hear it! Be sure to call us at (888) 975-2057 or request a quote here for the cabin of your dreams! 

Accessories, Outdoors, Pavilions

Accessorizing Your Pavilion or Pergola Kit

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There are many ways to spruce up your outdoor space, but arguably none as striking as adding a timber frame pavilion or pergola kit to your backyard. With a heavy timber pavilion or pergola kit, you not only have the opportunity to elevate the look of your outdoor space but the ability to enjoy your backyard in any season. At DC Structures, we partner with America’s best suppliers of outdoor living accessories to provide our clients with everything they need for their pavilion and pergola kits. If you’re looking for an all-inclusive outdoor living space, our designers can incorporate your chosen features into a pavilion or pergola design that’s just right for you.

Learn more about some of the outdoor living accessories we offer through Weber, Necessories, Cal Flame, Timber Pro UV, and many more.

Fireplaces & Fire Pits

Bring the charm of a cozy campfire into your backyard space with an elegant fireplace or fire pit from one of our trusted suppliers. Whether you plan to roast marshmallows with the family or keep extra warm in the winter months, a fireplace or fire pit makes an exciting and practical addition to any pavilion or pergola kit.

BBQ Grill Islands

No summer party is complete without traditional barbeque, whether that be hot dogs, hamburgers, steaks, or the classic corn on the cob. Make your pavilion or pergola kit the perfect barbequing area with a BBQ grill island or stand-alone grill.

Outdoor Kitchens

Add some utility to your pavilion or pergola kit with a complete outdoor kitchen built into your space. With refrigerated storage for your food and drinks and prep center cabinets for easy kitchen tool access, you can truly make the most of your outdoor entertainment area.

Patio Heaters

Pavilion and pergola kits aren’t just useful for the spring and summer months – they’re meant to be enjoyed year-round! If you’re looking for ways to keep your outdoor space cozy and comfortable in any season, consider investing in patio heaters for your selected kit.

Natural Wood Stain & Finishes

If you have a certain aesthetic in mind for your wood framing elements, we offer a variety of natural wood stain and finish options from Timber Pro UV to help you achieve your vision. From transparent options to heavily pigmented colors that make a bold statement, you can choose from dozens of premium color selections to create your desired appearance.

Ready to get started on your pavilion or pergola project? Request a free quote today or give us a call at (888) 975-2057 for more information.

Barn Kits, Construction, Douglas Fir, Engineered Barn Kit, Materials Package

Part II: The Lumber Surge Explained & What This Means for DC Structures

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Like every home builder, DC Structures has had to adjust its pricing to match supply and demand as a result of the lumber surge. However, there are a few unique ways we’re able to keep costs reasonable for clients while adhering to desired timelines and ensuring our clients have only top-quality lumber for their projects.

One of the most important things to note about the lumber surge is that the materials in high demand right now are dimensional lumber and engineered wood products. This includes several lumber products that we use in our pre-engineered building kits, including:

(Photos of TJI Joists & LVL-I Joists: Weyerhaeuser)

  • OSB Plywood: Otherwise known as oriented strand board, OSB plywood is a conventional sheathing material we often use for our subfloors, roof, and wall sheathing
  • TJI Floor Joists: These are lightweight joists, or structural components used to create a rock-solid floor framing system, made from engineered wood.
  • LVL Joists: Similar to TJI floor joists, laminated veneer lumber is an engineered wood joist used for floor framing. We frequently use LVL joists in our building kits, especially when a building has multiple floors.
  • Architectural Glulams: These are engineered wood products designed with an appearance-grade surface. This material is not as in demand as the others.

While these lumber products are driving up the cost of our pre-engineered building kits, we don’t experience the same problems as other home builders when it comes to supply. This is the case for a few reasons.

For starters, a lot of home builders buy from retail lumber yards, which are currently experiencing major shortages in dimensional lumber and engineered wood products. Because they purchase lumber as needed, this means many builders are facing lengthy delays in the material acquisition process. This leaves their clients in a less than favorable position, with many forced to extend their project timelines past their desired move-in date.

At DC Structures, however, we benefit from buying large quantities from our mill-direct suppliers. Due to the volume we purchase, we can get in-demand lumber products that other home builders simply can’t and with quick turn-around times. We’re also fortunate because we have a huge lumber market here in the Pacific Northwest and we have several ways to acquire premium quality lumber for every project. To put it plainly, we don’t have the shortages we’re seeing in other markets and can continue business as usual when it comes to procuring material.

Another thing that’s unique about us is that we primarily rely on FOHC Select Grade Douglas fir timbers to frame our pre-engineered building kits. Our heavy timbers are considered to be a niche item in most conventional structures, with standard homes utilizing faux or box beams instead. The size of our timbers is also uncommon for light-frame construction. Because the most in-demand wood products right now are dimensional lumber and engineered wood products, this puts us in an extremely favorable position with lumber mills here in the Pacific Northwest and allows us to source the finest heavy timbers at competitive pricing for clients.

Lastly, our prefabrication method makes it possible for our team to save clients time and money during construction, as every piece of framing lumber is prepared ahead of time to facilitate a lightning-fast assembly process. Our prefabrication process also takes far less labor than any conventional build and results in less noise, waste, and dust on your job site.

 
So while there’s no telling when lumber prices are going back to normal, our team can ensure our clients have the best deals on the market and the best results for their dream home.

If you’re interested in learning more about our commitment to keeping costs down during this time, get in touch with one of our design specialists today!

Post & Beam, Timber Frame

The Difference Between Timber Frame and Post and Beam Homes

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Known for their stunning craftsmanship and unparalleled warmth, heavy timber residences are some of the most sought-after home designs for today’s homebuyers. Yet, you may be surprised to learn that most people can’t tell the difference between the two of the most popular styles for these homes – timber framing and post and beam construction.

Timber framing and post and beam construction are centuries-old building methods that utilize large heavy timber posts and beams to create the frame of a structure. The walls of the building are placed on the outside of the frame, creating a beautiful interior characterized by exposed structural timbers and high ceilings. Because these methods are similar in style, it can be difficult to distinguish one from the other. To the trained eye though, it’s easy to determine which is which by simply paying closer attention to the detail in one’s space.

The key difference between timber frame and post and beam homes lies in the method used to secure the frame’s joinery. While post and beam homes employ metal fasteners and connectors, both exterior facing and hidden, to join its heavy timber posts and beams, timber framing relies on wooden pegs only to create a rock-solid frame. If you’re having trouble visualizing how this works, just think of timber framing as Legos, in which all the pieces are designed to fit perfectly with one another.

Since timber framing is very labor-intensive due to the precision and skill needed to execute this style, timber frame homes are also much more expensive than post and beam homes to build. This is partially why the majority of timber frame homes being built today utilize a combination of timber framing and conventional building methods to achieve the same look and feel at a lower cost. These types of timber frame homes are commonly referred to as hybrid timber frame homes, which is the term we use to classify our line of timber frame homes.

Ultimately, the decision to invest in a timber frame home or post and beam home comes down to how you want your interior to look and feel. If you’re looking for a stately home with dramatic interior spaces, a timber frame home would likely be a great fit for you and your family. If you’re interested in a home with plenty of flexibility and classic style, a post and beam residence might be a perfect option for you. Regardless, timber frame and post and beam homes are timeless designs that are guaranteed to stun any guest and last you and your family a lifetime.

If you’re looking for the perfect heavy timber home for your property, be sure to check out our line of timber frame and post and beam home kits today!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Timber Frame

Timber Framing: An Ancient Craft Shaping the Future of Construction

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Timber framing is an ancient construction technique with roots dating back to 200 BC. One of the oldest building methods still practiced today, timber framing combines meticulous craftsmanship with premium wood materials to create extraordinary structures that are as durable as they are beautiful. While similar to post and beam construction, this building method utilizes traditional and decorative joinery to join its heavy timber components instead of metal fasteners and connectors. This approach gives way to dramatically open interiors that feature exposed wood members throughout and seamless connections defined by their precision and beauty. 

Keep reading below as we delve deeper into the world of timber framing, exploring what it is, its history, and why it remains a popular choice for construction today! 

What is Timber Framing?

At its core, timber framing is a remarkable building method that utilizes large, heavy wooden posts and beams to create the framework of a building. These wood members are carefully crafted and joined together using traditional woodworking techniques such as mortise and tenon joints, wooden pegs, and scarf joints. Picture the building frame as a giant set of intricately designed Legos, where each piece interlocks perfectly with the next. This method results in buildings with a robust frame capable of supporting heavy loads and providing exceptional structural integrity.

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A Brief History of Timber Framing

Timber framing’s rich history stretches back to ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. It flourished in medieval Europe and was brought to North America by European settlers in the early 1600s. Today, historic timber frame buildings still grace rural landscapes in the United States and Canada, including parts of the original colonies.

Why Timber Framing Endures

Since its inception, timber framing has stood out for its intricacy, craftsmanship, and strength. Though timber framing has evolved to keep up with modern demands, this construction style still boasts an elaborate framework reminiscent of centuries past. Of the many benefits timber framing offers, a few come to the forefront as wholly unique and rewarding advantages for building owners and occupants alike. 

For those interested in building a timber frame home, here are some notable aspects of timber frame structures that have allowed this construction style to endure for thousands of years: 

Strength and Durability

Timber framing is renowned for its exceptional strength and longevity. The massive wooden beams used in timber framing can support heavy loads and withstand the test of time, often lasting for centuries.

Sustainability

Timber framing is an eco-friendly construction method known for its superior strength and energy efficiency. The density of the timbers, combined with their naturally insulating qualities, allow these buildings to retain their strength over time and keep their occupants comfortable in any season. 

Architectural Beauty

Timber frame buildings are well known for their timeless beauty. Their exposed wooden beams and intricate joinery create a warm and inviting interior with high ceilings and open spaces that are visually stunning.

Versatility

Timber framing is a highly versatile building method used in various types of buildings, from traditional homes and barns to modern commercial structures. Its joinery system allows for flexible interior layouts and architectural creativity that you won’t find in most homes or structures built today. 

Energy Efficiency

Timber frame buildings can be highly energy-efficient structures. The thermal mass of timber helps regulate indoor temperatures, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling. 

Is Timber Framing Right for You?

Whether you’re considering a new home, a barn, or a commercial structure, timber framing offers a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution that you can count on for a lifetime. Its enduring craftsmanship, exceptional materials, and sustainable characteristics make it a worthwhile investment for the future and one you can proudly pass down to your children and grandchildren. 

At DC Structures, we offer several pre-engineered timber frame home designs that you can modify and customize for your property. We can also turn any ideas you have for your timber frame home or structure into a completely custom design centered around your vision. 

Ready to take the next step in your project journey? Call us at (888) 975-2057 or request a digital catalog here!