Fa c t S h e e t N o.

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timber frame.
g rowing popularity
With over 70% of the people in the developed world living
in timber frame dwellings, it is a tried and trusted way to
build. In the UK, timber frame is growing in popularity
because of the increased efficiencies of off-site fabrication
and because of pressure to reduce the CO 2 impact of the
building and construction industry.
Timber frame systems can readily meet Part L (conservation of
fuel and power) and Part E (resistance to passage of sound) of
the Building Regulations (UK & Wales).

Timber Frames share

of UK new housing star ts

basic points
Timber panels are produced with precision;
their treatment and erection requires good
installation practice by trained personnel.
The main species used is spruce.
Use timber in accordance with BS 5268.
For load-bearing walls, the timber must be
in accordance with BS 5268 part 2. Use only
clearly marked, kiln dried, strength-graded
timber. Ensure timber is not stored on-site
in standing water.
Because of its inherent insulation capabilities,
timber frame construction can attain
U-values in excess of Building Regulation
requirements.
The deeper the studs, the more insulation
material, the greater the energy savings.

source: UKTFA industry statistics

Studding and joists are placed at similar

centres, usually at 400/600mm, to facilitate
the use of standard sizes of plasterboard
and other sheet materials.

common studding sizes

38mm x 63mm
45mm x 95mm

38mm x 89mm

38mm x 140mm

common joist sizes

38mm x 184mm
45mm x 145mm
45mm x 220mm

38mm x 235mm
45mm x 170mm
75mm x 200mm

44mm x 219mm
45mm x 200mm
75mm x 220mm

Plywood must comply with BS 5268, or BS 5268/BS EN 636-2

for flooring.
Chipboard must comply with BS EN 312-5.
Oriented strand board (OSB) must comply with BS EN 300.
Timber frame buildings are designed to be safe in fire and
meet Building Regulations. Care should be taken in fixing the
plasterboard and all fire stops.
The UK Timber Frame Association offers two independently
assessed quality assurance schemes: Q-Mark and Q-Mark Plus.
For more information, contact the UK Timber Frame
Association at www.timber-frame.org

a typical timber frame wall

A
B
C

The structural timber frame is

so strong that it takes all the
loads of the house itself
without needing to use the
outer brick cladding at all.
A Inner Lining of Plasterboard
B Vapour Control Layer (VCL)

D
E
F
G

C Structural Timber Frame

D Thick Insulating Quilt-CFC free
E Sheathing Board
F Breather Membrane
G Stainless Steel Wall Tie

H 50mm Cavity

I Brick Outer Cladding

for more infor mation

UK Timber Frame Association www.timber-frame.org Technical information www.trada.co.uk www.woodforgood.com