Everyone will feel included, as the open concept of the kitchen, great room, covered porch and dining room are second-to-none. This gourment kitchen is designed for large family gatherings, as it features four food prep areas and enough cabinetry and

I have a weakness for classic films. “Citizen Kane” … “To Kill a Mockingbird” … “Rear Window” — they just don’t make ’em like that anymore. It’s not typical that, while enjoying my guilty little pleasure, I’m reminded of my job, but recently that cha

Timber framing is graceful, strong and so well established that once upon a time it used to simply be called “building.” It forms the basis of a structure that can last for generations. In fact, in Europe and Asia there are timber-framed buildings th

1. You need to understand your site’s topography to plan your home right. A site map will explain the traits, benefits and challenges of your proposed building site. If the land is undeveloped, you may also need a topographical survey. Your township

SIPs (structural insulated panels) are the most popular way to enclose a timber home. Although individual products from manufacturers vary, today’s SIPs all have a solid core of insulation sandwiched between two layers of oriented strand board (OSB).

Though exciting, the design stage of the timber home process also can be daunting. There are hundreds of decisions to be made. Everything from size and timber frame style to what kind of knobs you want on your cabinetry will require your attention. I

Everyone envisions his or her timber home on that perfect piece of property with that magnificent view. But beauty is only skin deep, and, when buying land, you’ll not only need to know what’s beneath the surface, but what it will take to access it.

Every house has a style. In fact, sometimes it has more than one, thanks to renovations, addons and the current mixed-materials movement. This kind of versatility is one of the main draws to timber homes. The natural beauty of heavy wood timbers can

Flow is absolutely crucial in creating a floor plan that works with your life. In fact, arranging rooms in a way that makes sense is the point of floor plans. To get the flow right, take into account everything from the view you want to capture to th

Whether it’s to reduce upkeep, live a simpler life to get the best value for their money, many timber home buyers are moving toward smaller, more efficient designs. But that doesn’t mean you have to shrink your dream home to the size of a studio apar

Construction is the most critical phase of the timber home buying process, but it doesn’t have to be difficult or stressful. Knowing how the events unfold will allow you preview the work ahead and know who’s responsible for making sure everything goe

Most timber framers will cut the frame, deliver it to your site and raise it. At this point, some will continue to finish the home’s construction, while others will turn the job over to a contractor. Is there any advantage to doing it one way or the

1. LOCATION. Most people don’t realize the difference in the way homes should be built based on where they’re located. Climate-specific home design (ex.: window shading from a hot southern sun or a steep roof for snow runoff) provides a solid base fo

While saving energy (and money) is top of mind for many timber homeowners, it’s also become increasingly important for us to live in a toxin-free environment. According to the Healthy House Institute (healthyhouseinstitute.com) we spend about 90 perc

DURABILITY. A solid wood floor can last for a century or more, thanks to a durable finish that can be easily repaired, sanded and refinished whenever it starts to wear thin. WARMTH. Wood also offers a solid, warm feel underfoot. Mother Nature designe

With an average lifespan of 20 years, windows stick around your house much longer than most home fixtures. They’re a vital part of the construction of any home and essential to its energy efficiency. Time and research is needed to perfectly match the

We’d all love to decorate our homes in a fashion worthy of a glossy magazine spread. The problem? Not everybody has the budget to do so … or so we think. The truth is, you don’t have to pack your great room to the gills with high-end furniture and co

Sue and Gary Potts didn’t have to look far to find the perfect spot for their waterfront getaway. They already owned a home on Ohio’s Apple Valley Lake when the empty lot next door went up for sale. “We originally bought it so that no one else would

Thinking outside the box comes naturally for Shannon Young. This is especially apparent in the Connecticut home that he shares with his wife, Danielle, and their three boys. The timber home is a testament to the jaw-dropping things that can happen wh

Some happy endings are bittersweet. That’s certainly so for Michelle Etheridge, an Honest Abe homeowner who along with her late husband Randy Hedges, spent decades planning their forever log home, only to lose him suddenly in January 2014, just as th

Use this directory to locate and contact timber companies that interest you. In addition to contact information, you’ll find a company overview, media available (brochures, DVDs, etc.), as well as the market area(s) served. (See map below.) This dire