Timber Framing – Projects and Qualified Teams

Framing carpenters build load-bearing timber structures: roof trusses (rafter, purlin, collar-beam roofs), timber frame for single-family homes and top-ups, carports, pergolas, balconies, garden and clubhouses, plus bridges and scaffolding structures. Unlike joiners, framing carpenters work on load-bearing structures with larger timber sections and coarser tolerances, but higher requirements on statics, connectors, and wood preservation. Modern timber construction increasingly uses CLT (cross-laminated timber) and glulam (BSH) for multi-storey timber buildings. Example Germany: DIN EN 1995 (Eurocode 5, timber), DIN 68800 (wood preservation), DIN 4074 (structural timber grading), and VOB/C DIN 18334 apply.

FAQ

How much does a roof structure cost as subcontracted work?

Which timber species and sections are standard?

Which connection techniques are used?

Which wood preservation is mandatory?

What are the most common defects?

How long does roof structure erection take?

How much does a roof structure cost as subcontracted work?: Example Germany: rafter roof on a single-family house 150–200 m² roof area, without covering: 25,000–55,000 € (material+labour). Purlin or collar-beam roof more complex 35,000–70,000 €. Top-up in timber frame 1,500–3,000 €/m². Carpenter hourly rate 50–80 €/h. Poland 30–40 % below.
Which timber species and sections are standard?: KVH structural solid timber spruce/fir C24 for load-bearing, sections 60×120 to 200×260 mm for rafters. Glulam (BSH) GL24h/GL28h for long spans. Larch and Douglas fir for visible exterior. Moisture content ≤ 18 % at installation mandatory.
Which connection techniques are used?: Classic: mortise and tenon for traditional roof structures, with timber dowels or screws. Modern: steel connectors (joist hangers, angle brackets from Würth, SFS, Knapp), screw and dowel connections. Glulam beams use glued-in threaded rods. Connections statically calculated.
Which wood preservation is mandatory?: Example Germany: per DIN 68800-2 structural protection (designed against precipitation and ground contact). DIN 68800-3 chemical preservation only in hazard class GK3+. KVH and BSH typically GK0–GK1 without impregnation. Outdoor components in larch or pressure-treated softwood.
What are the most common defects?: Fungal attack from moisture (house fungus, oak polypore) on water-exposed components, insect attack in untreated wood, cracks in glulam from drying (usually cosmetic, statically uncritical), settlement from shrinkage (up to 3 % across grain), connector damage from corrosion.
How long does roof structure erection take?: Rafter roof on a single-family house: 5–10 working days for four-person team incl. raising, boarding, counter-battens. With factory prefabrication and large-scale assembly on raising day: 2–4 days on-site work. Complex purlin roofs with hipped ends 2–3 weeks. Weather-dependent.

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