Post and Beam Construction Advantages

The greatest advantage of post and beam construction is the sense of solidity, character and integrity that the large exposed timbers lend to the structure itself.  A home done with stud construction, without the large exposed framing members, will feel quite different from the same house built with large exposed framing members. 

Where posts and beams, rather than the walls, carry the load of the roof,  you can also have larger and more frequent openings for doors and windows, and large interior spaces.  Post and beam houses can be designed to fit almost any style. Usually five people and perhaps even a crane may be needed during the frame construction period.  

The disadvantages in post and beam construction are few. In some areas, engineering may be required, but this is usually not too costly. It can also be difficult to find high-quality large timbers.  Since there are fewer framing members in each one carries a greater load, the cuts in your general work must be more exacting then in stud construction, where many small framing members carrying the entire load.  In earthquake areas, as well as in hurricane and tornado areas, houses have to be built better. Because of this factor post and beam houses often have to be connected with large metal brackets.

This is especially true for houses in California. In this case your work does not have to be as exacting since the joints are not made from wood but of metal brackets, bolted to the wooden framing members.