Dozens of non-profit agencies throughout the country have joined forces to provide donations and operation support to build “smart homes” for America’s most severely wounded veterans and their families. Earlier this fall, these efforts lead to a customized “smart” Timberhaven log home for Cpl. J.B. Kerns of Virginia. The purpose of this new custom home is to help increase J.B.’s self-reliance and ease the burdens of care for his families and caregivers. Suppliers from across the country, including Timberhaven Log Homes, combined efforts to provide materials and services for this special project.

Designing This Custom Timberhaven Log Home

Timberhaven’s drafting staff also stepped up to the plate when it was time to design this one-of-a-kind home. In fact, the team worked effortlessly to design a space based on efficiency and functionality, given Cpl. Kerns’ needs. The final plan boasts nearly 3,000 sq. ft. of wide-open space plus 1,490 sq. ft. of outdoor living areas – it adequately accommodates Kerns’ needs and is stunningly beautiful at the same time.

Before finalizing the design, our team found great joy in adding this exterior living space – JB’s back porch and deck. The Mount Airy News reported that when asked to name his favorite part of his Timberhaven log home, without hesitation, Cpl. Kerns mentioned “the back deck just outside the living room.”  This area overlooks the 16-acre parcel the home sits on.

The Country says thanks with a Timberhaven Log Home

“We are absolutely honored to support the efforts made by these non-profit organizations” says Joe Folker, principal at Timberhaven Log Homes, “We are sincerely grateful for Cpl. Kerns’ sacrifices and could not be more proud to be included in the housing solutions offered to wounded veterans and their families. It is our hope that J.B. thoroughly enjoys residing in his new Timberhaven log home and that he finds refuge in the tranquility of the space.”

After being wounded in Afghanistan, Cpl. Kerns spent a year recovering and rehabilitating at Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. The triple amputee was proudly serving the US Marines when he was critically wounded.

Cpl. Kerns, and all past and current members of the Armed Forces, Thank You! Timberhaven Log Homes is honored to support you, and we hope you and your family enjoy an abundance of happiness this holiday season.

The post Wounded Vet Honored with Timberhaven Log Home appeared first on Crooked Creek Construction LLC.

Timberhaven Log Homes is well-known in the industry for providing superior customer service and log homes that are built utilizing:

• Kiln-dried laminated and solid logs that are dried to an average moisture content of 9%
  (laminated) and 19% (solid).
• Graded and certified materials that ensure only the finest logs and timbers are used.
• Wood components that are backed by a lifetime guarantee

But did you know that Timberhaven provides these same quality kiln-dried materials and exemplary services for those looking for a post & beam home?  If your heart is looking for a dream home that makes you harken back to the pioneer days and envelopes top-notch craftsmanship – and deep down you know a full blown log home is not for you – then maybe a post & beam home is the best option.

What is post & beam construction? 

Post & beam construction is a method of building the framework using upright and horizontal beams.  The upright members are referred to as “posts” and the horizontal members referred to as “beams.”  Hence post & beam construction.

This photo illustrates the members to which we are referencing.  What you see here is the framework for the first level wall.  The heavy timbers are placed and secured in such a way that no further wall framing (like with conventional construction) is needed but the framework maintains the same structural integrity.

What is the difference between post & beam and timber frame construction?

Generally, there is some confusion between the terminology “post & beam construction” and “timber frame construction.”  The two methods of construction provide similar elements whereas heavy timbers are used to construct the framework of a home, barn, etc.  The difference between the two methods is how the heavy timbers are assembled.

In post & beam construction mechanical fasteners (3/4” x 12” lag bolts) and in some instances gusset plates are used to join adjacent timbers.  You won’t find metal in the joinery of a true timber frame home.  Homes built utilizing this traditional method, rely on hand-cut tight fitting mortise and tenon joinery and large wooden pegs to secure the adjacent timbers.

Quality materials for post & beam construction

For this particular project, Timberhaven supplied 8” x 8” posts, 8” x 12” beams, and 6” x 12” loft joists.  These members are of highest quality as they conform to our drying and grading standards.  Our experts additionally certify these materials so that we are providing only the best materials to our customers.

In the next few weeks we are going to thoroughly outline the construction of this one-of-a-kind post & beam home.  These heavy timbers are as solid as they are beautiful; and we cannot wait to show you how this custom home becomes a true work of a

The post Post & Beam Construction: Introduction – Part 1 appeared first on Crooked Creek Construction LLC.