The term 'frame' refers to what we might call the skelleton, the part that holds everything together, and shapes the dimensions of each room. It is also what the outside finish material is attatched to and what we attatch the plasterboard to.
There two common types of frame materials, timber and steel, and many other materials that are used to build the entire house, including the inner walls, hence they are deemed frame materials. Below is a list of frame materials that we have found, if you know of a material that is not included, please contact us and tell us where to find information on what you know.
Below you will find pictures and information on each where possible.
Timber Framing
In past times timber used to be the only framing material used, this was due to it's ease of use and availability, and the tools needed to work the timber were easily available. Trees were in abundance and there were no laws governing forestry, so anyone could cut down a treee anywhere.
Nowdays things are totally different, and trees are almost a protected species, and for good reason, they are vital for the removal of co2 and the creation of o2. But aside from that timber is still the first choice for most builders due to it's ease of use.
Timber is easy to nail, so joining is fast and easy. It is easy to cut, needing only a hand saw and easy to shape, so if a mistake is made it is quick and easy to fix. There are timber merchants everywhere with a large range of sizes and types, and timber is very safe to work with even when it is cut.
Timber is still the first choice for many builders, mainly due to it's availability and workability, both of which make a builders day easier.
Steel Framing
Steel framing has become very popular in the last few years, and there are good reasons for that.
Most steel house frames will arrive at the site prefabricated, this is because the manufacturers have their own way of constructing the frames without welding the steel. When welding is used the steel becomes weaker and has a tendency to warp, so it is used as little as possible.
Once the builders recieve the frame all they have to do is assemble the pieces together, and place some extra pieces where needed. (sounds easy but it isn't!!!)
One of the other main reasons that steel is used instead of timber is that termites cannot eat it, something that is an ongoing problem with any building over time.
Steel roofing battens are now used on most new homes due to their availability over timber roof battens which are becoming harder to access. Steel roofing battens can be used on timber roof frames as well as steel, making them the preffered choice.