Building a Timber Garage
If you are looking for an attractive and durable option for garage space, then you should consider building a timber garage. Basically, timber garages are the same thing as wood garages, made from a series of timber, or wood, to build the structure. The main difference between garages that are referred to as timber garages as compared to those referred to as wood garages, is that a timber garage is usually a garage structure that is made with wood both inside and out, while a wood garage is a structure that is built from wood frame construction but that may be covered on the exterior surface with another type of exterior siding.
You can build a timber framed garage, which is made from a series of wood supports and studs, with another type of exterior covering or you can build a true timber garage which shows the beauty of the wood on the outside of the structure as well as the interior of the walls. Either way you will be left with a durable and well made structure that will last for years and years of use.
So, how do you build timber framed garages? The first thing you need to do is to draw up a plan based on the sizes and dimensions of the garage. By doing this, you can plan out exactly how the structure will be built and you can also determine ahead of time the quantity of timber and other materials that you will need to complete the garage. If you are building a timber garage on your own and are not quite sure how to draw up a proper set of building plans, you can purchase a set of timber garage plans from companies that sell pre-made building plans. This is worth the small expense to do so, since embarking on a building project without a detailed set of plans is like heading off on a trip to a new destination without a map or your gps system.
If you are not sure how to devise a set of plans or don’t want to purchase them and then figure out all the details of what you need to do and how much you need to buy in materials, then you may want to consider purchasing a timber garage kit. These kits come with everything you need to build your own wood or timber frame garage, along with a detailed set of instructions for how to build the structure. Timber garage kits are a great way to save yourself some work as compared to a complete DIY timber garage, while saving yourself a good deal of money over hiring a professional to do all of the building for you.
Once you’ve figured out or purchased the plans and bought all of the materials you need, you are ready to get started on your timber garage building project. The first, and possibly most important, step is to prepare the ground on which you are going to build. This includes leveling the ground properly and pouring a proper foundation if needed. You may need to first check with your local municipality about any building regulations you need to follow and you should also check whether you need a building permit to do the job.
After the ground is prepared and the foundation is poured, you can then begin to build the frame of the garage using a series of timber studs. Be sure you use nails that will not rust and that are long enough to thoroughly secure the wood studs, and also be sure to check at each step of the way that your building is square and level. You can finish the walls with a variety of different timber materials, such as logs, wood planks, or timber shingles, or you can cover the wood studs with another siding material. The roof can also be finished off with wood shingles or with another type of roofing material.
Most timber garages also include a set of timber garage doors to finish off the garage space, although some structures will forgo the garage doors for a more open structure that more resembles a carport than a garage. How you finish off the front of the garage is up to you, but if you choose to add a set of garage doors to the structure and you enhance the exterior of the garage with exposed timber, then you will most certainly want to choose a timber garage door or doors as compared to another more commercial looking door made from metal or aluminum to keep with the beauty of the wood. Not only are timber garage doors your most attractive option, but they are also one of the most durable.
The one point you need to keep in mind, however, when you choose a garage made from timber or wood in comparison to another material, such as steel, is the maintenance that will be required to keep it in tip-top shape. The wood should be periodically sealed and also either painted or stained if you want a look that is something other than the natural look of the wood. Painting, staining and sealing the wood will protect it from excessive wear and tear as a result of moisture and sun and is an important component to keeping the garage looking its best over the long term. You will probably also want to use some type of garage floor coating on the floor of the garage to keep it sealed and looking good. This not only adds to the aesthetic value of the interior of the garage, but also makes it easier to clean up drips and spills and keeps out moisture.
Timber garages are an attractive addition to many homes, whether they are attached to the home or they stand on their own apart from the home. In addition to providing much needed protection for a car or other vehicle, as well as storage space, a timber garage can add to the exterior décor of your home and can be enhanced with other decorative features as well, including windows, shutters, weathervanes, flowerboxes and more. In fact, you can easily landscape around timber garages and make them a focal point of your entire outdoor space.
Building timber frame garages or a complete timber garage adds not only storage but beauty to your home and may also enhance the value of your home. The price of timber garages may be a bit more than other building options, but the benefits and the long-lasting durability they offer are worth the added expense. So, if you are considering a garage building project, it is certainly worth considering building a timber garage for the many benefits this type of construction offers.
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