Post & Beam Construction

Post and beam construction is a traditional building technique that uses large vertical posts and horizontal beams to create the skeleton of a structure.

It provides a unique aesthetic charm – with exposed beams becoming a distinctive design element that add character to any commercial or residential property.

Common on the continent, post and beam construction is less common in Scotland. Eco Frame brings together decades of learning in France from master carpenters, with the finest Scottish wood, to create truly unique structures that stand out from the crowd.

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Top view of a woodworking bench with cut timber, a ruler, a mallet, and a blue strap, ideal for Post & Beam Construction.
TRADITIONAL TECHNIQUES MEET MODERN DESIGN

Key features of post and beam construction

  • Open floor plans

Because the posts and beams bear the load, interior walls aren’t always needed for structural support. This means you can create large, spacious layouts that truly reflect your personality.

  • Traditional methods

Post and beam construction dates back to early carpenters, and Eco Frame is committed to using these traditional methods to connect modern buildings with the craftspeople of the past.

While today, metal brackets are often used to fasten posts and beams together traditionally wooden pegs and specialist joints would be used to hold the structure together.

We can use either method, giving you ultimate flexibility in the look and feel of your building.

Did you know?

The world’s oldest modern straw house has a post and beam frame – and has been standing in France for over 100 years!

  • Speed of build

Compared to other methods, post and beam construction can be quicker – especially in smaller buildings where prefabricated elements are used.

Post and beam construction is also well suited to larger homes and commercial buildings, too, where the speed of the build can still continue at a fast pace.

Post and beam can provide the perfect blend of design flair, structural integrity and sustainable materials for a structure of any size.

Close-up of a person's hands using a pencil and a square tool to mark measurements on a piece of wood in a workshop, essential steps for precise Post & Beam Construction.
A person wearing ear protection, a blue hoodie, and a high-visibility vest marks measurements on a large wooden beam inside a workshop, likely for Post & Beam Construction.
  • Long lifespan

Some of the world’s oldest buildings are constructed with timber frames. When built with high quality wood and proper maintenance, post and beam structures can last for centuries.

Post and beam construction is structurally sound, meaning your building will withstand even the harshest weather conditions.

  • Environmentally friendly

Wood is a renewable resource – especially when compared to modern materials like steel and concrete. By building your structure using post and beam construction, you are storing carbon collected by trees for many years to come using sustainable materials.

This makes post and beam construction ideal for those looking to reduce their building’s impact on the environment.

Ecological home builders Inverness.

Get in touch

Want to chat about how Eco Frame can help you with post & beam construction? Send us an email or give us a call.

FAQs

Burning question? We’ve answered the most common queries about Post and Beam Construction.

Still need some answers or ready to get started? Contact us to take your environmentally friendly construction project to the next stage.

Post and beam construction uses large, squared timbers for vertical posts and horizontal beams. This allows for large, open-plan spaces and modern designs. Joinery relies either on metal fasteners or intricate wooden joinery, like mortise and tenon.

A timber frame building is similar to post and beam, but lacks the ability to include large open plan spaces. These buildings often use joinery techniques to affix timbers together, rather than metal fixings.

Log homes are built with round, interlocking logs that form the entire wall structure. This offers a classic cabin feel.

Absolutely! The thick timbers used provide excellent insulation, reducing heating and cooling needs. Combined with our eco-friendly insulation options, you could see a huge reduction in your heating bills. Plus, every cubic metre of timber stores one tonne of CO2 – stopping it from being released into the atmosphere.

When built with locally sourced and properly treated timbers, post and beam structures are incredibly durable and resistant to the elements. Proper design, ventilation and insulation further ensure your home will weather all storms.

Yes! Post and beam construction offers great flexibility for open floor plans and large windows, perfect for capturing the natural beauty of your surroundings. We can combine traditional elements with modern finishes for a unique aesthetic.

The time frame depends on your project’s complexity. As the structure relies on prefabricated components and large pre-cut timbers, construction can progress much faster on-site than traditional methods.

Post and beam structures require minimal maintenance. Periodic inspections and occasional reapplication of a protective wood treatment ensure lasting beauty and performance.

Yes! Here in Scotland, we have access to excellent sources of sustainably managed timber. We work with sawmills like Logie Timber to ensure your project uses ethically-sourced materials with minimal environmental impact.

The large timbers require specialised equipment and expertise for handling and assembly. While some elements may be DIY-friendly, partnering with an experienced post and beam builder like Eco Frame is recommended. Contact us to discuss your project.

Of course! Post and beam structures integrate beautifully with stone elements, creating a truly unique and timeless design that complements the Scottish landscape.

An experienced post and beam builder can guide you through the design process, ensure structural integrity, and source sustainable materials. They’ll also have the expertise to create a beautiful and energy-efficient home that meets all your needs. Contact us to discuss your project.

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We value the future just as much as the present. Eco Frame places great emphasis on generational sustainability, creating a better future for our customers and the environment. Our consideration of the entire life cycle of our projects distinguishes us as forward-thinkers in the industry.

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We bring together sustainable building materials, decades of building expertise, and a passion for protecting our world. Every project we undertake draws on these strengths to create homes and buildings of the highest quality and standards.

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