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Timber construction has advanced over the years, to the point where efficiency moves projects quicker and saves money. Doing construction on site has been the way most people imagine timber projects get done – however, these days, prefabrication has been what most timber construction experts opt for.
Prefabricated timber framing vs. on-site construction is less of an argument of which method is better and more so an exercise in explaining how the former advanced the practice. However, to understand one, you need to understand the other – and the key differences between them.
Wolf Lake Timber Works are resident experts when it comes to everything timber frame homes and structures. Whether you’re looking to get a timber frame pergola, a timber frame gazebo, or a pavilion – we have options to meet every client’s wants and needs.
Prefabrication provides a lot of benefits when it comes to timber frame construction, one of which being the quality control capabilities. Timber frames can be crafted in a safe and weather resistant environment where the quality can be properly monitored and optimized. But let’s explore a little deeper.
With prefabricated products, there are fewer chances for scheduling delays. A date for installation can be scheduled based on what works for the supplier, the client, and the current weather for that day. The frame can be delivered and installed quickly and efficiently. You can also have your product built to your needs and specifications.
Prefabricated timber construction takes place in a safe, weather-controlled environment, reducing the potential risks that you'd have with the typical build. By doing the construction in the factory, safety measures are monitored closely, making for a safer building environment for employees.
In a monitored environment, you can ensure that the quality control is maximized for each build. Typical construction methods need to have the home or elements of it built piece by piece on location. However, prefabricated timber construction, however, is pre-determined ahead of time and built in a controlled location by a specialized team. Plans can be carefully reviewed throughout the process and built to the desired specifications. The product will arrive on site and result in a high-quality build.
Prefabricated technology has come such a long way that it's been optimized to reduce waste by eliminating the use of extra materials. Many facilities are also able to recycle their own materials and take green measures to replant the trees they use. On-site construction has a greater chance for material waste with the remaining product being sent to landfills.
Not only are there savings on materials, but customers also don't have to worry about unreliable contractors. Once frames have been planned and quoted, they are built according to the agreed upon price and are delivered at a scheduled time. It's more affordable and reduces the overall stress of the process.
Prefabricated construction significantly reduces build times. The process involves manufacturing the desired building components in a controlled factory environment, allowing the site to be prepared simultaneously. As soon as the parts are completed, they can be transported to the site for quick assembly and application. This shortens the overall construction timeline compared to traditional timber construction.
When you’re working with materials in a controlled environment, you’re able to be more precise with the product. You can troubleshoot things in the beginning stages and ensure the final product is high-quality. Building on site can sometimes lead to mistakes or errors, even with experienced professionals.
The point of this blog post isn’t necessarily to say all on-site construction is bad. In fact, experienced professionals are generally able to make a great final product. However, prefabrication is simply the more modern way to get things done more efficiently. Two things can always be true at once. As businesses adapt and evolve, they find better ways to get things done – which is why prefabrication is such a good option.
When it comes down to it, prefabrication offers many pros over cons, and it tends to outweigh the benefits that come with on-site construction.
There’s Less Disruption to the Site: Prefabricated timber frames don’t require the same on-site disruption required to get the job done the way typical construction does. The product is produced in a controlled facility and is delivered to the site to be implemented. This results in less mess, less noise, and speedier construction times.
The Design Has Flexibility: On-site construction is typically slower and more error prone, while prefabricated construction can be tailored to meet the clients’ needs while also moving the process forward faster.
You Know What You’re Getting: The beauty of prefabricating a timber frame is you agree on a design and know what to expect. While on-site construction is usually agreed upon ahead of time, limiting factors could impact the final product. This saves you a lot of stress and provides peace of mind.
Your Home Won't be a Long-Term Construction Site: Listen, all home builds and alterations will take time and disrupt your everyday life in some way. But with prefabrication, you know that your construction time is going to be significantly reduced. Rather than having to wait months, the same job could be completed in a fraction of the time.
Both methods are distinct from each other in many ways, with prefabrication being hailed as the more modern and efficient approach. However, on-site construction also has its merits. Let's break down some key differences, including the perks of each.
Prefabricated Timber Framing: Reduces the overall on-site disruption, as construction time is usually shorter. This means your local neighbourhood won't have to worry about long-term construction noises, traffic, or environmental disturbances in residential areas.
On-site Timber Framing: Tends to create more long-term disturbances due to longer construction times, which could inconvenience the residents or businesses. However, practiced professionals can often limit these issues.
Prefabricated Timber Framing: Factory-controlled conditions ensure more precision, meaning tighter joints and higher resistance to elements such as wind and moisture. Having said that, transporting these large components can sometimes lead to damage or alignment issues – which is why these materials need to be handled with care. You also need to use premium timber.
On-site Timber Framing: Frames built on site could allow for real-time adjustments to accommodate environmental factors, such as humidity or terrain issues. However, weather conditions can also delay or disrupt construction.
Prefabricated Timber Framing: Prefabricated timber framing works great for modular, modern, and classic designs, utilizing advanced building techniques and precise dimensions. However, unique, non-standard shapes may require additional factory setup.
On-site Timber Framing: Offers additional fluidity as builders can adapt design changes in real time, which provides a level of customization.
Prefabricated Timber Framing: Requires careful planning to transport large, pre-assembled frames. Remote or hard-to-reach locations may be more challenging to reach or require crane accessibility in rarer cases.
On-site Timber Framing: Relies on transporting the raw materials, which can be more straightforward in some cases.
Prefabricated Timber Framing: This approach is advantageous in more extreme weather climates (i.e., heavy rain or snow) where the traditional on-site work could be hindered. Frames can also be built ahead of time and scheduled in accordance with local weather conditions.
On-site Timber Framing: This approach may be preferred in more temperate climates where outdoor construction is more feasible. However, projects can also be organized based on the season.
Prefabricated Timber Framing: Prefabricated timber framing may have an edge in durability due to machine precision and controlled conditions during production, resulting in tighter joins and less vulnerability to long-term wear and tear.
On-site Timber Framing: This can result in variations that make future maintenance easier, as components might be slightly more adaptable to changes over time.
Wolf Lake Timber Works combines the prefabricated timber framing approach with complete customization. We provide the highest quality timber frame structures and accents to completely tailor your vision.
We're happy to help you design your custom timber frame or tailor one of our existing designs to suit your desired look and feel. We use high-quality Douglas firs for our projects and are available to provide installation services within Southern Ontario and service all North America with our top-quality timber frame kits.
Don’t hesitate – let’s look to the future and plan your next timber frame project. Contact us today.
