Ep 3. The Lewisburg Timber Frame

The Lewisburg Timber Frame is the third episode of season 2 of the popular home improvement show Barnwood Builders. The episode follows the team of experts from the handcrafted log and timber home company as they work on a beautiful timber frame home in Lewisburg, West Virginia.

The Lewisburg Timber Frame project presented a unique challenge to the builders, as the original structure was constructed without any building plans. This meant that the team had to rely on their expertise and creativity to restore and rebuild the structure as accurately as possible.

The team started by carefully dismantling the original structure, piece by piece. This not only allowed them to salvage valuable vintage timber but also gave them an opportunity to inspect each piece of wood for signs of decay or rot. The experts were able to salvage many pieces of wood that were still usable, and those that were too far gone were replaced with new timber that was carefully selected to match the old wood.

Once all the pieces were safely dismantled and stored, the team set to work on restoring the old timbers to their former glory. They used a variety of tools, including sanders and wire brushes, to remove decades of grime and dirt from each piece of wood. This helped to reveal the full beauty of the original timbers and made them ready for the next stage of the restoration process.

The next step was to rebuild the structure using the original plans as a guide. The builders painstakingly reconstructed each piece of the frame, paying close attention to every joint and detail. They used traditional techniques and hand tools to ensure that the structure was as true to the original as possible.

One of the biggest challenges of the project was fitting the vintage timber into the new foundation. The team had to make precise cuts and adjustments to ensure that the old timber would fit securely and snugly into the new foundation.

Despite the challenges, the team persevered and the result was a stunning timber frame home that was faithful to the original design and construction. The home featured beautiful exposed timbers and intricate joinery that showcased the craftsmanship of the original builders.

In addition to the restoration work, the team also added some modern touches to the home, including new windows and upgraded insulation. These updates helped to make the home more energy-efficient and comfortable while still preserving its historic charm.

Throughout the episode, viewers got to see the close collaboration between the builders and the homeowners. Together, they worked to ensure that every detail was just right, from the placement of each timber to the selection of the perfect stain color.

Overall, The Lewisburg Timber Frame episode of Barnwood Builders is a fascinating look at the art and science of timber frame restoration. It showcases the incredible skill and dedication of the team of builders and demonstrates how a historic structure can be lovingly restored to its former glory.