- 1
Heavy timbers are used as load-bearing components.Post and Beam in Adobe image by John Sfondilias from Fotolia.com
Plan out the post-and-beam home. Obviously posts are required at each corner of the home but additional posts are required to support each point where two beams meet. Common dimensions for posts, according to Bob Vila at his website, are 6 by 9 inches for corner posts and 6 by 6 for wall posts. Beams vary from 4 by 10 inches to 6 by 12 inches. - 2). Join the posts and beams with mortise and tenon joints. A notch is created in the post with the end of the beam cut to a size and shape to fit that notch. This allows the posts and beams to interlock and support the weight of the building.
- 3). Assemble all the posts and beams to create the framework of the house, including the rafters. Fill in the gaps between the posts and beams. Any construction technique can be used to build these walls, floors and roof. Adobe or rock are used, but a 2-by-4-framed wall with exterior siding and a drywall interior are more common. Add plumbing and electrical components as the walls are built.
Source...