“Building durable and energy efficient homes is necessary… the fact that they are a great investment and BEAUTIFUL is a bonus generations of occupants will celebrate and enjoy. What’s not to like?”

TMBER FRAME HOMES ARE DURABLE

The life cycle of Timber Framed structures is measured not in decades but millennia. Yet, of all the current choices for home building, Timber Framed, SIP enclosed structures amount to less than 1% of new homes delivered in the US each year. They are lumped into the category of alternative housing, along with hay bales, earth sheltered and a plethora of unique and creative uses of sustainable material and techniques to provide shelter. In reality Timber Framed structures occupy a history extending over 4,000 years. Other than cave dwellings they are the most used and reliable forms of shelter in the measured history of construction.

During recent trips to China, Japan, Italy, Greece and Sicily this past Fall where we visited this 6th Century Byzantine Era Cathedral; travelers can routinely visit timber framed relics over 1000 years old. Many are in active use to this day. If there is other evidence of durability in building beyond that equation, I’m not sure where we would find it. Although the styles vary significantly, the basic science of wood to wood joinery is virtually unchanged.

“Timber has historically proven to be a much safer material in earthquakes…” World Architecture News article. This article about seismic tests for a six story Timber Framed building conducted at the Hyogo Earthquake Engineering Research Center for a 7.5 Richter scale earthquake are dramatic. Over the decades this kind of information has surfaced in many areas of extensive destruction caused by such natural disasters. It’s not just a little bit ironic that, wood, the most natural or all resources for building, is also the most resistant to its destructive forces. Timber Frame homes remain intact and durable over the lifetime of many generations of ownership and frequently survive the most volatile extremes nature can deliver. Our own children and children we may never know will grow up and raise families in the homes we build. I believe there is something to be said for our immediate need to avoid significant maintenance and structural restoration in the near term, while providing a home which becomes a legacy for others in the long view beyond our own mortality. What better way to sustain the value of the natural resource while contributing to a future beyond our own existence.

TIMBER FRAME HOMES ARE ENERGY EFFICIENT

If there is a best answer to the FAQ of how much more Timber Frame / SIP homes cost, it is… they don’t. Truly! The math is simple. Homes which are more durable structurally do not require significant rebuilding and repair in the short term. The speed of construction of the exterior shell and virtually zero dumpster waste are upfront value added impossible to ignore. Expedited completion of a weather tight shell is a major advantage in allowing, mechanicals, interior finishing and other procedures to begin earlier than later.The extraordinary energy efficiency, zero waste and speedy installation of SIP panel’s, significantly reduces energy requirements resulting in downsized, less expensive and higher efficiency heating and cooling systems resulting in lower operating
costs…forever.

Continuous and unpredictable increases in energy costs, heightened environmental consciousness, raising prices of raw materials, and increased labor costs, are an ever changing part of this equation. Building a home now which provides a 35-50% reduction of energy consumption is an investment for the future of generations of owners.

It’s essential for all housing to be as energy sensitive as possible…however, although there is a growing government awareness, current codes and standards continue to lag far behind the curve of necessity in this area. Code defined R Values are consistently lower than they should be and are largely misunderstood. Although insulation itself displays its associated R-rating; whole wall values are rarely revealed.

Conventional stick framed walls with 16 or 24″ on center wood studs are a combination of voids and solids. 3 1/2″ Kraft backed fiberglass insulation, still the most commonly used strategy for resisting heat loss (or gain) presents an R11 value. However the insulated void is interrupted every 14 ½” with a 2×4 stud which has an R-Value of 4.375. Stacking up the thermal bridging affect of 2×4 studs in a 40′ sidewall, even without calculating doubled framing at windows doors and headers accumulates approximately 4 feet of wall with a 43% reduction in insulation efficiency. The resulting whole wall value is compromised by10-20% in conventionally built homes, already insufficient in their ability to conserve the input of expensive energy used for heating and cooling.

The R-Value of SIP enclosed homes is uniform across the entire enclosure or envelope of the home from sidewalls to roof. And…the R ratings are higher to begin with. A 4 ½” Urethane wall SIP has a value of R26. Twice that of foil backed fiberglass. A 6 ½” roof panel has a value of R30. Unlike stick framing there is limited thermal bridging.

TIMBER FRAME HOMES ARE AFFORDABLE

I have been working in building for over 50 years. My recently retired wife worked in special education for 44 years. We are both dedicated to our chosen professions in the way worker bees understand. Measured against return on investment, it’s possible we both could have increased our retirement prosperity by choosing other pursuits. Now..as we watch return on our relatively modest savings dip under 1%; we understand more than ever the importance of making good decisions so we can enjoy a few non-essentials to be part of our plan going forward.

If there is a modestly increased investment on the front end (10-15%) of building a Timber Frame/SIP home. It is truly an investment opportunity out of the arena of today’s financial world. The returns provided by their energy efficiency alone provide all the motivation we need. And those returns are experienced immediately and permanently. But that’s not the whole story. Also immediate and permanent is enhancedmarket value. During home Timber Frame home tours, virtually no one moves through the embracing, artisanal space unengaged and not overwhelmed with the experience. It’s immediately understood that this is not development building and yet the investment reality is in line with the vast majority of buyers. As much as we love our homes we understand that they are built for the ages. At some point a for sale sign will inhabit the lawn. At that point comparable market values for size and location will be solidly in the favor of the current owner. The fact is that Timber Frame / SIP homes enjoy elevated market value on day our owners move in and at resale. As much as we love our homes…when we do…the reality is they are primarily investments; a virtual parking lot for the most money the majority of us have and utilize for our future security and income.

Long before we sell…our homes will have paid back additional investments…if any…and at resale the real bonus is realized…elevated market value! They will and do command higher resale proportional to location and size. There is no doubt that buying any home is a long view moment. At the end of that road, our plan is to recover our original investment plus equity growth. Our homes effortlessly and consistently provide both objectives,. The affordability of Timber Frame homes is well documented. However, the best way to understand the reality is to allow yourself the opportunity to walk through the space and speak to our owners. The combination of competitive building costs, 35-50% lower operating and maintenance expenses during ownership and elevated market value on resale presents the best possible formula for success for your largest investment.

TIMBER FRAME HOMES ARE BEAUTIFUL

If there is any validity to the term self evident it must be especially so with Timber Frame homes. Sailing open space composed in efficient floor plans of 1500 to 4000 SF provide enough variability to satisfy the preferences and needs of any family. If warm, welcoming and embracing ambiance is an important aspect of your homes personality…one visit to a finished home will provide the evidence. Commonly misunderstood is that the exterior architecture of a Timber Frame home cannot be as varied as the taste and objectives of its owners. Whether traditional, modern or contemporary, the exterior lines and character of your home can be achieved with equal ease.

If owning a unique and personalized home which reflects who you are in a special way, while accommodating the practical parameters of locale, building site and budget, then our Timber Framed homes are worthy of consideration. The mystique and anonymity of this oldest of all building styles should be included during your early research. Timber Framing generically known as post and beam is not just for barns anymore. Since the residential renaissance of Timber Framing in the mid-1970’s, many thousands of homeowners will readily attest to that.

It is long past time for home building to take a giant step forward. Building durable and energy efficient homes is essential to our basic needs as well as global preservation and sanity. After 10 years of war in the Middle East, it is clear that our dependence on petroleum, foreign or domestic has unacceptable consequences. It’s difficult to clearly describe what we have gained…but simple to understand what we have lost.

It’s ironic that this giant step forward includes a significant step backwards to what has been proven in the past. Building durable and energy efficient homes is necessary…the fact that they are a great investment and BEAUTIFUL is a bonus generations of occupants will celebrate and enjoy. What’s not to like?

Reach out today to schedule a visit to your building site and begin your design process. We’ll travel wherever you are. There is never a charge for an SEV (Site Evaluation Visit).

Jack Costantino, IR, DFC
DAVIS FRAME COMPANY
(908) 876.5262 Office
(201) 230.6429 Cell
timbersrus@comcast.net

CLICK HERE to read about a number of our special 2011 projects… and below links to view their albums and videos.

South Beaver, PA: Album / Video
Woodstown, NJ: Album
Tabernacle, NJ: Album
Towaco Remodel, NJ: Video
Rails Steakhouse at Towaco Crossing: Website / Video
Chichester, NY: Album
Grand Cayman Islands, Caribbean: Album

Enter names here for invite to Rails Steakhouse GRAND OPENING!

CLICK HERE to take a fun and educational VIRTUAL TOUR of a Timber Frame Interior…

Read more…

Years ago I recall my knees folding as I lowered involuntarily and without regard to others engaged in their own moment of sorrow; my trembling fingers grazed the names of fallen friends carved in the eternal granite of the Vietnam War memorial; my tears joining the silent river of sorrow and loss perpetually flowing at that site.

In 2005, after 10 years of development and construction, the Holocaust History Memorial Museum opened at Jerusalem’s Yad Vashem memorial. Although leaders from 40 nations attended, others maintain to this day that the loss of six million is a cleverly contrived Zionist hoax. To me, the blue tattoo on the underside of the left forearm of my Father’s wife, Eva, is indelible evidence of the reality. So is the loss of all in her family who did not leave Auschwitz with her.

To this date a favorite Cousin, living in Israel, whose soldier Husband, a victim of a Palestinian sniper, has never visited the Museum. Perhaps the fear of her own sorrow prevents her from encountering the images, already playing in the horror movie in her mind. It’s astounding to me that this loving and genuine person was harshly criticized by some when offering her Husband’s transplanted heart to save the life of a Palestinian patient at the hospital where he died.

During a recent visit to Kyoto, Japan, our good friend and host Kazuko, volunteered to accompany us on a trip to Hiroshima. As we road the smooth and respectfully silent rails of the sleek bullet train, Kazuko demonstrated her skills with Origami. She folded paper cranes, a symbol of peace, of all sizes from the paper scraps of our onboard lunch. As we entered the city, we passed the Monument of shredded remains of a building torn apart by one of two Atomic bombs dropped in August, 1945, effectively ending the 2nd World War.

Directly across from the Hiroshima Memorial Museum we passed an enclosed display of thousands origami paper cranes hung on vertical threads like stilled teardrops. The cranes were folded by young students from around the country as a tribute to those who perished. Although she has guided many to the site, to this date Kazuko has never entered the Museum. She was not born at the time of the bombing. But her Mother was. A more gentle soul than the woman we refer to as Momma-San is hard to find.

In the early 70′s a young man named Michael worked with me summers as a carpenter’s helper. He was a tall happy kid with a smile so wide it competed for space with his earlobes. He worked hard, and without complaint. Every summer day while other classmates took the summer off, he showed up on time and provided the rest of us with his special brand of relaxed good humor. When Michael was in your space, you smiled also…without effort, reason or rationale. His spirit was infectious.

Today…as we listen to the mournful strains of bag pipe’s, and proclamations of Mayor’s past and present…I watch again in rapt silence for Michael’s name to scroll across the screen with 3,000 others.

As a fireman and first responder to the World Trade Center attack, Michael rushed forward as others on the edge of sanity, prudently did their best to gain distance from this unimaginable disaster. He died in a staircase with members of his battalion; heroes all, intent on ensuring others that rescue was possible and in play.

Now, a new tower rises defiantly in the previously occupied space. The memorial pools reflect the new edifice while murmuring the omnipresent hush and whisper of all who perished, along with the commentary of a collective national spirit which can be bent but not broken.

As in all wars, the real and lasting effect is born on the shoulders and psyche of its people. The damaged innocent victims of war’s, decided on, and engaged by leaders in rooms we will never enter are routinely thrown over the shoulder of paraphrase as collateral damage. But the the survivors carry the memory and horror of these events across ever spreading generations of those who follow. Although I admit I would bear arms against any threat to my children and family, I don’t believe in war as a permanent solution to the issues they represent. After living through too many wars in my 70 years, beginning with WW2, it appears to me, that the end of wars is merely a temporary cessation of hostility, while the vanquished rearm and renew their dedication and determination to fight again another day.

In between, we will memorialize and create monumental spaces to contemplate and revisit these events. I’m not sure at this moment that I will be able to muster the strength to visit the ground zero museum. I believe I will see it all in vivid reality for the rest of my life.

Thank you Michael, for your impossibly broad smile and heroism.

Jack Costantino
Timber Frames Unlimited, LLC
Long Valley, NJ 07853
(908) 876.5262 Office
(201) 230.6429 Cell
(908) 876.3649 Fax
jack@timberframesunlimited.com
www.timberframesunlimitedllc.com

Clearing the way for RAILS STEAKHOUSE @ THE TOWACO CROSSING has begun… JOIN US as an HONORED GUEST at our soft opening event and/or become a RAILS VIP… see how below.

In record time our approvals are in place and we have begun clearing the site for our RAILS STEAKHOUSE @ THE TOWACO CROSSING project in Towaco, NJ. The project is a mixed use commercial development which includes a 10,000 SF, 144 seat, custom Timber Framed / SIP enclosed restaurant as an anchor at it’s east end. Six retail spaces with apartments-over complete the composition of this new town-center neatly incorporated alongside the existing Towaco commuter line. The project plans to follow eco-friendly guidelines based on the USGBC’s LEED program. Rain gardens, porous paving, sustainable materials and a high efficiency building envelope will couple with the latest technology for energy efficient kitchen appliances and mechanical systems providing maximum productivity and guest comfort at the lowest possible consumption of energy. TFU is very proud to be chosen as a participant on the design, development and management team for this project. Along with our project architect team mate the Bilow Garret Group of Ridgefield Park and our Timber Frame engineering/design team led by Firetower Engineered Timbers of Rhode Island the finished project opening in fall of 2012 promises to provide a pivotal retail service center and fine dining for historic Towaco, Montville, Pinebrook and neighboring communities in north Jersey and beyond.

During a recent meeting with the owner of the project…the long time local resident with a legendary entrepreneurial spirit, provided his thoughts about the philosophy of the restaurant…

“Although specializing in prime dry aged steak, the RAILS menu will present an eclectic array of classical and home grown preparations using locally accessed beef, produce and dairy products. Also…hiring local staff to further support our community is an essential aspect of RAILS overall business plan. An organic herb garden is being considered within the complex to provide dining room guests with seasonally fresh, and always interesting flavors. Our objective is to present the market community with great value for extraordinary food and a unique brand of highly personalized service.”

SHARE YOUR WINNING DINING EXPERIENCE and DINNER IS ON US!

We’re offering an opportunity for our readers to share their thoughts, preferences and experience in three categories. Submit your best suggestions and be one of three recipients who will win an invite as a special guest at a VIP Table during a soft-opening event. Your menu items will reference your name at the opening…and you will receive a key card entitling you to monthly discounts and a tour of our private wine cellar. There will be one invite for each category…AND you can bring a guest! Here are the categories:

1. Favorite menu item.

What did you love which keeps you coming back for more…even if it means traveling out of your neighborhood?

2. Best service suggestion.
In addition to a romantic and considerate dinner partner, what would provide an AH-HA moment and make you feel appreciated and special beyond our great food and ambiance?

3. Favorite side dish.

When it comes to dining out, we believe small things can make a big difference. What turns you sideways about side dishes?

YOUR OPINION COUNTS and IT’S WORTH A 50% DISCOUNT

If you would like to receive a soft opening invite, be a RAILS VIP and receive a 50% discount, CLICK HERE and fill out our survey form. Although this is a one time offer for completing the survey, we appreciate your input and know we will see you again. Invite a friend to fill out the survey also and enjoy a 2 for 1 value…WINNING!

Above all we want RAILS STEAKHOUSE to be your kind of restaurant. A destination for gatherings of family, friends and special loved ones where your pleasure and delight is celebrated and never taken for granted.

Submit your suggestions and/or survey now…and watch for your invite. Tell your friends you’ll meet them at RAILS STEAKHOUSE @ THE TOWACO CROSSING.

Jack Costantino
Design & Development Management Team
RAILS STEAKHOUSE @ THE TOWACO CROSSING

Timber Frames Unlimited, LLC

Long Valley, NJ 07853

(908) 876.5262 Office

(201) 230.6429 Cell

(908) 876.3649 Fax

jack@timberframesunlimited.com
www.timberframesunlimitedllc.com

As a DIYer, designing, managing and building your project is hard enough, let alone keeping up with ever-changing regulations and building codes. Up until recent times, Pennsylvania builders and future homeowners alike were fretting over a mandate for the installation of sprinkler systems in new residential dwellings. Well, I have great news and we can all breathe a sigh of relief. The requirement is no more in Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania Builders Association issued the following statement in March after the House voted (154-39) to eliminate the sprinkler mandate in new one and two family homes through House Bill 377. The legislation was sent to the Senate for a concurrence vote. The bill amends the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act passed in November 1999.

The five key points of HB 377 are:

1.) The sprinkler mandate is removed from new one and two family homes (townhouse requirement remains intact).

2.) Increased fire protection is provided for lightweight floor assemblies,

3.) Builders are required to offer sprinkler systems to buyers at point of sale.

4.) Energy efficiency trade-offs for log home manufacturers and builders (NOT timber framers since our buildings are super-efficient already!) are provided to help them meet today’s energy requirements, and

5.) HB 377 provides retroactivity for those homes where permits have already been issued so that they may build to the provisions found within the legislation.

As always, we here at Timber Frames Unlimited encourage those considering managing their own projects to initiate a dialogue with their local building inspectors sooner than later. If unclear what questions to ask, your TFU rep has no problem with calling your municipality on your behalf to ensure our design meets or exceeds local building codes. Conversely, we can be contacted directly by local officials to ensure a smooth and timely flow of information. We don’t charge for this time. We are here to help.

Drew & Jessica Skelton, Field Managers, TFU
(610) 476.4985 Cell
drew@timberframesunlimited.com
Jessica@timberframesunlimitedllc.com

Recent trips to the grocery store reveal an obvious and troubling trend – the cost of food is rising. My weekly barometer is that very pedestrian member of the lettuce family, the lowly iceberg. Foodies will debate its merits or even reason for existing; however, my weekly monitoring of its persistent $2.49 price point tells me inflation has indeed crept into the produce section of my favorite store.

Providing sustenance is a basic need that ranks right up there with shelter. We remain most fortunate in the United States because our large, diverse, and free market economy ensures intense competition for commodities such as food and with enough creativity and focus, we can provide healthy and delicious meals for our family on a budget.

So food is getting more expensive along with electricity. Insuring our automobiles seems to be costing more. And gasoline? I refuse to comment.

Nonetheless, there exists a powerful weapon that is a wonderful hedge against inflation: a new home. In this pitched battle, the lesson is this:

• ‘hard’ assets (your home) will win, and
• ‘soft’ assets (your wallet’s contents) will lose.

Today, a new home represents its highest value point in the last forty years. When adjusted against the impact of inflation over this time period, the investment in new construction unquestionably represents an unprecedented hedge against inflation.

Inflation continues to creep into our daily lives. Investing in a new home remains the best recipe for negating some of its impact. Add to this recipe a few of your own potent ingredients. structural timbers, SIPs, and energy sipping technology capable of creating true comfort – and you have a satisfying meal with no heartburn or indigestion.

And our lowly iceberg lettuce? Quarter a crisp head for your dinner guests, spread around a liberal portion of pungent, chunky Roquefort, and decorate with crispy bacon. Along with living in a new Timber Frame home, you simply cannot lose!

Jimmy Vogt, Field Manager, TFU
(973) 948.5041 Office
(973) 647.4303 Cell
JimmyVogt@timberframesunlimited.com
www.timberframesunlimitedllc.com

In the grand scheme of things, when approaching a new project, we believe understanding the outcome before a shovel hits the ground is the most important step. Our clients sometimes spend years contemplating, researching and dreaming about their new homes or renovations. We are frequently greeted with a thick portfolio of napkin sketches, clippings and sample plans. After over 50 years as a hands-on carpenter / builder…I’m always impressed with their significant investment in time, their intelligence and awareness of the building process.

As a continuous barrage of unsettling local and world news descends on all available ears from the podium of media and government alike; our tendency is to be swept into the resulting ocean of negativity, absorbed daily through the skin of our worst fears and paranoia. The instability of the economy competes with regimes gone mad pursuing vendetta’s of violence and random acts of slaughter. At the same time other nations poised on the brink of nuclear delivery, intent on settling old scores, rattle sabers at the rest of the free world. The intrigue and combined tension producing effect is worthy of a novel beyond Hitchcock, Dr. Strangelove, and Terminator combined. How do we continue with productive lives as all around us appears on the brink of dissolution?

Here’s a thought… a built in phenomenon at the beginning of a new year is its implied sense of renewal. We’re greeted with renewed opportunities to achieve old objectives; from waist reduction to waste management. Why we believe again, we can accomplish, what we have not so far, is a nonetheless valuable asset we should reconsider the importance of. It’s during this time of year, when, although typically short lived…our belief system temporarily operates on all cylinders. We believe we will clean out our closets, lose weight, join a gym…and through it all the world hammers us back with its relentless rhythm of reality checks; delivering all the reasons why our personal pursuits are truly trivial and pie in the sky. The combined effect convinces us that we should feel terrorized by terrorists, defeated by the defiance of accord across the aisles of our leadership and generally fearful that we have no control over our lives, future employment, affordable health care, middle east stability, or global warming.

I suggest that a worthwhile resolution to all the foregoing is a conscious decision to refuse to be fearful of any of it. Don’t give in or give up believing that in fact your life is yours. It’s unique and not truly in anyone’s daily control but your own. And…that surrendering your peace of mind is counterproductive to problem solving, family fun and colonic regularity.

One of the smartest, most sophisticated men I have ever known was my Uncle Perry who helped raise me. His erudite nature and knowledge stretched from the history of the early Roman Empire to fine wine, classical music, chess (earning multiple prestigious championships) and poetry. He was a beautiful Greek God of a man. Women swooned in his presence, men wanted to be him…but couldn’t. While in his 20’s he suffered the loss of a lung to tuberculosis. For years he worked at a job far below his qualifications as a Bob Cratchit style bookkeeper in the dimly lit, dust layered back room of a pillow factory. He wore sleeve retainers and a transparent head visor and filled in endless columns of numbers in thick ledgers bound with heavy leather covers. During the last ten years of his career he found the niche he was meant for working as the Comptroller for a proprietary hospital. He bloomed like a healthy garden vegetable; as rosy and proud as a beefsteak tomato and crisp and peppery as fresh Arugula. It was wonderful to behold. He was in his early 60′s and learning the most important lesson of his life.

At the end of his life, as I joined his sons at his hospital bedside…when asked “Dad…if you had it all to do over again…what would you do differently?”…my dear sweet beautiful Uncle said…”I would live my life with less fear”. His words echoed over and over…the meaning sinking in until I understood the entire context of his words. After all he had survived, achieved, celebrated and enjoyed…his conclusion was that fear was a wasted emotion; stealing the good in exchange for doubt and concern over forces and circumstances outside our individual control.

“No passion so effectively robs the mind of all its powers of acting and reasoning as fear.” ~Edmund Burke~

As we place the bricks in the road of 2011, we are already ensconced in the intrigue and uncertainty of apparent cataclysm in the Middle East and North Africa. We watch as images flow from hand held technology beyond the censorship of crumbling autocrats perplexed by the instant globalization of events. As Facebook facilitates revolution, crude oil hops over $100.00 a barrel dragging pump prices again toward $4.00/gal. Mass media engulfs us with the serendipity of our lives, and injects a sense of helplessness based on events obviously beyond our control. Fear, uncertainty and confusion reign. STOP!

There is no doubt the world will continue to offer challenges within and without our direct influence. But…there is much which is good to be enjoyed and celebrated. Our clients are engaged in a journey filled with the excitement and pleasure of envisioning and realizing their dreams. We and our colleagues are privileged to benefit by the true love of their life’s work and the love of our client’s for what we build. It is an enduring love at both ends of that equation.

In 2011 and beyond…resolve to “live your lives with less fear”. Love deeper, laugh harder and fear less. Those who are doing their best to steal from us what is good…will have lost.

~Jack Costantino, President~
Timber Frames Unlimited, LLC
jack@timberframesunlimited.com
www.timberframesunlimtedllc.com
(908) 876.5262 Office
(201) 230.6429 Cell

Many of you have seen the pictures of me wearing the hideous respirator while finishing the pine floors in our timber frame home. You probably thought “wow, she’s crazy and I would never go through that!” BUT before you make up your mind, let me tell you a little bit about Tung Oil; and why it was worth the DIY effort and resulting savings.

Tung Oil is pressed from the nut of the Tung tree. It is a clear oil (although you can get it tinted) originally used by the Chinese over 500 years ago to waterproof the keels of ships. Today, this oil is used as the protective base and beautiful finish for flooring and other wood surfaces. It provides excellent sealing and protection, and improves over time creating a rich antique appearance.

Because of its elasticity and penetrating capabilities, Tung Oil forms a highly resistant barrier against moisture. By saturating the wood fibers, the Tung Oil works to harden the wood and to seal these fibers against the penetration of any harmful moisture caused by spills, stains or fluctuation in humidity. The deep penetration of Tung Oil locks in the finish creating effective protection against daily wear.

Although protective equipment is suggested (respirator, gloves, etc.) to avoid the potentially intoxicating fumes, it was relatively easy to apply. In fact I did the downstairs floors in the morning before leaving for work every day! All you need to do is allow yourself the same time every day for 4 days. You apply one coat using a mop with a lamb’s wool applicator on the first day. Wait at least 24 hours but not much more and apply a second coat, then repeat for 2 more days – four coats in all. No sanding is necessary between coats… unless you want to buff out a rough spot or drip. I would highly recommend doing the application any time of the year other than the winter. It is important to be able to open the windows and have fans running to allow for adequate circulation.

Aside from the beauty and durability created by Tung Oil, the maintenance factor is what really sold me. It is easy to take care of! To clean it, all you need to do is either damp mop it or use a mixture of vinegar and water. Simple! Also, unlike most other finishes, Tung Oil can be spot applied in high traffic areas just by lightly sanding the area and applying a light coat. And perhaps best of all, if you decide to refinish the entire floor – it is not necessary to sand off the previous coats. All you do is apply another coat after a good cleaning.

I won’t lie – the process wasn’t the most pleasant and Drew thinks I may have incurred a little brain damage from the fumes (just kidding!). However, the reward and DIY savings of beautiful, durable and easy to care for floors was well worth getting up early 4 days in a row! If I had to do it all over again – I would! In fact I just finished the banister in Tung Oil and intend plan to do the baseboard molding, interior doors and other trim work as well. I’m addicted to the beauty as well as the ease of application! If DIY is your thing, don’t be afraid to try this and other projects during your homes construction. It’s a way to afford the home of your dreams within the parameters of your pocketbook. And even though you’ve never driven a nail, mitered a piece of molding or built your own set of steps… if you’re a determined DIYer… you’ll discover… YOU CAN!

Drew & Jessica Skelton
Field Mangers, TFU
(610) 476.4985
drew@timberframesunlimited.com
Jessica@timberframesunlimitedllc.com
www.timberframesunlimitedllc.com

Our winter season continues to plod along. Adding to the general malaise was a recent tease of warmer weather to come, followed by a retreat into the familiar pattern of snowfall and below-average temperatures. In New Jersey’s bear country, this season has allowed us to chronicle some unforgettable images, such as this icicle.

The frozen grip of this persistent weather pattern encourages a behavior we define as groupthink – the process of minimizing conflict by discouraging independent analysis.

The legions of skeptics whose view of real estate remain dim are notorious for encouraging groupthink behavior. But a simple look at the supply versus demand for residential housing reveals some fascinating information:

• The US population continues to grow. By the year 2030, there will be approximately 370 million Americans. Even using long-term average home ownership rates for our burgeoning population, there will be an annual need for 1.1 to 1.2 million new single family homes per year.
• The number of housing starts is lower than at any time in the past fifty years. Concurrently, professional builders have sharply reduced their construction capacity, which will increase lead times significantly once the market recovers.

This inevitable collision – an unwelcome byproduct of groupthink behavior – will mean a lot of people will be waiting a very long time to move into their new home. One simply cannot turn on a switch and have new homes instantly materialize on the landscape.

Timber Frame homes enclosed with structural insulated panels (SIPs) are magnificent structures designed and built by skilled artisans. The Timber Frames Unlimited team is among this gallant band of independent thinkers who know there is simply a better way to build a home whose value increases from the first day of occupancy, regardless of the groupthink mantra that seems to become more invasive each day.

The process, however, is analogous to mining – there is exploration, redirection, occasional reflection, and then, success. Our advice? Stay on course, be acutely aware of the inevitable collision referenced above, and contact Timber Frames Unlimited right away to begin your own mining journey. After all, we outlawed groupthink years ago!

Jimmy Vogt, Field Manager
Timber Frames Unlimited, LLC
(973) 647.4303