Trussted Frames and Trusses

Are timber roof trusses better than steel?

Both timber and steel trusses have their benefits, but timber is often preferred for residential and low-rise commercial buildings due to its cost, availability, and ease of installation. Timber trusses are also lighter than steel and can be easily customised to suit different roof styles. Unlike steel, timber has natural insulation properties and is less prone to condensation issues.

What are commercial building frames used for?

Commercial building frames are structural timber systems used in the construction of office buildings, retail centres, multi-unit developments, warehouses, and other large-scale facilities. These frames form the vertical and horizontal skeleton of the building, supporting floors, roofs, and internal walls.

What is engineered timber and how is it different from regular timber?

Engineered timber refers to wood products that are manufactured by bonding together layers of timber, veneers, or wood fibres with adhesives. This creates a stronger, more stable material than solid sawn timber. Common types include laminated veneer lumber (LVL), glue-laminated beams (glulam), and I-joists.

What are roof trusses and why are they important?

Roof trusses are prefabricated structural frameworks made from timber or steel that support the roof of a building. They replace traditional rafters and ceiling joists by combining these elements into a single engineered unit. Trusses distribute the weight of the roof evenly to the building’s walls, providing structural integrity while allowing for flexible interior layouts.

What are structural timber products used for in construction?

Structural timber products are used for critical load-bearing elements in a building. These include wall framing, roof beams, floor systems, lintels, and bracing components. They’re designed to support significant weight and meet engineering specifications outlined in building codes. Structural timber is graded and tested to ensure it can handle the required loads, wind ratings, and environmental conditions.

What is the best type of frame for a house?

The best type of frame for most houses in Australia is timber, particularly pre-fabricated structural timber. It’s lightweight, cost-effective, and easy to install. Timber framing also provides excellent insulation properties and is widely supported by Australian building codes. Pre-fabricated frames are designed to match architectural plans, which improves accuracy and reduces on-site labour.

How long does it take to manufacture custom wall frames?

The turnaround time depends on the size and complexity of your project, but most custom wall frames can be produced within a few days to a couple of weeks. At local manufacturing facilities like Trussted Frames & Trusses, lead times are typically shorter because production is handled in-house and close to the build site. Early communication and accurate plans help speed up the process, so it’s best to provide your framing specifications as early as possible during the planning phase.

What are timber wall frames used for in construction?

Timber wall frames form the vertical structure of a building, supporting the roof, upper floors, and wall cladding. They're essential in defining the shape and layout of a property, including windows, doors and internal walls. In residential and commercial projects alike, wall frames are installed early in the build to create a sturdy framework that everything else connects to.

Can timber frames be used for multi-storey commercial buildings?

Yes, timber framing can be used for multi-storey commercial buildings, particularly when using engineered timber products like laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and cross-laminated timber (CLT). These materials offer excellent strength-to-weight ratios and can be designed to meet the performance needs of multi-level construction. However, their use must align with building classifications, fire safety requirements, and engineering specifications.

Are timber house frames strong enough for two-storey homes?

Yes, timber house frames are commonly used for both single and double-storey homes. As long as they are designed and engineered correctly, timber frames can support the loads associated with multi-level construction. Builders use structural-grade timber and incorporate features like bracing, load-bearing walls, and engineered beams to meet the requirements of two-storey homes.