Workflow - Step by Step

We want to make it as simple as possible for you to try out our Post & Beam Framing solution on your own. In this article, I’ll go through the basic steps to follow so that your use of the software is as hassle-free as possible.

Since these instructions are meant to simplify testing of Wood Framing, I have used our sample configurations and families throughout.

Just keep in mind that all these sample rules can be modified to your own needs and standards. That goes for all - Framing, Connections, Numbering, Shop Drawing configurations, etc

---

Windows and main functions of Wood Framing

Here is what each one of the main features within the ribbon stands for.

Frame Wall	Frames selected walls from the model according to predefined configuration
Add/Modify Elements	Features for adding/modifying additional studs, support studs, bridging/noggin elements etc.
Modify Frame	Modifies selected wall frame instances without affecting their configurations
Edit Elements	Features for element editing - alignment, split, trim/extend/cut or delete
Update Frame	Updates selected wall's frame according the geometry changes
Delete Frame	Deletes the selected frame
Modify Other	Features for modifying joined openings, multiple openings, wall joins etc.
Select Elements	Features for quick element selection by different rules
Split Parts	Creates sheathing/paneling by predefined rules in Sheathing or Paneling configuration
Build Log Wall	Creates logs for selected walls
Number Elements	Numbers all framing elements and details by predefined Numbering Configuration
Create Assembly	Creates shop drawings for the selected walls
Link Wall	Makes a link between wall type from the project and configuration
Configs	Find all configurations for framing, sheathing, paneling, detail creation as well as for numbering and shop drawings
Settings	Predefine the settings for working with wood framing project

So, let's find out how to start creating Timber Frames in Revit from scratch.

---

Step 1. Load Families

Choose the sample families to be loaded into the current project. Wood Framing provides sample Metric and Imperial families for creating frames with connections common for timber frames or log houses. Sample tag families and schedules can also be loaded.

After loading, you can find the families by going to Project Browser → Families under Structural Framing, Structural Connections, Annotation Symbols, and Generic Models categories.

Have in mind, that all these sample families can be modified to each user's needs and standards.

---

Step 2. Create basic Wall, Floor, Roof geometry

Timber Frames will be created upon the Revit geometry

The walls/floors/roofs can have the needed number of layers to create your structure with optional additional layers—secondary frame, vertical or horizontal nailers, sidings, sheathing, etc.

Be sure to define the thickness and assign a unique material to each layer, ensuring that no two layers have the same material

Additionally, only one Structure layer can be created within the geometry

---

Step 3. Link Wall/Floor/Roof

When Revit geometry and its structure with all needed layers are set up. We can link the Framing Configurations.

Each layer of the Wall/ Floor/ Roof structure can have its own Framing Layer and Framing or Sheathing/Paneling Configuration set up.

Wood Framing software provides Sample Configurations as a starting point, which can then be modified and adjusted to meet your specific standards

Below is a brief description, along with examples, explaining how the Link Wall menu functions.

Frame

Frame tick mark being active indicates that the corresponding layer will be framed using timber structural framing elements.

Link menu: Frame is active

If the Frame tick mark is inactive, the corresponding layer will not be framed when you use the Frame or Frame Additional Layers functions.

Link menu: Frame is inactive

Frame Part

In Revit, geometry can be divided into layers (Parts) that represent how the structure was built, without modifying its original geometry.

In the example below, you can see how Parts were created for the wall that has 3 layers in it. To view these Parts, the Parts Visibility setting must be set to Parts or Both.

Link Menu: Frame Part

Using our Wood Framing solution, individual Parts can also be framed. This feature is primarily designed for advanced users and specific scenarios, allowing the framing of selected Parts rather than the entire wall geometry.

Split Parts

Wood Framing utilizes Revit Parts to create Sheathing, Paneling, or Drywall. To achieve a specific layout for the Sheathing, these Parts are split based on predefined configurations. This is why the Split Parts tick mark must be activated for the layers where you want the drywall to be created.

In the example below, the wall includes a Sheathing layer as part of its structure. Through the Link Wall menu, the Framing Layer was assigned for Sheathing, along with the Sheathing/Paneling configuration, and the Split Parts option was activated.

Link menu: Split Parts

It is important to note that Exclude Parts was unticked, ensuring the Parts remain visible, schedulable, and appear in Shop Drawings. For more information about Exclude Parts, refer to the next tab.

Split By

Exclude Parts

To fully comprehend how Link works, please take a look at these two short Getting Started videos if you haven't already.