Houtframes

Houtframes are frames constructed from wood or engineered wood products and are used to form structural or decorative frames in buildings, furniture, and display pieces. The term is commonly encountered in Dutch-origin contexts and in English-language descriptions of timber framing.

Common materials include softwoods such as pine and spruce, hardwoods such as oak and beech, and engineered wood products like laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and cross-laminated timber (CLT). Designers select species for stiffness, durability, and workability. Typical profiles range from simple studs and rails to complex curved members.

Joinery for houtframes relies on traditional woodworking techniques such as mortise-and-tenon, dowel, or finger joints, sometimes reinforced with nails, screws, or metal connectors. Modern production may use machined joints, pre-cut hardware, and factory finishing. Frames can be pre-finished or left to weather, depending on location.

Applications include window and door frames, structural timber framing for walls and roofs, cabinet and furniture carcasses, and frames for paintings or mirrors. In historic construction, timber framing often supports infill panels, while contemporary practice may use timber frames combined with other materials for energy efficiency.

Advantages of houtframes include renewable material, good thermal insulation when properly detailed, and ease of fabrication. Drawbacks include susceptibility to moisture, rot, insects, and fire risk if not protected. Proper detailing, sealing, and maintenance—along with sustainable sourcing—are important for durability.