Problems When Framing the Interior Walls of a Barn House

Design Problems

• Some of the problems that come with framing the interior walls of a barn house involve design considerations and aesthetics. A barn home has a distinct look, which usually relies on exposed timber and natural materials. A barn home's post and beam construction doesn't lend itself to framing walls that can support drywall surfaces, which would also look out of place unless accented elsewhere in the home with smooth surfaces, or finished to blend in with the decor.

Insulation Issues

• Barn homes rely on their designs to keep them cool during summer months and warm in the winter. However, in many climates barn home interior walls require additional insulation to protect against outdoor temperatures and moisture. This eliminates the possibility of relying solely on a single layer of wood for exterior and interior walls. Thin insulation products that combine vapor barriers with radiant foam barriers can fit in the spaces between exterior barn home cladding and interior walls.

Environmental Concerns

• One of the key benefits of barn homes is their relatively small environmental impact. In some cases barn homes use salvaged barn wood, which reduces the need to harvest living trees for lumber. Barn homes also use designs that are thermally efficient and require less heating and cooling than conventional homes. Framing an interior wall with lumber increases a barn home's environmental impact. Hanging drywall or installing plywood walls consumes additional material.

Historical Considerations

• When barn homes feature antique construction or represent historical periods, builders and owners may find limited options for framing interior walls. Convenient and low-cost options such as drywall aren't consistent with most historic designs and methods. If a barn home is designated as an historic site, owners may face even more restrictions when it comes to modifying interior walls using modern materials and techniques.