This construction technique is very common in the USA for high-rise buildings of up to 7 floors. This method is suitable for unique buildings and when building without advanced lifting equipment.

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Stick-build is a term that describes timber structures that are constructed on site, usually by the builder’s or main contractor’s joiners - using hand tools. Packs of timber and sheathing board are purchased from builders’ merchants and delivered to site, where joiners construct the timber frame.

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Construction timber is usually supplied with a target moisture content of 16% on delivery and is encased with a surface moisture content of max.18%.

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Site-built walls are usually assembled horizontally on the foundation slab or on an upstairs floor. The bottom plate and top plate are laid out and the vertical studs placed between them. The nailed frame is then raised and secured in place. Beams and roof trusses are fixed to the top plate and a floor or ceiling is fitted.

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The whole carcass is normally built as an open structural frame with no sheet material or insulation. A protective roof is then built. With taller buildings, it may be necessary to fit some boards for wind stabilisation while the frame is being built. Only once the roof is weathertight can the installation of moisture-sensitive materials such as insulation and plasterboard begin.

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There are a number of advantages to the stick-build method of building a structure :-

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• building a structure in this method usually leads to a more custom structure;

• moreover, slight changes in the overall layout of certain aspects of the structure be made when requested;

• adjustments, which may become necessary to meet site tolerances, can be made.

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However, there are several fundamental differences between stick-build and a modern offsite pre-manufactured solution. These include :-

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Specification

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Materials used for stick-build may not be the correct specification and therefore not fit for purpose. The strength, grade and moisture content of the timber and the class of sheathing are extremely important to the intended strength of the project.

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Accuracy

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Panel fabrication drawings are unlikely to be provided to the site for stick-build joiners to use when constructing the kit. Engineered drawings may be provided, but it is left to the joiner on site to decide how he puts the timber frame together.

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Workmanship

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Stick-build creates the potential for poor workmanship on site, such as cutting and nailing tolerances, poor connection detailing and the use of incorrect materials. Poor workmanship can lead to poor airtightness meaning that the building does not perform as expected. In the worst cases, it can lead to structural failures as a consequence of incorrect components or connections.

 

Construction Design Management Regulations 2015 (CDM)

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The CDM regulations apply to any construction work - whether it is a new kitchen, small extension, new house or large development. All will need a construction phase plan. The client has ultimate liability and is responsible for appointing competent people who have the skills, resources and time to undertake the project.

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Time & Costs

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Stick-build on site is labour intensive and time consuming. Although perhaps not apparent in initial costings, it is usually more expensive than panelised systems. Costs have to be factored in for extended scaffolding hire, waste removal of timber off cuts and delayed access for follow-on trades such as plumbers and electricians.

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Insurance & Finance

 

Stick-build projects will not be able to secure site insurance or structural warranties as easily or as affordably as an offsite timber frame supplier. Insurers view stick-build as higher risk because panels are made on site rather than in a factory controlled environment.

 

They also take into account lack of quality assurance on site and health and safety implications. In some instances, stick-build may restrict the availability of lenders, who may not offer funding for this method of construction due to no manufacturer’s warranty or structural warranty being available.