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Timber frame vs masonry house
Comparison

Timber frame vs masonry house

When choosing between timber frame and masonry, consider your design, budget and schedule. Energy performance requirements and the way the building work is organised also affect the choice.

ZTC experience and production facts

35+

years of experience

400+

completed projects

14

European countries

±1 mm

CNC precision

Timber frame vs masonry comparison

The comparison draws on ZTC's experience in timber construction. Costs and timing need to be assessed for your own project.

Timber frame houseMasonry house
Construction speedPanel assembly on site is typically around 3 to 5 days per floor when the project is ready.On-site construction usually takes longer; pace depends on scope and weather.
Moisture risks on siteA major part of the structure is factory-made, reducing moisture exposure to panels.Moisture control depends on site organisation and conditions.
PrecisionFactory CNC precision of ±1 mm helps components fit accurately during assembly.Precision depends on execution and project detail complexity.
Energy performanceA U-value of approximately 0.12 to 0.15 W/m²K and n50 < 0.6 are possible depending on the solution.Performance depends on the design and chosen construction.
Environmental impactTimber structures can store CO₂ when material origin is traceable.Concrete and masonry impact depends on materials and transport.
PredictabilityFactory production and clear scope help plan timelines.Timelines can shift with site conditions and work sequence.
LimitationsRequires a prepared architectural project; ZTC does not prepare drawings or build foundations.Heavier structures; foundations must be designed for ground conditions.

Choosing for your project

Timber frame can suit projects that need controlled factory production, fast structural assembly and a clearly defined specification. Masonry may be a better fit where the architecture or local restrictions call for another structural approach. Read about timber frame houses and their costs. Another option is a CLT house.

Frequently asked questions

Comparisons between timber frame, CLT and other solutions, plus price questions.

ZTC manufactures and assembles houses itself, has 34 years of experience, CE and ETA-21/0014 certification, Hundegger CNC precision of ±1 mm and an industrial insulation installation system.

ZTC manufactures and assembles houses itself. The company has 34 years of experience, CE marking and ETA-21/0014, Hundegger CNC precision of ±1 mm and an industrial Isofloc insulation system.

Comfort panels use mineral wool within the frame. Premium and Lux use wood fibre or cellulose insulation; Premium adds a 22 mm wood fibre windproof board, while Lux adds a 40 mm STEICO THERM wood fibre layer. Additional 45 mm internal insulation and plasterboard are excluded from these packages. For Comfort, Premium and Lux, roof panel insulation is 50 mm thicker than the insulation in the corresponding external wall.

Panels are connected with long screws or special timber connectors. A wind barrier is used externally, a vapour control layer internally, and membranes are carefully taped across the building.

Panels are connected with long screws or special timber connectors. A wind barrier is used externally and a vapour control layer internally, with membranes carefully taped across the building.

Airborne sound insulation in timber houses can be very good, especially with cellulose or wood fibre. Impact sound in intermediate floors should be addressed with appropriate floor and ceiling solutions.

Airborne sound performance in timber houses can be very good. Impact sound in intermediate floors is addressed with appropriate floor and ceiling solutions.

For houses up to around 3 storeys, timber frame is often more economical. CLT may suit load-bearing structures, hybrid solutions or where exposed solid timber walls are desired.

For houses up to around 3 storeys, timber frame is often more economical. CLT may suit load-bearing structures, hybrid solutions or exposed solid timber walls.

From EUR 430/m² excluding VAT. The starting price covers an insulated, weather-protected timber frame panel package (shell), using the Comfort specification for a rectangular house with a simple layout and at least 150 m² of gross area. The EUR 430 and EUR 500/m² starting prices apply only from 150 m² gross area, subject to the conditions of the respective solution. Smaller houses require an individual quotation.

From EUR 430/m² excluding VAT. The starting price covers an insulated, weather-protected timber frame panel package (shell), using the Comfort specification for a rectangular house with a simple layout and at least 150 m² of gross area. The price is calculated using gross area measured along the exterior perimeter of the building. This is not the heated or usable internal area. We agree the area calculation and specification in the project quotation. The exterior-complete house is quoted individually. The stated starting prices of EUR 430 and EUR 500/m² excluding VAT are achievable only for houses with at least 150 m² of gross area and the specification and shape required for the respective starting price. Houses below 150 m² require an individual quotation; the starting rate cannot simply be multiplied by a smaller house area. For example, we do not offer panel production and assembly for a 100 m² house at EUR 43,000 excluding VAT based on the EUR 430/m² starting price.

Budget separately for foundations, plinth, interior finishing, building services, project documentation, crane hire, scaffolding, fencing and worker accommodation where needed. Delivery and assembly are included.

Both packages exclude foundations and plinth, interior finishing including plasterboard installation, electrical installation, heating, water and drainage, and ventilation. Also budget for architectural design, approvals, necessary surveys, external utilities and commissioning. The price includes panel delivery, assembly and worker transport to the site across Europe, Scandinavia and the United Kingdom. The client provides accommodation for workers where needed and pays site costs: crane hire, scaffolding and site fencing. Delivery sequence, site access and assembly arrangements are agreed in the project quotation.

What clients say about working with ZTC

Clients describe the technical guidance, quality and professional collaboration in their Google reviews.

Google review

We are Premium Living AS in Norway and built two houses with this company. We were very satisfied. We sold the last project 2 years ago when I write this review, and the first house was built 4 years ago. With both houses, the production, planning and timing all went smooth and well organised. Right now, all three buyers are pleased, and we haven't received a single complaint about flaws or even blemishes. Even during the Covid lockdowns there was no doubt that our investments and cooperation with ZTC were solid. We recommend, and anyone that has questions can ask ZTC for our reference.

Google review

ZTC built my house in 2012, and they have done some reclamation work in two periods since then. Only positive experiences with ZTC! Good quality of workmanship and customer support.

Google review

Very good experience with all the ZTC staff. Easy to work with, very professional, fast and clear in answering any question during all the projects done. I can only recommend ZTC.

Compare options for your project

Send us the project details so we can assess whether timber frame is suitable.