I am in the process of raising a small timberframe cabin in the interior of B.C. I have been working on part time on the timbers for the last 2 winters. In spite of my readings (Benson, Sobon) I still have a collection of unanswered questions:

1. Should joints be treated before assembly (wax?, oil?)

2. Should pegs be treated before assembly? One fellow I spoke to suggested dipping the pegs in urethane before inserting. Is there any value to this?

3. I am using 'drop-in' dovetail braces for the exterior wall bracing. Is there any technique to prevent the brace from popping out or will the stress skin panel be sufficient to hold it in place?

4. I am installing a metal roof on top of the roof panels. Should I install strapping to the panels first or can I install the metal roofing directly to the panel (with some building felt between)?

Cheers