What is a commonly used measurement system in timber framing?

The Imperial measurement system is commonly used in timber framing primarily because this practice has deep historical roots in regions where Imperial units were standardized, particularly in the United States. Timber framing often involves measuring large sections of wood, where traditional feet and inches provide practical dimensions that are easy to visualize and work with on-site.

The Imperial system's focus on larger units like feet and fractional inches allows for greater ease of communication and consistency among carpenters, who often need to work with raw materials that are sized and specified in these units. When marking and cutting timbers, using inches and feet allows for less conversion and aligns with how timber products are sold, making it a practical choice for tradespeople.

On the other hand, while the Metric measurement system has gained popularity in various construction fields globally due to its ease of calculation and conversion, it is less commonly employed in traditional timber framing practices in regions where the Imperial system prevails. The Decimal and Fractional measurement systems are generally considered subcategories or methods of measuring within the broader context of Imperial units and do not stand alone as commonly used systems in the context of timber framing.