Highlights
An A-frame is a sturdy, stable home that resembles the letter A.
A-frames became popular in the 1930s.
This style of home is often chosen for vacation accommodations.
While charming, A-frames limit interior space and make roof repairs a challenge.
Building a 1,000-square-foot A-frame costs about $150,000.
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If you have ever dreamed of waking up in an adult-sized treehouse, an A-frame house can give you the same nostalgic feeling while keeping you on solid ground. It is no secret why this style of house is called an A-frame—the shape of the house comes to a point, like the capital letter A. But what is an A-frame house, and is there more to these buildings than the identifiable exterior? Here is everything you need to know about A-frame houses, from the amount of space they have (or lack) inside, to how they hold up to harsh winter weather.
What Is an A-Frame House?
Photo: Jeremy Poland / Getty Images
An A-frame home is shaped like a triangle. Four walls begin at the foundation and meet at a point. A-frame homes are generally small, around 1,000 square feet. The sloping sides of the home lack windows, but there may be large windows at the back of the house. The real showstopper is the front wall, which is often made up of many large windows or glass.
The History of A-Frame Homes
A-frame buildings have enjoyed worldwide popularity for many years, from farmhouses in Shirakawa-go, a village in Japan, to ski chalets in the Alps. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these sloping buildings are just plain practical, as the sharply pitched roof sheds snow and lets rain drain off the surface with ease.
In 1934, architect Rudolph Schindler designed the first A-frame house in the United States as a vacation home in Lake Arrowood, north of Los Angeles, California. After World War II, many Americans had an increased interest in purchasing second homes or vacation homes.
Of course, there was a frenzy over the A-frame cabin’s quaint look, especially when surrounded by picturesque landscapes. A-frames popped up on remote parcels of land and splashed across the pages of magazines and newspapers.
Today, the interest is still strong. The appealing architecture of A-frames endures, looking as chic on social media and rental apps as it does in books and magazines.
Pros and Cons of A-Frame Houses
In addition to the appearance, there are many reasons that make this style so sought-after. But it is important to keep in mind that the A-frame comes with more than gorgeous views of trees or a cozy corner fireplace; there are also some sacrifices to make in choosing it over a more conventional house shape.
Benefits of an A-Frame Home
A-frame homes are practical, especially in snowy or windy locations. The steep roofs effortlessly shed snow and rain and block heavy winds, so these homes are as durable in a midwestern forest as they are in a seaside village.
Another benefit of A-frame homes is their simple form, which two people can easily build. Building out the frame is straightforward, although keep in mind that it is still best to consult with an architect or a local custom home builder if you want to add special features or make the most efficient use of the interior space. Plus, you will need to work with plumbers and electricians to get the house ready for occupancy, especially if you have decided to build in a less developed location.
Drawbacks of an A-Frame Home
An A-frame home has less interior space than a similarly sized conventional home because the exterior walls are steeply sloped. That can leave some awkward, unused space toward the top of the house; however, many homeowners have converted these upper spaces into lofts or storage areas.
Because the side walls are actually the steep roof, it is difficult to climb onto an A-frame roof to fix a few shingles or patch a leak. Consequently, many homeowners opt for a more durable metal roof instead. The massive amount of roof space is another downfall. This style of home tends to have about 20% more exterior surfaces, and if they are not well insulated, the resulting energy bills may be higher.
Cost to Build an A-Frame House
The cost to build an A-frame house is about $150,000 for a 1,000-square-foot home or cabin. This style costs about $100 to $200 per square foot for materials and labor, which rivals or may even be higher than modular home costs. If you plan on a custom A-frame house plan to create a “cottagecore” vacation home, you might spend $400 to $600 per square foot.
On the other hand, prefabricated kits are available for simpler A-frame homes and cost around $37,000 for the full inside-and-out setup, making them an option for a low-cost accessory dwelling unit (ADU). Keep in mind that these kits, while less expensive upfront, will require professional help and extra costs for installing plumbing and electricity.
Frequently Asked Questions
A-frame houses pose specific challenges that can make heating difficult. Their open concept design with high ceilings can lead to a colder lower floor and a warmer upper floor. A ceiling fan that pushes warm air down or pulls cold air up, depending on the season, can easily counteract temperature issues. Additionally, certain types of heating do better in these homes than others. For example, heated floors tend to be more practical and energy efficient than baseboard heating.
An A-frame home can be cheaper to build than a traditional house, but that is not always a given. Prices can be fairly similar in some cases, depending on the location, design, and necessary site preparation. Costs for an A-frame typically run between $100 to $200 per square foot, which is comparable to the cost of a traditional home. The cost of an A-frame can come in under those numbers if you opt for a prefabricated kit.
The steep slope of an A-frame roof withstands high winds, heavy rain, and heavy snowfall, making them popular all over the world. A-frames also offer simple, quick construction. Finally, an A-frame typically has large windows on the non-roof sides to let in a maximum amount of natural light. Consequently, they are often an affordable building solution for the right homeowner and location.
