Timber Framing 101: The History and Evolution of Timber Frame Construction
Ada Heller - May 26, 2025
You’ve probably stepped into or even just walked by a charming old barn, a cozy countryside inn, or a beautiful cathedral before and noticed the rugged, exposed skeleton of timber frame construction. You may think to yourself, what exactly is a timber frame structure? Where do these structures come from? And finally, why are timber frame buildings so popular in contemporary construction?
Here, we’ll unpack everything you need to know about this timeless, beautiful, and eco-friendly construction style. This is Timber Framing 101.
Timber Framing 101—What Is Timber Framing?
Timber framing is a building method that people worldwide have used for thousands of years. The timber framing building method uses large, heavy timbers that are joined together by wooden pegs and special joints. What truly sets timber framing apart from other construction methods is the wood-to-wood joints that connect all timbers in a timber frame structure.
These structures are known for their incredible strength. For example, the oldest known Timber Frame Structure still standing today is the Jokhand Monastery in Lhasa, Tibet. The building is believed to have been built in the 7th century.
Unlike stick-built construction (which uses lots of small, uniform lumber nailed together), timber framing leaves the timbers exposed and forgoes the use of metal connectors and bolts.
Lastly, expert craftsmanship is the key to making timber framing shine. The visible beams and open interiors are aesthetic for a reason. Timber frame craftsmanship honors traditional construction, creating buildings that can stand for centuries.
How to Identify Timber Frame Construction
Timber frame construction is easy to spot. The number one giveaway is exposed timbers, especially along the frame and visible wooden beams and joints.
You can also spot a timber frame building if there are:
- Exposed heavy timbers on the inside (and outside),
- Large open interiors with few load-bearing walls,
- Pegged joinery, especially without metal fasters or nails, and
- High, vaulted ceilings supported by timber trusses.
Together, these features showcase the signature strength and beauty of timber framing.
Timber Framing 101—The Origins of Timber Framing
Timber frame construction has been around for a long time. But exactly when did timber frame construction start?
Believe it or not, timber frame structures date back thousands of years, with roots tracing all the way back to ancient civilizations! Evidence of timber frame construction has been found in archaeological sites around the world, indicating that timber framing was used in Ancient Rome and was a commonly used construction method as early as 200 B.C.
The Egyptians and Chinese used timber joinery to build everything from homes to temples, while Medieval European cultures, especially in places like England, Germany, and Scandinavia, almost exclusively used timber frame construction. The method evolved, expanded, and dominated in climates where deciduous hardwood trees, like oak, were plentiful.
Timber structures from these early times were built to last as resources and manpower were scarce. The secret to longevity? Precision joinery, skilled labor, and massive beams that withstand the test of time.
Timber framing traditions have also emerged from this tradition of construction. The Topping Out ceremony and Carpenters’ Marks are two cultural traditions that stem from Timber Framing. The topping out ceremony is a tradition from 700 AD Scandinavia that can involve the master carpenter giving a speech or toast and breaking a glass. Carpenters’ Marks are marks left on the timbers of buildings during construction to identify the individual timbers and sometimes builders.
The revival of timber frame construction today began in the 1970s with increased interest in traditional building techniques and a greater emphasis on environmentally conscious building and living.
Traditional Timber Framing: A True Craft
Before power tools or computers, traditional timber framers did it all by hand. Joinery techniques like mortise and tenon connected beams with incredible strength, with no metal required. Instead, carefully carved wooden pegs secured the joints, locking massive timbers into place.
Builders worked with hardwoods like oak, ash, chestnut, and the ever-reliable Douglas fir. Using broadaxes, adzes, and draw knives, they shaped logs into puzzle-like components, each fitting seamlessly into the next. Douglas fir, in particular, became a favorite for its strength, straight grain, and efficiency.
In early American communities, structures were often raised in communities in a tradition known as barn raising. These gatherings brought neighbors together to lift the massive frames of homes and barns—especially in rural areas—turning building into a true community event.
And the result? Beautiful and sturdy buildings that created the communities of the past.
Today, while computers cut timbers and barn raisings are rare, timber framing still relies on these time-tested and improved methods.
Timber Framing 101—The Evolution of Timber Frame Construction
Timber framing dominated around the world until the 1900s. During the Industrial Revolution, the demand for cheap, quick housing that used cheap, mass-produced studs and nails took over the industry.
This version of “balloon” construction used precut light lumber from smaller trees. Fewer workers were needed to build homes, and construction workers did not need the knowledge and skill of a traditional timber framer. In the 1930s, a new version of home-building called “platform construction” used even smaller, lighter lumber to build each floor frame. Most American homes today are built this way.
Then, in the 1970s, the unexpected happened. Timber frame construction re-emerged as a solution for people wanting to embrace more traditional ways of life and eco-friendly living.
Today, modern timber frame builders combine ancient techniques with modern tools (like CNC machines) for precision cuts and energy-efficient upgrades for homes like structural insulated panels (SIPs).
This way, you get the charm of the old world with the precision of the new world!
Curious about how technology is reshaping timber framing? See our article on Timber Frame Construction in the 21st Century.
Timber Framing 101—How Does Timber Frame Construction Work
Timber frame construction is all about building a super-strong, load-bearing skeleton first. Unlike conventional framing, where walls help support the roof, the timber frame itself carries the load—allowing for wide-open interiors and fewer walls.
Depending on what kind of timber frame building is being constructed, once the frame is up, the wall and roof panels are made with structural insulation panels (SIPs), wood siding, roofing, or other design and finishing materials.
Here’s a breakdown of the typical timber frame construction process:
- Design: The layout, joinery, and beam sizes are planned.
- Timber Selection: Wood is sourced—often Douglas fir, oak, or pine—then air or kiln-dried to minimize shrinkage and warping before being milled to size.
- Joinery Creation: Mortises and tenons are cut into the beams.
- Raising the Frame: This is the big moment—beams are lifted into place, one by one and secured with wooden pegs.
- Finishing Touches: Once the frame is complete, the rest of the structure can be completed. If it’s a timber frame home, walls, roofing, and utilities are added.
How to Build Timber Frame Construction
Timber frame construction is not easy. It takes knowledge, patience, planning, and the right team of people who know their craft.
If you’re planning on building, buying, or maybe assembling a timber frame kit, here’s how we recommend approaching the build:
- Start with a great plan: Timber frame structures require architectural drawings and structural calculations.
- Choose your timber: Douglas fir is a great choice.
- Join the joints: Mortise and tenon joints are the heart of traditional framing. These interlocking joints require skill and attention to detail to carve and lock together.
- Raise the frame: This step brings everything together. Literally! Whether you’re using cranes or a group of strong hands, it is time to raise the frame.
- Finish it off: Add finishing touches, any decorative elements, and more.
If you’re handy, timber frame kits streamline this process. They come pre-cut, labeled, and ready to raise!
What Are the Different Types of Timber Framed Buildings?
You’ll find timber framing in everything from rustic barns to modern luxury homes. Some common types include:
- Timber Frame Homes – These homes often feature open-concept layouts, large windows, and exposed timber trusses.
- Timber Frame Barns – Commonly found on North American farms, these barns are built for durability and spacious interior layouts.
- Timber Frame Sheds – Designed and specialized for sturdy, space-focused storage.
- Churches and Chapels – Timber framing allows for soaring ceilings and dramatic interior spans, creating awe-inspiring spaces for worship.
- Timber Frame Pavilions – These structures bring outdoor spaces to life with old-world charm, handcrafted detail, and structural elegance.
- Commercial Buildings – From breweries and restaurants to event venues, timber frame construction adds character to modern commercial spaces
What Is the Most Common Timber Frame System?
Another added benefit of the sturdy mortise and tenon joint system is that it can be used to create a number of gorgeous designs. The interlocking pieces and wooden pegs create designs called trusses. There are many different kinds of trusses, including the King Post, Hammer Beam, and Arched Rib.
King Post Truss
Identified by the central “king post” found at the tie beam, this truss is the most common type of truss found in timber frame construction.
Check out the Kingston Pavilion and the elevated Kingston Pro Pavilion; these timber frame pavilions showcase the king post design while adding a rustic charm to any outdoor space.
Hammer Beam
A slightly more complex design, the hammer beam truss is characterized by a small post and collar tie with two hammer posts and beam connections. The open center area this creates gives the entire design that large and open feeling the Hammer Beam is known for.
If you’re looking to see this unique engineering in action, take a look at the Denali Timber Frame Pavilion. This pavilion features hammer beam trusses that elevate any property!
Arched Rib
The Arched rib truss, sometimes referred to as the bowstring truss, has a curved top chord and a straight bottom chord. This truss is ideal for roofs!
Take a look at the Grand Teton Pavilion—this timber frame showpiece features Lancaster County Backyard’s take on the striking arched rib truss that brings bold elegance and sculptural beauty to any outdoor setting.
Timber Framing 101—Why Timber Framing Still Turns Heads (and Raises Roofs)
Because it’s more than just a building technique—it’s a statement.
Timber framing honors ancient craftsmanship while embracing modern innovation. It’s about choosing quality, sustainability, and authenticity. Timber frame construction delivers presence, performance, and personality in any structure.
From its deep historical roots to its modern-day resurgence, timber framing continues to capture imaginations and shape skylines. And now that you’ve made it through the basics—you’ve officially passed Timber Framing 101.
Ready to dive deeper? Explore real timber frame projects, discover building kits, or talk to a timber frame expert to bring your vision to life.