The Ultimate Guide to Timber Frame Construction

Ready to dive into the world of timber framing? 

You’ve come to the right place. In the ultimate guide to timber frame construction, we’ve gathered a wide range of helpful information to guide you as you consider purchasing a timber frame structure. 
Contact us at any time with any questions. We love timber framing and can’t wait to discuss it with you!

Key Takeaways

• Thought to be used as far back as in Ancient Rome, this unique construction method has quite the legacy! 
• CNC processing is the secret to great timber framing in the 21st century. 
• At the heart of every timber frame lies the mortise and tenon joint. Nothing rivals this sturdy joint!
• Choosing between timber frame and traditional construction? Timber framing offers unmatched beauty and strength, while traditional methods prioritize speed and affordability.
• Often confused with timber framing, post and beam construction uses visible metal fasteners—making it faster to build but less traditional in appearance and technique.
• Want to raise your own pavilion? Our pre-cut pavilion kits make it easy to bring timeless style to your space.
• With your timber frame structure safely installed, remember to keep up with timber frame maintenance to prevent and mitigate damage.
• The higher up-front cost of timber framing pays off in the long run. Sturdy structures, gorgeous aesthetic, and quality materials make the investment well worth it. 
• Timber framing proves that sustainability and style can go hand-in-hand—with renewable materials and eco-conscious craftsmanship that reduce timber framing’s carbon impact.

Timber Frame Pavilions

Timber Frame Sheds

Timber Frame Kits

Timber Frame Kit Manual

Other Resources

What is Timber Framing? 

Timber framing is a building method that uses large, heavy timbers that are joined together by wooden pegs and special joints. Timber frame structures are unique because they do not require metal brackets to complete the structure. 

How do I Know if it’s Timber Frame Construction? 

If you admire the beauty of exposed woodwork in a home or structure, you might wonder — is this true timber framing? Timber framing is a centuries-old construction method known for its strength, craftsmanship, and aesthetic appeal. However, not every structure featuring large wooden beams qualifies as true timber frame construction. Let’s break it down.

What Isn’t Timber Framing? 

Log Homes:

 Log homes are constructed by stacking whole logs horizontally to form the walls. The exterior usually displays the natural roundness or hewn surfaces of the logs. While they showcase beautiful woodwork, log homes are a completely different style from timber frame structures.

Post and Beam Construction:

 Post and beam buildings use large timbers to create their structure, similar to timber frames. However, post and beam construction typically depends on metal plates, bolts, and fasteners to connect the beams together. While strong and attractive, the presence of visible metal connectors sets post and beam apart from traditional timber framing.

How to Recognize Timber Frame Construction:

Here’s what to look for:

1. Heavy Timber Framework:
Timber frame structures are built with large wooden beams that form the main structural support of the building.

2. Wood-to-Wood Joinery:
The most defining feature is how the beams are connected. True timber framing uses traditional joinery techniques — such as mortise and tenon joints — secured with wooden pegs. You won’t see exposed metal brackets, bolts, or fasteners holding the structure together.

3. Exposed Beams:
Inside the structure, the timber frame is often left visible, showcasing the craftsmanship and natural beauty of the wood.

4. Minimal Metal Hardware:

In authentic timber framing, little or no metal is visible. Structural strength relies primarily on precision-crafted wood connections, although some modern frames may discreetly use metal reinforcements.

Timber Framing 101 — History and Evolution of Timber Frame Construction 

The rich history of timber framing is part of what makes these unique structures so appealing. From Ancient Rome to now, timber framing has always been a craftsmanship-centered construction method that has now evolved into a modern, eco-friendly, aesthetic building choice. Explore how to identify these structures, the entire construction process, common truss styles, and more with Timber Framing 101. 

Timber Frame Construction in the 21st Century

CNC Timber framing, or computer numerical control timber framing, has revolutionized the past. Now, timber frame structures can be built with timbers cut and shaped to millimeter-level accuracy. This innovation produces timbers that create even stronger timber frame structures with significantly less waste.  See how it works in Timber Frame Construction in the 21st Century.

Timber Frame Joints 

From mortise and tenon to dovetail and the scarf joint, the magic of timber framing is in its joints. These wood connections are a testament to the history of craftsmanship in timber framing. See how it all comes together in Timber Frame Joints. 

Timber Framing Vs. Traditional Construction: Key Differences Explained 

Two popular building methods have never been so different. The prefabricated lumber of traditional construction and the carefully carved timber of timber framing each have their own advantages and disadvantages. Choose timber framing for beautiful, sturdy structures and traditional construction for quick, cheap building. Compare them both with Timber Framing Vs. Traditional Construction.

Timber Framing vs. Post and Beam: What’s the Difference?

While often mistaken for each other, there is a clear difference between timber framing and post and beam construction. While both use heavy timbers, true timber framing used fewer metal fasteners while post and beam construction’s metal fasteners are often left visible on the structure. Compare all the differences between these iconic building styles here: Timber Frame vs. Post and Beam Construction.

The Complete Guide to Timber Frame Kits: Everything You Need to Know 

Our timber frame pavilion kit provides all the essential pre-cut components—including timbers, pegs, post brackets, and roofing materials—packaged together for efficient assembly. Available in the Kingston, Denali, and Grand Teton styles, these kits are a cost-effective way to install timber frame pavilions!

Strong Timber Frame Pavilions: Post Brackets, Standoffs, and Proper Timber Care

Once your timber frame structure is properly built and securely installed, ongoing maintenance is key to protecting it from moisture, rot, and decay. With quality materials, smart construction practices, and consistent care, a timber frame structure can stand strong for generations.

Timber Framing: Is it Worth the Investment? Pros, Cons, and Cost Breakdown

What is the real value of timber frame construction? A high upfront cost can be intimidating, but truthfully, timber framing’s premium materials, skilled craftspeople, and incredible longevity can make it a worthwhile investment. Explore our prices, the benefits and drawbacks, and more! 

Timber Framing and Sustainability: The Eco-Friendly Benefits of Timber Frame Construction

Another great benefit of timber framing? Timber frame construction is an incredibly eco-friendly way to build structures! Responsibly harvested wood, naturally dried timbers, efficient facilities, and more make timber framing eco-friendly!

Let’s Dive In

Get started with Timber Framing 101: The History of Timber Framing, or explore our timber frame structures.