Timber Frame Pavilions

Lead times can vary depending on the project, so the best way to get an accurate answer is to fill out a quote form. Once submitted, our team will review your details and provide a timeframe for your structure.

Yes, Western Red Cedar is an option for a significant upcharge.

Post and beam construction and timber frame construction may look similar at first glance, but they differ in how the joints are made. Post and beam relies on metal fasteners like bolts or brackets to connect large timbers, while timber framing uses traditional interlocking joinery that holds together without hardware. Post and beam is often quicker to build, while timber framing offers a seamless, time-honored look with unmatched craftsmanship. For a closer look at each style, see our Timber Frame vs Post and Beam article or dive deeper into Timber Frame Construction.

Timber Frame structures are beautiful but require regular maintenance to ensure they remain durable and attractive throughout the years.
UV rays (sunlight) and moisture (rain/snow) are wood’s natural enemies; hence, attention must be given to protecting the wood.
• Post Stand-off brackets, are important to elevate the posts above the patio surface. 3/4th inch stand-off brackets are included with all standard structures.
• Installing rain gutters minimizes splash-back of rainwater off the roof.
• We recommend staining your structure and consistently reapplying stain as necessary.
Stains typically last 1-3 years on the sections exposed to sunlight and moisture, and up to 10+ years in areas protected from the elements. It is better to re-stain before the original stain fades or shows obvious signs of wear.

Yes — you could assemble a DIY timber frame pavilion if you enjoy construction projects and are comfortable with tools and teamwork. While you don’t need to be a professional carpenter, some experience with construction or DIY projects helps a lot.
See our video

Yes. We can provide a drawing for the concrete footer placement before you place your order.

• Timber Frame Pavilions that are built on-site are typically available in the eastern half of the United States.
• Our DIY Kits are available across the continental United States.

Pavilion pricing can differ widely based on the sizes and materials you choose. To learn more about what influences the cost, check out our article on pavilion pricing or get in touch for a personalized free quote.

• Unless an engineer determines how to properly reinforce your deck, we do not recommend it.
• A good alternative method is to install concrete footers/piers under your deck, install the pavilion incorporating longer posts, and then install the deck boards.

• Typically, yes, but it usually requires additional planning, engineering, and inspections than a free-standing pavilion.
• The following are a few preliminary factors to consider:
  • Is your house 1 story or 2 stories at the point of attachment?
  • Will the posts or roofline interfere with any doors or windows on your house?
  • Does your house have a basement in the area adjacent to the wall on which the pavilion would be attached?
  • Whether LCB is able to offer installation of attached pavilions is dependent on the lead time.

Timber Frame Pavilion kits are available nationwide across the contiguous USA.

LCB installs TF Pavilions primarily in the Mid-Atlantic states, but can frequently offer installation in any of the states in the East.

1. LCB is able to fully customize any of our structures; however, this can typically only be offered to a small number of customers per year. Smaller levels of customization are more readily available. The amount of custom jobs is dependent on the lead time.
2. If customization is requested, the following Design Phase process can be expected:
   1. You provide the size and structure design/details.
   2. LCB will provide a budget number.
   3. You enter the Design Phase (payment required).
   4. LCB will draw the structure and work together with you to adjust the design as needed.
   5. LCB will provide a firm estimate.

1. Request a formal estimate.
2. Sign the estimate and provide the deposit.
3. Your structure is ordered!

Yes! We use a laser level and cut the posts onsite as needed.

If your structure has exposed wooden posts and the patio consists of pavers with concrete footers/piers under the pavers, post standoffs are recommended so the bottoms of the wooden posts do not reside beneath the patio surface. The top of each concrete pier should be located 2.5” beneath the top of the paver stones in that exact area. (View example PDF here)

1. See the Guidebook for important preparation steps.
2. Send photos and measurements of the desired location for your timber frame structure to sales@lancastercountybackyard.net.  
3. We will be happy to review your photos and discuss possible scenarios/ideas with you.
4. A site visit/consultation can be requested for a fee based on your location.

In most states, we are able to provide engineered/architectural stamped drawings for pavilions for an additional fee. Contact us to begin the process.

A timber frame uses large, heavy timbers joined with mortise and tenon to form the primary structure, whereas traditional construction relies on smaller dimensional lumber fastened with nails. Learn more about the difference here.

A properly built timber frame structure, when well-maintained, can last for over 100 years. In fact, many ancient timber frame buildings still stand today as proof of their durability and craftsmanship. The key to longevity is protecting the wood from moisture and pest damage. That said, an outdoor timber frame structure without walls typically has a shorter lifespan of around 20–40 years.

In most cases, permits are required for building projects. Permit requirements often vary by state, county, city, or local municipality. Lancaster County Backyard does not obtain permits for our timber frame sheds, pavilions, or other backyard structures. Check your state and local laws for the most accurate permit requirements for you!

We believe quality starts with precision. That’s why our craftsmen use advanced CNC routers and computerized equipment to cut each timber frame with accuracy. Every piece is handled, even when heavy members are positioned with lifts rather than carried by hand. Many pieces are hand-sanded, while the remaining timbers are sanded with a large timber sander. The result is machine accuracy with careful human attention at every step.

The sheer amount of wood required for a timber frame construction makes it more expensive than it’s wood or vinyl counterparts. Also, the mortise and tenon style of building requires a higher level of engineering and expertise to complete. These factors combine to make a timber frame pavilion cost more than standard wood or vinyl.

We recommend that the pavilion columns are placed on concrete piers (cut the concrete and place piers in).

Concrete piers are the primary choice for setting up our pavilions, as they provide a strong and lasting base. While we can secure the structure to other types of foundations, concrete piers remain the most common and recommended option for outdoor installations.

We do offer premier-quality stain in a variety of shades and colors. Although this service provides the most convenient staining option for your structure, it’s even better to wait for staining until three or four months after construction. Dryer wood receives stain better, though you don’t want to wait so long that oxidation becomes evident and the wood starts to gray. Ask us for more direction on the ideal staining procedure for your project.

A check is the name given to cracks that form on the surface of wood columns, and results from the outermost layers drying and contracting before the inner core. Checking is considered an inevitable feature of wood construction, and simply adds to the unique character of each piece of wood. For lumber that is less susceptible to deep checks, choose #1 Douglas Fir for your exposed wooden structure.

Mortise and tenon is the architectural term for the joining of posts, beams, and braces using a tightly interlocking design that’s secured with wood pegs rather than metal fasteners. Projects that feature exposed beams with mechanical fasteners are typically classified as post and beam construction rather than timber frame. While mortise and tenon is preferred on our timber frame projects, depending on the design we may suggest the inclusion of hidden, minimal, or artfully integrated metal brackets and straps in order to maintain budgetary requirements, or produce a different kind of look.

Our timber frame structures are forged from #1 Douglas Fir – a deluxe-quality lumber preferred by many people. One inch solid oak pegs are used in the mortise and tenon joinery.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out. We welcome your questions and are happy to discuss your project in more detail. Call us at 267 638 6983 or email us at sales@lancastercountybackyard.net.