Timber Frame Construction Timber framing is the practice of true craftsmanship, using the time honored technique of mortis and tenon joinery. Timber framing uses large (heavy) dimensional timbers in a post and beam orientation to achieve extremely sound buildings. Our timber frame work begins with the layout of milled timbers using CAD based software, hand drafting techniques, and/or scale models. Timbers are then ordered to suit the designed frame. Once the timbers are delivered, we take them into our shop where they are visually inspected for location preference within the overall design. Next, our calculations and designs are utilized to layout the joinery of the timbers using the mill rule, scribe rule, and square rule techniques. We then cut the joinery of the individual frame components, using both hand tools and power tools, including framing chisels, mallets, and a variety of saws and planes. The traditional approach of mortise and tenon is our most common form of joinery. We often use drilling, pegging, and wedges to hold together the mortise and tenon joints. Depending upon the complexity of the timber frame structures, the bents and roof planes may be test fitted in the shop to check the accuracy of the joinery. Usually this is not required and the individual timber components are assembled right on site. Once our shop work is completed, the timber frames are transported to the building site where they are raised into place and pegged together to form the completed timber frame structure. This is usually a grand occasion for the home owner and framers alike! Completing a timber frame design often involves the use of straw bale and/or wood framed walls and SIPs (structural insulation panels), which can be used for wall as well as roof construction.

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