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See it Come Together
One of the best ways to learn about the craft of timber framing is to see a project coming together. The pictures in this section show you timber frame projects in process with joints visible and timbers exposed.
The Art and Craft of Timber Framing
Timber framing is the height of the wood crafting tradition. Here, the frame of a structure is built by linking huge timbers through intricate woodworking joinery. The structures that result are intensely stable and practical, while also remarkably beautiful. For modern timber framers, each piece of wood placed in the frame is not only selected for its strength and ability, but also its aesthetic beauty.
“Timber framer builders are possessed of considerable skill and fired with enough energy to bring the carpentry trade out of the doldrums. These carpenters will not be satisfied with attaching plywood and driving nails. They yearn to work with wood. Through timber framing, they can, once again, see the building of homes as an execution of woodworking skills.” Building a Timber Frame Home, Tedd Benson with James Gruber
Use this page to learn more about the art and craft of timber framing and explore other timber frame craftsmanship resources.
How It Comes Together
To construct a frame of timbers, ancient woodworking joints, like mortise and tenon, are used by timber framers to create strong connections between beams. Once the timbers are connected via a joint, the joint is reinforced by wooden pegs, or potentially metal straps.
In its most pure form, timber framing uses only heavy timbers, woodworking joints, and pegs to create the wooden frame of the building. Often seen inside and outside of the home, the timber frame remains visible to the eye, becoming part of the building’s design and wrapping it in natural beauty. This style of construction contrasts with the now conventional light frame home where a series of dimensional lumber (“sticks”) frame the building with the use of metal bindings, such as nails and bolts.
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Birdsmouth Joint |
Dragon Beam |
Scarf Joint |
Many of today’s timber frame builders use modern technology and saw mills to prepare their wood and joints instead of sawing the wood by hand. While this technology has made the process less time intensive, it has not lessened the passion of the builders who envision, plan, and construct each detail of a timber frame.
The Modern Craft
Builders who focus on timber frame are passionate about their work. Their enthusiasm has created a thriving industry that uses heritage principles to achieve innovative designs.
Through regular conferences, regional gatherings, workshops, projects, and tours, the timber frame community is active and committed to constant improvement of their craft. Much of this activity is directed by the Timber Framers Guild, which has been in place for over two decades and encourages constant collaboration and growth. Once a year, the guild hosts a symposium that focuses on the design, repair, and conservation of historic structures. They also partner with organizations and municipalities to develop timber framing projects that contribute to the community. The focus of the events is to share knowledge and continue to educate one another on best practices in the industry. One of the most exciting events at a timber frame conference is the testing of timber frame joints done in front of live audiences. In this testing, a machine attempts to pull the joint apart, using thousands of pounds of pressure, while a crowd of timber framers look on in suspense. This testing, and the fact that it takes thousands of pounds of pressure to budge a timber frame joint, attest to the intense focus of the community on building the strongest structures possible.
To learn more about the Timber Framers Guild and the community of timber framers working today, visit the following links:
Timber Framers Guild Home Page
Timber Framers Guild Apprenticeship Program
Timber Framers Guild Project Archive
Silver Park Timberframe Bench Shelters
If you have a specific project in mind, or a question to ask of timber frame professionals, please complete our confidential information request form. (TFBC does not share contact information.)
