traditional timber frame

Traditional Framing and Joinery

Timber framing refers to the centuries old practice of joining structural framing components (timbers) together with elegant “joints”, including mortise and tenon, dovetails, cogs, and bridle joints. Well designed and executed timber frames are beautiful and timeless. Traditional framing has become all but lost in the past century due to the attractive economics of framing in modules using 1 ½” thick pieces of lumber, nails, and plywood. A well executed timber frame is in many ways like a fine piece of furniture. It is good for the soul of the building, the builder, and the occupants. We are continuing a tradition that is thousands of years old and in the right circumstances has never been improved upon. We have many examples of traditional frames in the area and are always happy to add another. We try to keep our frames simple and to the point, though will occasionally go a bit crazy with hammer beam trusses and complex shapes.