This traditional framing technique is enjoying a healthy revival; the post and beam frame is exposed on the interior and is compatible with large open floor plans. The mortised and tenoned pegged joinery is a joy to make as well as live with, and is stronger than conventional framing. Heartwood has incorporated timber framing in all of its building projects.

In this class we will lay out and cut the joinery for a complete frame, assemble it, and have a good old-fashioned barn-raising. We will be teaching the “square rule” approach, a traditional method that allows one to easily use timbers that are not of consistent dimension or squareness, which is how they will come from a sawmill. Modern production timber framers use planed timbers and expensive machinery that are not readily available to many builders. We will be using tools and materials that many carpenters already have or that can be found locally for a minimal investment, and will give results of the highest quality. Evening sessions will cover structural principles and techniques for enclosing the frame.