Timber Framing Class

Timber framing has been used for centuries to build beautiful, durable structures that stand the test of time and don’t require any screws or nails to hold them together. This versatile technique can be applied to homes, barns, and even the roof systems of elegant cathedrals. It’s a unique, solid, handsome, and time-honored style of building.

Timber framing utilizes heavy timbers instead of thin framing wood (like 2×4’s). These timbers are connected using elegant and strong joinery, which interlocks the timbers and incorporates wooden pegs to secure them. Incredibly, this method of connection is much stronger and more lasting than using metal fasteners, which, over long periods of time, can attract condensation and break down. The result of timber framing is a building with an open floor plan, flexible wall materials, gorgeous exposed beams, and great durability.

Before the late 1800s, most buildings in the United States and Europe were timber framed. That’s because timber framing doesn’t rely on metal fasteners and sawmilled lumber, both rare luxuries at that time. These days, timber framers practice the art for its beauty, durability, strength, and craft. Timber-framed structures are both desirable and valuable.

Standing in a timber framed building is truly an experience; it’s like being embraced by a marriage of trees — their strength and beauty — and human ingenuity. You can feel the craftsmanship and love that goes into the joinery, and the breathtaking aesthetics of artfully exposed beams.

In the beginning, we’ll have a pile of timbers, tools, and plans; by the end, we will have the elements of a beautifully crafted timber frame! Through demos, careful instruction, and hands-on practice, you’ll learn how to do each step, including how to use some of the unique tools of the trade, and how to cut snug-fitting mortise and tenon joinery.

This class is completely hands-on; you’ll walk away with experience in every step of the process.

Part of the beauty of timber framing is that it has always been a group process. Ever heard of old-time barn-raisings? Those barns were timber-framed! Throughout this class, we’ll communicate with and support each other so that we can collaboratively craft a beautiful building. Then, at the end, we’ll assemble, fit, and raise the frame with our collective strength, and the help of some big machines.

This year during our Timber Framing Class, we’ll be creating an elegant pavilion at our new campus that will be used for teaching, learning, and evening hangouts. It will be right next to a mountain pond and near our forest camping sites and fire pit. The location is lovely. Most students in a beginner or intermediate timber framing class don’t get a chance to work on something so grand.

We’ll split up the class according to skill level managed by multiple instructors, so there will be accessible lessons for everyone, no matter what skills you begin with. You don’t need any prior knowledge of timber framing to take this class. Whether you’re a total newbie or experienced builder, a novice carpenter or artisinal woodworker, you will gain a tremendous amount of knowledge and skill.

Safety in the shop and onsite

Working with large timbers can be intimidating, and safety is crucial. Throughout the class, we’ll place an emphasis on safety and communication so that everyone can relax and work together smoothly and calmly, even in the presence of sharp tools, big wood, and big machines. Even though we will employ machines during this class, we’ll also cover manual methods for moving heavy things safely, so that you can apply what you learn at home, even if you don’t have access to machinery.

Learn mortise and tenon joinery!

With these tools in hand, you’ll learn how to use simple framing and combination squares to lay out your joinery. Then, you’ll be shown how to safely and effectively make exact cuts and create the mortises and tenons that will hold everything together. The beauty of this technique is in its simplicity and strength. Mortise and tenon joinery works by creating pieces that fit together exactly, thanks to the careful use of hand tools to get them just right.