Structural Timber Framing

Simple
Beautiful
Strong

Last Mountain Timber is first and foremost a timber frame shop. We believe timber frame construction is the way to achieve homes that will last for hundreds of years.

Timber Frame construction uses the least amount of the resource, produces the least waste and leaves the structure of the building exposed to the interior for us to see the beauty of the timber and craftsmanship. In this way of building, the timber structure is wrapped on the outside and fully protected from the elements. These buildings will last for centuries. It is the best way to build with wood.

The first step is to come and see our work and learn the best approach for your timber frame project:

Full Timber Frame- Entire Structure is Timber

Our clients start with a floor plan and their desired truss style and we turn this into a timber frame shop drawing. Classic designs for this type of home are simple and elegant and invite the open-concept style. Timber can accommodate up to 5 stories easily. We believe in the superiority of hand joinery as we read each timber for its strengths and capability one at a time as we construct the frame. After each timber has been joined (shaped to fit for connections) it is then ready for the test fit in the shop. After final adjustments to housings and joinery, we stain/apply finish and package the frame for transport to the site.

Raising a full frame requires a crane. Each Bent of the house is assembled on the ground and slung into place, braced off and attached to the previous Bent. Raising the frame goes very quickly as each member of the frame has been joined to fit its partner. Most of our clients choose Self Insulating Panels or “SIPs” to use as the insulating wrap on the structure.

Hybrid Timber Homes- Sections of Structural Timber Combined with Conventional Framing

There are instances where it can make sense to employ timber frame construction in one portion of the design and also incorporate conventional stick framing. This is called a Hybrid. For example, we might Timber Frame the open two-story centre of a home and then a regular framer will come in and frame surrounding smaller rooms up to the timber.

Timber Frame Entries, Covered Decks- Additions of Structural Timber Framing

Last Mountain Timber is most known for our structural Timber Frame entries and Covered Shelters. This is where the public can see the timber! Many of our clients incorporate a structural timber entry with decorative interior timber elements.

Notes on Truss Style

In the gallery below, we have a photo of a simple truss where all members are straight and square. We have labelled the pieces for you to see our “lingo”: Collar Tie, King Post, Struts and Rafters. This is the Classic Truss, there are many different styles that incorporate arched struts or arched collar ties. You can also see examples of Scissor Collar Tie Trusses that two of our clients chose for their full Timber frames.