Timber Frames

Timber frames are some of the most interesting and distinct structures in the world. If you have been thinking of creating a post and beam frame of your own, you already know that the number of options available are endless.

When considering companies to work with on your new timber frame, there are many important factors to keep in mind. Depending on the level of detail you require, there are different ways to cut a timber frame. Vermont Timber Works still cuts every piece of our work by hand. Our post and beam components are hand crafted in our shop in North Springfield, VT.

We also offer more than 20 years of experience in designing, engineering, and erecting timber frames all over the country. By maintaining a strictly customized approach to timber framing, we can offer a level of detail and personalized care to your frame that will not find anywhere else. Post and beam structures are our passion, and we think it shows in our work. Please visit our website and view some of our projects.

The New Guy

Being the new person at VTW has been a little easier than I was first expecting. The people in the office, and the timber framers out on the production floor have been great to work with. Having done sales, and having worked in the heavy timber business before, there seems to be this friendly atmosphere with the people who work in this field. Maybe it just takes a special person to hand hew a beam, or cut a mortise and tenon joint by hand, or help a client visualize what their Great Room will look like. Right know I am just trying to take in all the knowledge that I can, and enjoy the great atmosphere that is here everyday when you walk through the doors at VTW.

Timber Framing in Autumn in Vermont...

Timber Framing in Vermont in Autumn...it's really tough to take the view. Don't you think so?

As the leaves change color and fall to the ground, our Vermont Timber Works crew is very busy. We are wrapping up a custom designed horse barn to be raised in Rockingham, VT. Hemlock timbers were chosen, do you know why?

Horses tend not to chew hemlock timbers as much as other wood species.

Foliage photo's are stunning and are courtesy of our very own Megan (thank you).

Timber Framing in the fall

What a great time of year to be erecting your barn or your timber frame house. With the fall colors so bright, and the air so crisp, it is nice to live in New England. Watching your home being erected with the timbers, and trusses all being connected to give you the post & beam home that you have always wanted. Now all that is left to do is to sit in your Great Room, and wait until next fall.

Timber Frame Barn Raising

Timber Frame Barn Raising in Auburn, PA. Designed, hand crafted, assembled and raised by Vermont Timber Works, Inc.

Custom Timber Framing in Beautiful Vermont

Foliage season is upon us in beautiful southern Vermont. Here is a shot of our North Springfield Lake, trees just beginning to turn.

As the leaves change and fall, Vermont Timber Works has much to do. Douglas fir timbers have arrived for 2 projects, one a commercial timber frame and the other is a residential. Hand crafted fabrication with traditional mortise and tenon joinery will keep our crew busy. More douglas fir timbers are arriving Tuesday for another commercial timber truss project.

Vermont Timber Works, Inc. Call us @ 802.886.1917 or email us, we need YOUR business to be sure we stay busy!

Polka-Dots and Timber Frames.

Timber framing and polka-dots go hand in hand...when you are Sue! We thank you Sue for starting this fun and informative blog about timber frames and working with Vermont Timber Works. Travis and Sandy and others will continue it for you, and I'm thinking we'll keep the polka-dots.

Timber framing- A La Carte.....

Sometimes I think that being in the business of sales is almost like being a waiter at a fine restaurant.

The primary focus is to make the customer happy, and to run yourself ragged trying to keep them that way.

I take orders every day....from clients, bosses, even the dogs. This person would like Steel Joinery instead of Traditional Joinery. Okay- no problem.
Another person will want the Harwood Pegs in the Joints to stick out and inch, instead of being flush with the Timber Trusses. Even the dogs bark their orders....Okay- One BISCUIT, coming right up!

At Vermont Timber Works, we strive to achieve excellence every day.
We put the utmost effort into creating unique, high quality timber frames.

Fortunately, we do not have to deliver them on silver trays.....

An Army of Timber Framers....

Let's give these brave Timber Framers a bit of recognition...shall we?

These "Warriors of Wood" are not just skilled craftsmen, but risk-taking, fearless beam-slinging titans- Superheroes in the Timber Framing World.

Climbing to great heights to assemble each Purlin, each high-flying timber truss- Never looking down- always straight ahead at the giant Timbers swinging from the crane at full speed.

These brave-hearted soldiers of the Mortise and Tenon Platoon are dedicated to ensuring the perfection of each commercial project, and each residential timber frame.

There are no yellow-bellied lily-livered men here...

Just mighty forces working together to bring you an unstoppable team of Timber Framing Experts.

We are unbeatable.....We are Vermont Timber Works.

I usually assume that when people ask me what I do for a living, and I answer that I work for Vermont Timber Works, everyone automatically knows exactly what that entails.

Recent news flash....
Everyone Does NOT know!

In a nutshell, here is a better description of what I do.

Clients, either from residential projects or large commercial jobs will call and ask us to give an estimate for a post and beam barn, a timber church, library trusses, hotel porte cochers, etc. We get a lot of requests for a myriad of projects.

We will take information from the potential buyer, such as the species of wood they are thinking of, as well as the wood finish- whether it be rough sawn or planed and chamfered- the type of joinery, the location of the build, and so on. Most of the time, a commercial job will already have a set of architectural prints to go by.

Once we have provided the estimate and the client agrees to purchase the timber frame, we begin the process of drawing preliminary shop drawings. These are sent back for approval by the contractor/client. Once approved, we order the materials and bring them to our shop to begin the fabrication process.

All of our post and beam projects are cut by hand. Even the mortise and tenon joinery is hand crafted by one of our skilled craftsmen.

After the timber barn, post and beam home, truss, whatever project it may be is assembled here in the shop- we ship it to the location of the build. Sometimes we just send the timbers and other times our crew travels to the job site to erect the frame. It's purely the choice of the project manager or home owner.

Once the timber frame is up- we're done! But of course following up with the client is essential. We want to make sure that they are happy with the end result. Of course the timber frame is the KEY ingredient to a beautiful building.

If you want more information on the art of timber framing, please don't hesitate to call us here at VTW.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Heavy Timber Construction-

The phones at Vermont Timber Works have been ringing off the hook with requests for bids for Heavy Timber Construction.
Post and Beam style Timber Framing and Heavy Timber Trusses are being incorporated into projects from all around the United States (and beyond).

Travis is working on a Heavy Timber Church in Manasquan, NJ.

(This is NOT the church Travis is working on. It's one we've already done- but I needed the picture for effect).

Sandy is working on the Oakwood Shores Pavilion in Surfside, TX,

(Here's a rendering done by our structural engineer, Peter Zelonis)- This would be a great job Sandy. Good Luck!

I am working presently on a Hybrid Style Post and Beam Home in Quebec, Canada. In case you aren't familiar with hybrid construction, we will marry two different types of building- Heavy Timber Construction and Conventional building methods to create one beautiful home.

Of course we have many other opportunities in the "hopper", but this will give you an idea of the broad spectrum of projects we bid on a daily basis.

Timber Frames from the Top

Vermont Timber Works has worked hard to earn our Bragging Rights.

With over 20 years in the Timber Frame Business, we have "mortise and tenoned" our way to the top. All of our Timber frames are custom cut and made to order. There are no carbon copies, and that's what sets us apart- well, that's ONE of the things that set us apart!

As one of the Top Timber Framers in the country with the capabilities to handle large and intricate commercial jobs like this 80 ft. Octagonal Ski Resort Lodge in Stowe, VT

to private residential jobs with a myriad of truss styles-like the Breed Residence with its arched Hammer Beam Trusses-we strive to keep our reputation in place.

If you are looking for quality craftsmanship, hands on experience with friendly and reliable service, please contact Sandy, Sue, or Travis at Vermont Timber Works.

We'd be happy to provide you all the information you might need to start building that Post and Beam Home, Timber Frame Barn, or whatever project idea you might be entertaining.

Looking for a Timber Frame Home?

The process of building a Timber Frame Home can seem overwhelming if you are trying to do it alone. That is why the first real step in deciding what type of Timber Frame Home to build should be to call Vermont Timber Works.

Our qualified and friendly staff will walk you through the entire process, and guide you in the right direction to ensure that your Post and Beam building experience is an enjoyable one.

Our sales department will help to qualify your needs, and to help you fit the right Heavy Timber frame for your budget.

We can help you decide on the truss style, the wood species, the joinery, the wood finish, (such as planed and chamfered timbers, rough sawn timbers, hand hewn, etc.) and even on the the stain color-if desired.

Another option we can offer is to incorporate some timber aspects into a conventionally framed home. If your budget doesn't allow for an entire timber frame, why not just add some decorative beams to your home?

Please contact our office to discuss your plans for a timber frame house today. We'd love to earn your business.

Timber Frame Houses- Post and Beam Homes-

No matter how you look at it, or say it, it's the same thing.

At Vermont Timber Works, we look forward to the residential projects just as much as we do the large commercial jobs that come our way.

Take a look at some of the photos from our Residential Gallery:

This is the Friant Residence. This interior photo showcases the antique brick fireplace and the Maple Beams.

Here, at the Chase House, the Timber frame Matser Bathroom is the perfect place for the Whirlpool Tub.

When deciding on what look you want in your timber frame home, it's always a good idea to have a few options for the truss design. Sometimes clients will think they know what they want, but it doesn't always work with the layout or floorplan for the home.

Most of the time, the joinery used in a residential project is Traditional style Mortise and Tenon joinery,

but once in a while, someone will want the look of steel joinery.

This picture is of the Wakenah Pool House. These are modified Scissor Roof Trusses with Steel Tie Rods.

Call Vermont Timber Works for a complimentary Estimate.

We guarantee that you won't be disappointed.

If Mother Goose were to inquire about Timber Framing....

How, If I might ask, is a Timber Frame made?

What exactly are the tricks of the trade?

*My Dear Mrs. Goose, please let me explain.

Our Timber Frames are Custom Built, no two are the same.

The Timber Beams arrive here in saw milled form,

and from those milled timbers, wondrous Post and Beam Houses are born.

The Heavy Timber Trusses, are they all cut by hand?

If I want to build, do I need archtiectural plans?

*Yes, Mrs. Goose, they are all hand cut by our crew.

Fabricated in our shop and shipped directly to you.

Architectural plans are a definite plus,

But if you have hand drawn sketches and can explain them to us,

we can do a rough estimate, based on your drawing, but of course we do engineering before we start sawing.

How long will it take to erect the timber frame?

Be it Douglas Fir or White Pine, are the lead times the same?

* Based on the species, some being native, some not,

we allow for the shipping in the lead time slot.

Normal approximation for a Vermont Timber Works Frame

is 12 to 14 weeks. All the lead times the same.

Can I just put Timber Accent Beams in certain rooms in my dwelling?

Over time will the Beams shrink, or should I anticipate them swelling?

* Timber is a ntural product, and over time will start checking

with the exception, of course, of the floor and roof decking.

As Timber dries out, it may shrink ever so slighlty,

but our mortise and tenon joinery will always fit tightly.

If I wanted a Timber Barn or a Timber Church on the side,

is this something that Vermont Timber Works could provide?
*Of course we can build Timber Churches and Post and Beam Barn Frames.

These are just a few examples of why we lead in this Trade.

Call me to discuss your project. I'd be happy to take the time.

But do me a favor, and stop speaking in rhyme!

Heavy Timber Trusses,Post and Beam Projects, Timber Framing

If you've been considering building a Timber Frame Home, or using Heavy Timber to dress up your existing residence, Vermont Timber Works can help.

Building with Heavy Timber is very different than building with conventional methods, and sometimes clients aren't exactly sure what to expect when inquiring about a Timber Frame.

Here are a few quick tips that I'm hoping will help to enlighten you before you get started.

When Calling to inquire about a Timber Frame, whether for a heavy timber home, a Post and Beam Barn, a commercial project, or even just a few decorative trusses, be prepared to learn that from start to finish, the process of purchasing a timber frame and receiving the final product generally takes about 12-14 weeks.

Also, please keep in mind that the tools and the fabrication process for building with Heavy Timber are very different than conventional framing, and that the costs cannot be compared "apples to apples". If you have a budget that doesn't allow for a complete Heavy Timber Frame, perhaps a few Timber Accents would add a certain new flare to your project. We'd be happy to suggest a truss design for your Great Room or Kitchen.

Please call us for a free estimate. I'm sure that Vermont Timber Works can provide you with a Timber Framing Plan to meet both your needs and your budget.

Timber Framing, Post and Beam Construction.....

No matter what you choose to call it- it's all the same. But not all Timber Framing COMPANIES are the same- That's for SURE!

There are those who manufacture Timber KITS, and there are those who put all the Heavy Timber through big machines to create perfectly symmetrical pieces- and then there is Vermont Timber Works.

Every Timber Framed Barn, Post and Beam Home, and Heavy Timber Church Truss that we have created is UNIQUE. There are no two exactly the same. We take pride in the fact that we build everything by hand. We even hand cut the mortise and tenon joinery.

We do not supply windows, doors, siding or trim. We just do what we do best, and that is to create a Timber FRAME.

Timber Frame Tales about Post and Beam Construction...

Not so long ago, (actually. presently) in a not so far away land...(If you're anywhere near North Springfield, VT) there was a MAGICAL place called Vermont Timber Works.

In this place lied all the secrets of true Post and Beam craftsmanship.

Wondrous Timber Framed Barns and Beautiful Post and Beam Houses were created in this place, as well as Exquisite Timber Trusses to adorn Churches and Post and Beam Great Rooms.

It was once said that magical elves worked day and night to make these things happen, but I'm not sure that I would call them ELVES- (What do YOU think?)

You know you want a Timber Frame......

And why wouldn't you?

A Post and Beam House, or a Timber Framed Barn can add so much character to your property.

With traditional Mortise and Tenon style joinery, or steel connectors and rods, Timber Trusses are by far the most amazing way to dress up a building.

Check out some of our work at www.vermonttimberworks.com

Decide for yourself what a Timber frame can do for YOUR project, and call us to get things rolling.

A Timber Frame Gallery Worth Browsing...

If you can appreciate the perfect combination of artful craftsmanship, and modern Heavy Timber Design, then perhaps you should browse our web page for a delightfully refined display of both.

Our Timber Frames and Heavy Timber Trusses, along with plenty of Timber Framing Information can be found at: www.vermonttimberworks.com
The Vice President of the company, Doug Friant, dedicates himself to making this site an easy one to navigate, and to ensuring that we remain on top of the list of Timber frames to see.
**While you're there, don't forget to look at the High Resolution Timber Framing Photographs.

If we could post every project we've done, we would. There is a select assortment displayed here, however, that should wet your pallet enough to keep you checking back for updates.

Here's a sample of what you will find.......

This is the Vermont Veterans' Chapel. Look at the long central girder trusses with the steel rods.

Now that you've been enticed, please keep browsing our web page, and contact us for a free brochure.

Timber Frame Expertise

There are companies out there who CLAIM to be the best in the Timber Framing Industry, but there is only ONE that stands out above the rest.... VERMONT TIMBER WORKS!

Whether you're looking for a Party Barn like this one, with weathered Hemlock Timbers and traditional Mortise and Tenon Joinery,

Or you're thinking about a Horse Barn with multiple stalls and plenty of hay storage,like this one on Martha's Vineyard,

Or perhaps a residential project with a beautiful post and beam Great Room, like the Schmidt residence,

Vermont Timber Works is the only place to go.

With over 20 years of experience in the field, and a perfect track record for satisfaction, our hand crafted timber frames are custom built and made to order. There are no "cookie cutters" here.

Call today for a free estimate at (802) 886-1917, or send us an e-mail at Sales@vermonttimberworks.com.

Post and Beam Project....

Just yesterday, our crew at Vermont Timber Works started fabricating a "tower" or a "cupola" for the top of the Grange Hall in Ferrisburgh, VT.






If you follow the link above for the Grange Hall, and look at the pictures, you will see a heavy timber Bell Tower drawn atop the old Structure.

Can you see the resemblance?

This building is approximately 138 years old, and in need of major renovations.



Vermont Timber Works was chosen to be part of this restoration project by the General Contractor, Bread Loaf Corp., and are pleased to be able to showcase our talents through this Rough Sawn Hemlock ,Post and Beam Structure that will adorn the Grange Hall for years to come.

**Just another proud fact to add to our perfect record. **

The newly restored building will serve as town offices and a community center.

Perfect Weather for Timber Framing

Thinking of building a Timber Frame home or Barn, but waiting for the weather to break?

Don't put off your plans just because it may be snowing....

Here at Vermont Timber Works, we don't let Mother Nature slow us down.

Today, even though it was less than 20 degress and spitting a little snow, our guys were working hard to make sure we keep our projects on track.

Our dedication and experience make us top of the line in our class.

But don't just take MY word for it. Call us today and see for yourself how wonderful an experience with Vermont Timber Works can be!

Timber Churches....

At Vermont Timber Works, some of our bragging rights are derived from the work we've done in Churches.

Look at these beautiful Hammerbeam Trusses at the Westminister Presbyterian Church in West Hartford, CT. The Douglas Fir Timbers and the intricate timber design are HEAVENLY.

The St. Catherine's Parish in Westford, MA showcases Heavy Timber Scissor Trusses , made from Douglas Fir Timbers and stained dark to help encapsulate the old world feeling of the building.

The beautiful Post and Beam features that we add to these buildings are numerous in design- from the truss styles and the joinery, to the species and stain color. Every aspect is custom crafted by our crew and tailor made for each project. No carbon copies here.

Using Timber Trusses from Vermont Timber Works won't guarantee you a spot beyond the pearly gates, but perhaps they will make you feel like you're already there!

Test your Timber Frame knowledge- Part II

Last time we tried this, how did you do?

Did you get all the answers correct and are a Post and Beam Genius? Or did you do fairly well but need to brush up on your Heavy Timber Trivia?

Let's see if all that time spent browsing Vermont Timber Works' website paid off, shall we?

1) Which of the following is a SCISSOR TRUSS?

a

b

c

Did you guess "c"? Then, I'm sorry, you are not correct. Truss "b" is a scissor truss.

Let's go on...

2) Which truss style features an ARCHED BEAM?

a. The Queen Post Truss

b. The Hammer Beam Truss

c. The King Post Truss?

"b" is the correct answer. The Hammer Beam Truss features a curved bent.

3) What is a Porte Cocher?

a. A person who builds with Heavy Timber

b. A porch large enough for a carriage to pass through

c. Someone who checks your bags at a fancy hotel

Did you guess "b"? Good Job!

We have built several Porte Cocheres in our experiences here at VTW. One job being Our Lady of the Mountains , in North Conway, NH.

Thanks for taking this short but educational Timber Framing quiz.

Keep studying. I'll be back! And if you get a chance, and you live somewhere close by, go and check out some of our work first hand. Here's a link to some frames you can visit.

http://www.vermonttimberworks.com/home/frames_to_see/index.html

Interior Design with Post and Beam

Adding Timber accents to any room can make the difference between ordinary and extraordinary.

Look at the Keane Kitchen....

and the Schmidt Balcony and Living Room.

(Balcony)

(Living Room)

These Post and Beam Houses are just a few examples of how a Timber Frame from Vermont Timber Works can make the difference between average and AWESOME!

Timber Truss Styles

If you're familiar with Post and Beam style framing, or with Heavy Timber Construction, then perhaps you know that there are a myriad of styles to choose from when deciding on a Truss Design.

A King Post or Queen Post Truss is among the most common style, but if you are looking for something a little more detailed, there's always the Hammer Beam Truss or the Scissor Truss.

(Just to name a few)

One of my favorite trusses is the Hammer Beam Truss.

Check out our website at: www.vermonttimberworks.com.

What's YOUR favorite truss design? Email us at: sales@vermonttimberworks.com

We'd love to hear what you think.

Building a Horse Barn?

Vermont Timber Works is the place to go.

Experts in the Timber Barn field, we can offer a custom-crafted barn that will meet your needs and budget.

A few examples of some of our Barn Frames would be:

The Dorset Barn in Dorset, VT- a 34' x 44' barn with a timber framed dormer with complicated valley cuts,

(Timber Dormer Framing at it's finest)

The Osprey Horse Barn, a 36' x 80' custom framed barn with Native Hemlock Timbers and Traditional Joinery, built on Martha's Vineyard,

(one of my personal favorites)

and the Kenney Stables-a high end barn on Martha's Vineyard with a Bent Profile to suit "all the King's Horses".

If you're going to see a man about a horse....BARN, why not start at 36 Fairbanks Rd. in North Springfield, VT? That's where Vermont Timber Works is located.

No need to go anywhere else.

"Diamonds and Fir".....

Okay,

Perhaps not diamonds, but we DO have a "Ruby".

Faithful mascot, official welcoming committee, and keeper of the gate, Ruby is Vermont Timber Works' best friend.

But let's not forget about Kramer, our other fearless companion.
Kramer is also a favorite amongst VTW's daily crew.

Whether they are supervising the fabrication process in the workshop, directing the trucks bringing shipments of Heavy Timber to our yard, assisting the Sales Staff, or breaking for lunch,

they are always around here somewhere.

Don't get me wrong, it doesn't mean that Vermont Timber Works has "gone to the dogs", but it wouldn't be the same without them.

(Just ask the Fed-Ex guy!)

Have TIMBER, will Travel....

Vermont Timber Works is a small business in North Springfield, VT, nestled between sprauling mountains and acres of rural terrain. There are no bright city lights or booming metropolises near by, but that doesn't mean that we haven't been around.

We have fabricated and erected frames like the Hermes Barn in Shiner, TX,

and Christ Episcopal Church in Springfield, MO.

We are presently awaiting a contract on a barn in San Francisco, and just contracted some Heavy Timber Accents for a home in Paget, Bermuda.

We receive daily calls and inquiries from all over the country, and an occasional call from countries outside of the U.S.

Whether it be over the river and through the woods, or across the ocean and through the city, we'll get your timber frame delivered, because that's just what we do.

Welcome 2008!

Happy New Year.

It's the second day of 2008, and it looks like we're off to a great start here at Vermont Timber Works.

The workshop is full, the jobs are rolling in, and we're BUSY!

As of right now, we are working on Spruce Camp-a Ski Lodge that will be located in Stowe, VT,
preparing to ship trusses for a church* in MA, fabricating three Trellises for the Broward County Fire Staions in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, finishing Clay Pit Pond- a Welcome Center *in Staten Island, NY, and preparing to ship Lake Taconic Visitor Center in Taconic NY.
(Just to name a few).

Here's a toast to the successes of 2007, and to the inimate new achievements for 2008.

**Links provided are examples of the type of work stated-not exact replicas of the projects listed.