Flying Terms

It seems as if wood joinery terms fly on the air at Vermont Timber Works even after the guys have taken pencils from ears and the doors have closed for the night. Consequently, I cannot help but learn a few terms myself, though I resist. (I'm in bookkeeping.) Here's my wood joinery repertoire...so far anyway:



Tongue (Now there's an easy one! It looks like a tongue.)


Shoulder (It's much like a human shoulder, well, one that will never rotate, ever again, once joined.)

Mort - Mortise and Tenon (How does one remember which part is the mortise and which is the tenon??? How many times have I asked Sandy? She's my source for anything 'shop' because she doesn't roll her eyes or sit back in her chair with an impatient expression when I ask dumb questions. Although, if I ask which is mortise and which is tenon, one more time, Sandy might clobber me or at least think me mentally deficient.


So I've devised a method. I think Mortimer instead of mortise, and I know that 'ol Mort has a hole in his head because that's how I picture him. Poor 'ol Mort.)




Dovetail (Easy. It describes itself perfectly. I, however, would have named this joinery, fishtail. But I can remember either.)





Doublemort (Just double poor 'ol Mort.)




Our web page on joinery demonstrates these terms in timber photos, and Wikipedia offers a detailed picture on wood joinery. It's a great page.

I guess that wasn't too painful. I might learn a few more terms. Let them fly!

Timber Frames of ALL Kinds...

From custom designed timber frame homes to post and beam horse barns, Vermont Timber Works is ready to build for you.


Need a timber pavilion? How about something designed in douglas fir timbers and steel joinery?


Our Citizen's Park Playground Project is certainly worth a look. Don't you agree?


Whether you are looking for a big, small, complex, or simple timber frame structure, a hand crafted product is always a good idea. And hand crafted is what you will always get from Vermont Timber Works. Always! 802-886-1917

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?)