This isn’t our first set of shop drawings. We’ve been partnering with timber frame-curious architects for 19+ years.
We help architects who are great at what they do—but who could use expert advice on timber sizing, timber frame engineering, and project budgeting.
Have cost-related concerns? Sometimes we help architects who have been frustrated when timber framing turns out to cost more than expected, and they’ve been disheartened when their vision is value-engineered (or not built at all for budget reasons).
Occasionally we work with architects who want help with their first timber frame project, or who were disappointed when they recommended a timber frame subcontractor who didn’t meet expectations.
How do we start working together?
We’re glad you asked. You’ve got a few options to get the ball rolling:
- Want to talk? Give us a call at 828-266-9663 (we’re nice).
- Interested in learning more about timber framing? Carolina Timberworks is pleased to offer AIA Continuing Education System Courses at your offices.
- Prefer to send us a message? Click the button below to tell us a little about your design. We’ll get back to you right away.
What can architects expect from partnering with Carolina Timberworks?
Let’s start with the most practical aspect. Our capable team handles every step of the timber frame engineering process, from modeling to installation.
But the actual benefits extend much further. We take pride in having a responsive company culture—which means we’ll pick up your call and answer your questions. We’ll also refer clients to you when people ask us for an architect.
So what don’t we do? We don’t handle design or engineering of foundations or MEP systems (mechanical, electric, and plumbing).
Why partner with a timber frame company early in the design process?
You have brilliant ideas. But you need client buy-in to move forward and an experienced eye to make sure your designs will work. Carolina Timberworks can help:
- To help your clients visualize the space, we use CAD/CAM 3D timber frame modeling.
- To catch mistakes before they get built, our dedicated draftspeople produce professional shop drawings.
What about the cost? We can help with that too. We offer preliminary costing so you can make sure your design fits the budget.
Will your design work structurally?
That’s a great question—and it’s one we take seriously. We identify structural issues during the engineering and shop drawing steps of our process.
See those backward-pointing arrows in the process sketch above? When we find a problem, we take a step back and fix it. Only once we’ve confirmed your design will work structurally and we’ve gotten your approval, do we move forward in the process.
Do we do non-structural or decorative timber framing?
Over the last 19+ years, we’ve taken on a number of non-structural timber framing projects. But here’s the thing: you might not guess that our decorative timber framing is non-weight-bearing.
That’s because we work from the belief that timber framing only looks right if it appears structural. Read our musings on decorative vs. structural timber framing and decide which is right for your design.
What’s the best wood?
If this were strictly a numbers question, the answer would be Douglas fir. More than half of the timber frame structures in North America are built from Douglas fir.
But it certainly isn’t the only option, and in some cases it’s far from the best option. The right answer depends on whether the project is structural or decorative, whether it’s an interior or exterior structure, and so on. Take a look at our timber frame wood chart for details.
As Seen In
Do we work with reclaimed wood?
We have a deep appreciation for adaptive reuse, and using reclaimed wood beams is one of our preferred ways to timber frame. From great rooms and front porches to party barns and wine cellars, reclaimed wood has factored into many of our favorite timber frame projects.
Is timber framing sustainable?
We consider timber framing the most sustainable method of building for a few reasons:
- Wood is one of the few truly renewable building materials.
- Post and beam construction often uses less wood than stick-built homes do.
- Timber frame homes can last for generations, continuing to store carbon for decades—or even centuries.
Our timber frames are cut by the sun…
How much does a timber frame cost?
There’s no magic answer to this question, but you can use these prompts to assess whether your project will be more on the affordable or expensive end of the spectrum:
- Is the timber frame design simple or complex?
- How large are the timbers?
- Which timber species do you plan to use?
- What’s the site like?
- Is the General Contractor experienced in installing timber framing? If not, you’ll probably want our people to perform the installation.
Not sure if your client can swing the cost, given the project budget? Take a look at our ideas for how to fit timber framing into the budget.
Do we provide timber samples?
You bet. We provide short timber samples so you and your client can see, smell, and feel the different species and textures before deciding.
What can you expect from our shop drawings?
Click the sample shop drawings below to view them in a separate tab.
Do we install?
We sure do. Our crew travels to the job site anywhere in the U.S. to install the timber frame, and we take pride in delivering safe, professional work on time.
Read our timber framing FAQs to learn a little more about where we work, how long it usually takes, and what to expect from our process.
Ready to talk or need an answer to a question?
Give us a call at 828-266-9663 or send us a message
Check out our timber frame work!
Inquiries
Architect Contact
Timber Frame Architect Resources
- Design Guide for Timber Trusses
- Timber Frame Engineering Councils – Tech Bulletins and Research
- Wood Protection by Design
- Wood Decay and Protection
- Seasoning Checks in Timber
- Rules of Timber Joinery Design
- Field Notching and Drilling of Glued Laminated Timber Beams
- Mass Timber Floor Systems–Vibration Serviceability Considerations
- Detailing Cross Laminated Timber Connections
- Detailing Glulam Timber Connections
- Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) Diaphragms
- Code of Standard Practice for Timber Frame Structures
- Download a Sample Shop Drawing Example
- Timber Grading Information
- Natural Durability of Wood
- Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Structures
- Moisture Considerations for Mass Timber Structures
- Behavior of Traditional Timber Frame Structures Subjected to Lateral Load
- Effect of Moisture Content on Bending Strength of Timber
- Moment Connections in Timber
- Basic Design Issues in Timber Frame Engineering
- Loading Criteria Checklist
- Timber Frame Shop Drawing Checklist
- Timber Frame Master Specs
Disclaimer Agreement
Interpretation and appropriate use of the information presented in this resource list is the responsibility of the user. By downloading the documents, you agree that you have read and understand that neither Carolina Timberworks, nor The Timber Framers Guild or Timber Framers Engineering Council nor its members assume any responsibility for the information contained in this library of resource documents or liability from its use.