Timber Frame Kits

Curious about timber frame kits? Learn why we’ve discontinued ours and explore whether our custom projects might be a better fit for your needs.

What Are Timber Frame Kits?

Timber frame kits are pre-designed and pre-cut packages that include most, or all, of the materials you need to assemble a timber frame structure. A basic kit for a gazebo or shed typically has pre-cut and pre-drilled timber, along with hardware (post bases and pegs) and detailed instructions for assembling and raising the timber frame. A timber frame home kit is more complicated and generally includes the above components, along with the option to purchase siding, windows, tongue and groove roof decking, or insulation.

Either way, timber frame kits don’t usually allow for much customization. You might get to choose the wood type or select from a range of sizes—but that’s it.

The dirty secret about kits is that they’re almost always modified (the existing concrete patio is the wrong size, or the roof pitch of the house doesn’t match, or you’d like the ADU building to be 2′ wider to place the stairs inside instead of outside). And that involves the not insignificant expense of re-designing, re-drawing, and re-engineering the design.

The other thing about a timber frame kit is that they’re not for the inexperienced. Timber frame kits may initially seem ideal for DIY enthusiasts or homeowners seeking a memorable project to build with the family. Admittedly, raising a timber frame is not rocket science, but nor it is fool-proof. Permits, local regulations, concrete, inspections, engineering, renting and operating heavy equipment, and specialized tools are some of the known knowns. There are also the known unknowns–discovering rock or the septic line when digging. But the ones that can really trip you up are the unknown unknowns.

Maybe you’re wise enough to know what you don’t know and you’ll hire an architect and a builder. Perhaps you know enough (or have the right friends) to successfully complete a DIY timber frame kit project. We can’t say whether a timber frame kit is right for you or your project, but experience has taught us they’re not a good fit for every project. And nor are they the right choice for every timber frame company.

Curious about the terminology used in timber frame kits? Explore our Timber Frame Glossary to learn more about the craft.

Why We No Longer Offer Timber Frame Kits

Carolina Timberworks did offer pre-cut timber frame kits. (You can view them below.) But we’ve made the decision to discontinue these premade kits as of March 2023. Why?

We introduced these kits in March 2020 with the goal of keeping our crew employed and productive during uncertain times. The idea was that if one of our crew members became ill or if we needed to close the shop temporarily, our team could load their pickups with wood and tools and pre-cut the kits at home.

Three years later, our crew is busier than ever. So we’ve decided to focus on what we do best: custom timber framing. Here are just a few projects we’re excited about:

How Our Custom Timber Frame Projects Work

What goes into a custom timber frame project exactly? Well, a lot of that depends on you.

Why do you want to build?
How will you, your family, friends, or community use it?
Do you have a conceptual design in mind (size, shape, and layout of the timber frame)?
What’s your site like?
How much do you want to be involved in the project?
Should you hire an architect?
When do you want to build?
What are your wood preferences (the type of wood used in the timber frame will affect its strength, durability, and appearance). Are you in love with the character of reclaimed hand-hewn beams or is the project more contemporary and modern?
Have you given some thought to the timber framing budget?

And of course a lot of it depends on us. Learn how we work and what to expect from our timber framing process.

Sound like a good fit for your needs in North Carolina or elsewhere in the United States? We’d be happy to discuss your project in detail. Send us a message or call us directly at 828-266-9663. We’re nice!