Timber framing is a traditional building method that uses heavy wooden beams joined with mortise-and-tenon joinery secured by wooden pegs. The timber frame forms the structural skeleton of the building, with walls and roof carried by the frame rather than by load-bearing stud walls. Timber-framed buildings are known for their durability, with many examples in Europe and North America standing for 300 to 600 years. The method uses large timbers (typically 15 by 15 centimeters or 6 by 6 inches and larger) and is distinct from light wood or stud-frame construction.
Timber framing originated in Europe during the Neolithic period and was the dominant building method through the Middle Ages. The craft was brought to North America by European settlers and was the standard method of construction until the mid-19th century, when balloon framing using milled lumber became common. The craft declined with the availability of cheap, dimensioned lumber but has experienced a revival since the 1970s as a sustainable, high-quality building method.
Traditional timber framing uses mortise-and-tenon joints: a projecting tenon on one timber fits into a mortise (a rectangular hole) cut into another. The joint is secured with a hardwood peg driven through a hole drilled through both pieces. Common joints include the through-tenon, blind tenon, dovetail lap, and scarf joint for joining beams end to end. Modern timber framing often uses metal connectors such as gusset plates, bolts, and straps in addition to traditional joinery, particularly in seismic zones.
Timber frames are used for homes, barns, pavilions, and commercial buildings. The open interior spaces created by the heavy timber structure are well-suited to great rooms, barns, and workshop spaces. The timber frame is typically enclosed with structural insulated panels (SIPs) or conventional stud walls with insulation. The exposed timbers are left visible on the interior, providing architectural character. Barn Design often incorporates timber framing for the main structure, with lighter framing for interior partitions.