By combining the time tested strength of this ancient craft with a few modern technologies, we can build you one of the most energy-efficient homes being built today. Timber frame homes are a true craftsman style of construction using hand cut mortise-and-tenon joinery and solid timbers fastened with hardwood pegs and wedges. The  timber frame and its joinery are left fully exposed on the interior of the home to be celebrated and enjoyed.

The modern disposable building systems of today are in no way comparable to the true craftsmanship dedicated to our timber structures. This is displayed in the effects of openness, the sheer strength and sense of secuirty which has proven itself time and again throughout history.

 At Precision Timberworks we use structural insulated panels from Premier Building Systems and can use (SIPS) to enclose the entire frame.  In some cases it is just as efficient to stick frame around the building, still leaving all timbers and joinery exposed and then use SIPS on the roof. For the conventional wall framing we use a spray foam machine to gain the highest r-value possible. Follow this link for more information on Premier Building Systems http://www.pbssips.com

To learn about natural and renewable wool insulation, follow this link http://www.goodshepard.com

Timber Species

These are a few of the species of timbers typically used by our framers, all species are available in various grades and surface treatments like rough sawn, hand hewn, planed,boxed heart, fohc and stained and oiled.     

Sitka Spruce grows from California to Alaska and is readily available from local sawyers, it is the most cost effective species and has the shortest lead times(two to four weeks). The heartwood of Sitka Spruce is a light pinkish brown, the sapwood is creamy white and shades gradually into the heartwood. It is moderately lightweight, moderately stiff and has moderately low shrinkage. Sitka Spruce has a high weight to strength ratio. High grade timbers can be easily procured locally as I can work one on one with the sawyers to obtain appearance grade timbers.     

Douglas Fir grows from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Coast from Mexico to central B.C.. It has reddish pink heartwood fading to creamy white sapwood with hints of yellow and brown. Douglas Fir has great strength and good shock resistance with moderate shrinkage. We can obtain Douglas Fir timbers from several suppliers located in Washington and Oregon. We have enough material on hand for a medium sized timber frame. For larger projects expect a four to eight week lead time depending on surfacing options.

Alaska Yellow Cedar is grown in the Pacific coast region of North America from Alaska to Oregon. We deal with two sawmills out of Southeast Alaska. The heartwood of Yellow Cedar is bright, clear yellow. The sapwood is narrow, white to yellowish, and hardly distinguishable from the heartwood. Alaska Yellow Cedar has a very fine texture and straight grain. It is moderately heavy in weight and high in shock resistance and is also very resistant to decay. Alaska Yellow Cedar has a very low shrinkage rate and is very stable. It has a pleasant and distinct aroma that makes this wood unforgettable. Contact us for availability. Enough on hand for small projects, entry bent/gazebo/outdoor furniture. For larger projects expect a six week lead time.

To see a video of one of our trusses being assembled follow this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Gaw4gsSbHY