How Timberframe Construction Differs from Conventional Builds

Welcome back to the Toews Timberframes blog!

Whether you're new here or following along with our timberframe journey, we’re glad you’re here.

When it comes to building your dream home, cabin, or cottage, the structure behind the walls matters more than most people realize. While conventional wood framing is the most common method in today’s residential construction, timberframe building offers a unique, beautiful, and durable alternative — and the differences go far beyond looks.

Here’s a breakdown of what sets timberframing apart and why so many homeowners are making the switch.

It’s All About the Frame

Conventional framing (often called “stick framing”) uses dimensional lumber like 2x4s or 2x6s nailed together to form walls. It relies on drywall and exterior sheathing to give the structure its strength.

Timberframe construction, on the other hand, uses large, solid timbers (think 8x8 and up) joined together with traditional mortise and tenon joinery. These heavy posts and beams create the true "skeleton" of the home — left beautifully exposed inside the building.

Strength You Can See

Timberframes are built to last. These solid wood beams carry the entire weight of the home, allowing for wide open spaces without needing load-bearing walls. It’s why so many timber frame homes feature soaring ceilings, open-concept layouts, and large windows.

Stick-framed buildings depend more on studs, sheathing, and trusses, which means interior walls often play a structural role — limiting your design freedom.

Aesthetic That Speaks for Itself

One of the biggest differences is what you see when the project is finished. In a conventional home, the framing is hidden behind drywall. In a timberframe home, the structure becomes a work of art — exposed beams add warmth, character, and timeless charm to every space.

It’s this blend of natural beauty and craftsmanship that draws people to timber framing in the first place.

Precision-Crafted Off-Site

Timberframe homes are usually crafted in a workshop, not on-site. That means your beams are cut, notched, and test-fitted with care before they ever arrive on your property. This allows for a fast and clean frame raising, often completed in just a few

days.

In contrast, conventional framing is typically done entirely on-site, and can take longer — especially in poor weather.

A Naturally Smart Choice

Timberframing offers a unique opportunity to build with both beauty and efficiency in mind. Because the structure relies on larger timbers spaced farther apart, there’s often less overall material used — and less jobsite waste as a result.

Many builders, including us at Toews Timberframes, use sustainably sourced wood and energy-efficient building practices to create homes that are as environmentally conscious as they are long-lasting.

While every building method has its place, timberframing allows homeowners to make a thoughtful, nature-friendly choice without compromising on style or performance.

Is Timberframing Right for You?

Picture this: You step into your new home or cottage. Sunlight filters through the windows and dances across warm wooden beams overhead. The space feels open, calm, and solid — like it’s been standing there forever, waiting just for you.

This is the kind of feeling a timberframe creates. It’s not just about building a house — it’s about crafting a space with soul. A place where your family can gather. Where weekend mornings are slow, and bonfire nights last a little longer. A place that’s truly yours.

If you’re dreaming of something that stands apart — something lasting, natural, and full of character — timberframing might be the path to get you there.

We hope this post gives you a better feel for what makes timberframing so unique. If you're enjoying these blogs, stick around — there's plenty more to come.

And when you're ready to start planning your own build, we're here to help turn that vision into something real