Timber framing is a post and beam wood construction technique which does not make use of
metal fasteners for the structural frame. For connection, it relies upon the precision
interlocking of members for load transfer.
The techniques used in timber framing date back thousands of years, and have been used in
many parts of the world during various periods such as ancient Japan, Europe medieval
England, the United States and Canada. Timber framing has proven itself as a sustainable
and popular building method  because of it’s longevity, simplicity and aesthetic appeal.
Timber joinery is presently undergoing a resurgence in popularity. It is being used where the
exhibition of the craftsmanship required to precisely shape and interlock large wood
members is a desired building feature.
Metal fasteners are efficient means of transferring loads. They permit the use of moderate
sized members to carry and transfer loads because the installation of metal fasteners requires
only minimal removal of wood fiber in the area of the fasteners. Timber joinery, on the
contrary, requires the removal of significant wood fiber where joints occur. For this reason, the
adequacy of timber joinery is usually governed by the connections. Increased member size in
relation to what would be required for construction employing metal fasteners is often
required.  
The amount of skill and time required for measuring, fitting, cutting, and trial assembly is far
greater for timber joinery than for other types of wood construction. Timber framing is used to
provide a unique structural appearance which portrays the natural beauty of wood without
distraction.
Timber framing