It doesn’t get much better than Timber Frame construction! This project truly tested my skills at every level—design, joinery, assembly, and finishing. The result? A stunning patio at my home, perfect for entertaining guests year-round. And when the parties start, they usually begin with a “Wow! This is awesome!”
It’s hard to sum up such a massive project in a few words, but here’s a glimpse into the process. It all started with a design and extensive research into timber framing. I sourced large logs, which were then sawn to size. From there, I tackled complex joinery techniques like splines, half dovetails, haunches, and mortise and tenon joints—all on 300lb beams! Assembling the one-ton trusses was no small feat, but everything came together with the help of some professional iron workers. A month later, the roof was complete, and the project was finished.
This is, without a doubt, my largest woodworking accomplishment, and I couldn’t be prouder. What I learned from this monumental build can be summed up in one simple phrase: “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” That’s exactly the mindset you need to take on a year-long project like this—just keep moving forward, and eventually, it all comes together.