Go to top of page
Traditional Timber Frame Joinery
We are different because we focus on the frame.
 
Traditional Mortise and Tenon Timber Joinery
 

Traditional Joinery
Scroll down to see more images of traditional timber frame joinery. Thanks!
Click on the images to bring up a 3d rotatable model (Mac users will need to download the 3d pdf)
 

Traditional Timber Frame Connections

Traditional joinery is the classic way to connect timbers in post and beam homes and timber frame structures. It is elegant and beautiful, using mortises and tenons that are held fast with hardwood pegs. Dovetails are common, along with shouldered connections, tongue and forks, wood finials and more. All of our joints are custom designed and engineered to fit the individual requirements of each of our projects.

Give us a call at 802-886-1917 or e-mail to learn how we can help with your post and beam project. Scroll down to learn more about timber framing and post and beam joinery.
Shouldered Mortise and Tenon

Shouldered Mortise and Tenon

This joint is the work horse of a timber frame. Girts, the main carrying beams are shouldered one inch onto posts using a tapered cut. The joint is elegant and strong. It is held with one inch birch pegs.
Brace Mortise and Tenon

Brace Mortise and Tenon

Braces are connected using one or two inch wide tenons that are typically four inches deep. Occasionally, when the loads require the width or depth of the tenons are increased.
Collar tie rafter joint

Collar Tie and Rafter

This image shows one way collar ties can be connected to rafters using a traditional mortise and tenon and hardwood pegs. A dovetailed purlin is also shown.
Timber Dovetail

Dovetails

Dovetails are used to connect roof purlins and floor joists to rafters and girts. The geometry of the joint, plus hardwood wedges that are driven in, make the connections strong and tight.
King Post Finial

Finials

Finials are decorative elements used below king and queen posts. They can be simple, like the one shown to the left, or they can be round, tear drop shaped, acorn shaped or made with custom profiles.
King post with webs and finials

King Post with Webs and Finial

This joint is the same as the one above, with added webs. It is a classic connection used in king post trusses.
Rafter Peak at Ridge

Rafter Peak and Ridge

This joint is used at the peak of trusses and bents. It is shouldered in with mortise and tenon joinery and held with pegs.
Tongue and Fork

Tongue and Fork

A typical way to join common rafters together.
Valley Purlins

Valley with Purlins

Here, purlins are shouldered into a valley rafter. The valley is cut to the pitch of the roof, so stress skin panels or wood decking will lie flat and smooth.
   


If you would like to find out how Vermont Timber Works can Help with your project, please E-Mail Us. See videos of our work on YouTube. Click here to download a low resolution version of our brochure: VTW_Brochure.pdf

We will be happy to discuss your plans and work with you to design a frame that meets your needs and your budget.

Logos


Visit the Make a Wish Foundation

Vermont Timber Works - Full Service Timber Frame Company and Post & Beam Supplier For Homes, Houses, Churches, Barns and Commercial Projects 06130 - Delivery Nationwide

 

 

 

Go to top of page