Design & engineering
Custom timber frames
Layouts built around your site, program, and budget—with the same CNC precision and stamped documentation as our shop kits.
Our shop listings are proven starting points—but many projects need a different footprint, bay count, roof geometry, or connection to an existing structure. We design custom timber frame kits with precise detailing, traditional joinery, and engineer-stamped documentation like our catalog frames.
When a custom frame makes sense
You may be a fit for a custom design if you are planning:
- A home, cabin, or garage with dimensions not covered in the shop
- A barn, workshop, or event space with specific clear-span requirements
- An addition or connector between new timber and existing construction
- A hybrid of timber frame with conventional or SIP enclosure systems
- A revision to a shop design—eave height, bay spacing, loft layout, or timber species
If your goals are close to a listed kit, we can often adapt a shop frame economically. When the structure diverges further, we treat it as a full custom project from layout through fabrication.
How we work with you
Roof geometry, bays, and truss type tailored to your program.
1. Discovery & layout
We start with how you will use the building, your site, timeline, and budget range. Rough sketches and inspiration photos are helpful but not required. From there we develop bay spacing, post locations, truss type, and eave heights. Many designs are modular, expanding in roughly 10–15 foot bay increments so you can phase a build without starting over.
Complete drawing sets engineered for cold-climate loads.
2. Engineering & permits
Every frame receives a full plan set prepared for Maine snow, wind, and cold-climate loads and stamped by a Maine-licensed professional engineer. Outside Maine, a licensed engineer in your state reviews and stamps for local code—we coordinate revisions so the kit matches approved drawings.
Kiln-dried timber, detailed layout, and checked joinery.
3. Fabrication
Timbers are laid out in CAD for accurate joinery. Critical connections are checked, labeled, and bundled for delivery. You receive braces, pegs, splines, and hardware needed to raise the structure.
Nationwide delivery; on-site raising available near Paris, Maine.
4. Delivery & raising
Kits ship throughout the continental US. A crane or forklift is typically required at delivery. We can quote on-site raising within roughly 100 miles of Paris, Maine; otherwise we support owner-builder or contractor-led assembly with layout guidance along the way.
What is included
Custom kits follow the same core scope as our shop frames unless we agree otherwise in writing:
- Engineer-stamped timber frame drawings
- Cut-and-labeled timber package with traditional joinery
- Braces, pegs, splines, and raising hardware
- Kiln-dried timber treated with a specialty timber oil
Foundations, enclosure (walls, roof, windows), tie-down hardware specific to your foundation type, and crane rental are handled on your side of the project. We are happy to discuss sequencing and enclosure partners when panels are on your roadmap.
Timber and finishes
Species and grade depend on span, exposure, and appearance goals. Douglas fir and pine are common for residential work; we will recommend appropriate sizes for your loads and aesthetics. All timbers are kiln-dried before fabrication.
Lead time and investment
Custom projects require additional design and engineering time before shop production begins. Lead times vary with complexity and current shop schedule—we will give you a realistic window after the layout is defined. Pricing reflects timber volume, joinery complexity, and engineering scope; we provide a formal quote once the design direction is settled.
Start a custom project
Share footprint, use, and timeline—we will help you decide between adapting a shop frame or starting a full custom layout.
Or call (207) 200-1945. Still exploring? Browse the shop or read Where do I start?