Timber Frame Building Process – Wind River Timberframes

Building Process

Located on the western edge of Southwest Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, we are an intentionally small company of employees with roots in other professions who were drawn by the art and craftsmanship of timber framing. The same, close-knit team is intimately involved in every project from start to finish, often camping and living together on the job site until the frame is completed.

Like our company itself, every Wind River timber frame is unique – hand-cut with mallets and chisels, the timeless tools of the trade. Down to the smallest detail, we constantly seek out ways to improve in our craft. We work closely with our clients from the start of the design process, and we continue to keep in touch long after we have packed up our tool trailer.

At Wind River Timberframes, we understand the great responsibility that comes with building a home. Ask us how we can bring our personal service and industry-leading craftsmanship to your special project.

TIMBER FRAME DESIGN: The design process can start in many ways. The back of a napkin, an architect’s plans, and walking into the Wind River Timberframes office with a collection of clippings out of magazines have all been used to start the process. We are very flexible and always willing to collaborate through this process.

SHOP DRAWINGS: Our timber frames are designed using 3D drafting technology. This means that we are able to build and raise your frame many times on the computer before we cut a timber. We take each and every timber from the completed 3D model and draw them individually for the shop drawings that are used to cut the timber frame. Each face of the timber is drawn and dimensioned to show the mortises, tenons, and cuts that it will need.

HAND CUT: Every Wind River timber frame is unique – hand-cut with mallets and chisels, the timeless tools of the trade. there are no better methods than those developed with hand tools through the centuries to produce tight, clean joinery. We spend more time with chisels and mallets in our hands than with circular saws.

FRAME DELIVERY: The timbers are covered by tarps and hauled by semi-truck to the job site.

GROUND ASSEMBLY: Much of the frame can be assembled on the deck or concrete slab in preparation for the raising day.

CRANE DAY: Part of the joy in choosing to build a timber frame home is the raising of the frame. The home takes shape quickly and the frame provides a perfect setting for a celebratory drink or meal.

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