This 12’ x 16’ douglas fir pergola in Rocklin, California was completed in May, 2021. It was designed and built using traditional timber framing methods; large mortise and tenon, and other joints, that are held tightly together by 1” diameter oak pins called “trennels” or “treenails”. The holes for these are offset from one another in such a way that, in driving the trennels through, they draw and hold the joints tightly together. This centuries-old technique is called “draw boring”.

Timber framing is usually (but not always) distinguished from “post and beam” construction, which uses steel connectors and plates to hold framing members together, being attached with large lag screws and bolts. Timber frames are built almost entirely without the use of hardware, screws or nails.

Joints are precisely marked with a knife, and cut using a combination of tools; big electric circular saws and hand saws, large chisels and mallets, framing slicks, and an electric chain mortiser, which clamps to a beam and cuts a deep mortise by plunging a small chainsaw into it.

This custom pergola was designed, cut and built by myself onsite, and I am always seeking more opportunities to build structures of any kind, in the timber frame style. I’m also interested in designing and cutting custom timber frame kits, that can be assembled by you and/or another contractor or builder on your project site. The individualized quote for such a kit would include my guidance and consultation throughout the building process if needed.