Build a Timber Frame – Fall 2025
This six day hands-on timber framing course offered by The BC School of Log Building provides an excellent opportunity to learn the foundations and techniques of timber frame construction. For the required tool list, please select from the tabs below.
Timber framing is a time-honoured traditional building technique that takes its roots from the pre sawmill era, when trees would be felled and squared into structural timber using hand tools. Timber frame building has evolved over the years to stay current in our modern construction industry but the basics have remained the same. At the core of this fascinating building technique is the mortise and tenon joint.
This course will focus on laying out and cutting the traditional joinery developed by our North American Ancestors. We will build a 16’x20’ timber frame that together we will raise on the sixth day. Join us for this engaging hands-on course to learn the techniques and knowledge necessary to construct a traditional timber frame.
*All courses are instructed in English*
This course will cover the following through a hands-on approach while building a 16’x20’ timber frame:
- Tools of the trade talk
- Safe and efficient timber framing techniques
- Sharpening skills for the timber framer
- What makes a good building timber
- Square rule layout
- Cutting and fitting mortise and tenon joinery
- Laying out and cutting each member of the frame including:
- Tie beams
- Posts
- Knee Braces
- Rafter Plates
- Rafters
- Safe raising techniques
If a tool rental is required, you can find our rental prices below this list. Reserve early to ensure availability.
The following items are required to ensure that you can fully engage in the course:
- Full safety gear:
- Steel toe boots,
- eye protection,
- ear protection,
- hard hat,
- work gloves,
- dust masks
- 25′ Tape Measure
- 24″ framing Square
- Knife (large yellow Olfa is best)
- Pencils (carpenter and regular fine point)
- Notebook
- Camera (optional but recommended)
All the tools necessary for the timber framing course are available for purchase in Golden if you arrive a day prior to the course start date, (best to arrive with your steel toed boots). Please Contact Us to discuss.
As well as the items listed on the required tool list above, please bring to the course:
- A lunch and any desired snacks as well as ample drinking water to last the 8 hour day. (Log building is hard physical work…)
- Rain jacket/Warm clothes and tuques
- Sun screen
- Balance of course fees and signed waivers
- Timber framing is a very hands on activity that requires your full attention to perform safely and efficiently; no booze, drugs, or hangovers please.
Smoking is permitted only on the road outside the log building yard please (fire safety, a lot of sawdust….).
We love dogs but please leave your pets at home.
If you have any questions regarding the course, specific tools or where to buy tools please contact us.
Tool Rental Costs
- $73.00 for course
- Safety Gear $49/week: Helmet, Chaps, Glasses, Gloves
**Must bring own Steel-Toed boots and Dust Masks**
Log Yard Address: 2745 Dejordie Rd, Golden BC
The log building course will be held at the Stonehouse Woodworks log yard in Donald BC. It is approximately 15 mins west of Golden on the Trans Canada Highway with inspiring mountain vistas and easy access.
Directions from Golden: Head West on the Trans Canada Highway, approx 15 mins until you reach the highway truck scales. Pass the scales and take your next right on Donald RD, then another immediate right on Dejordie Rd. will bring you to our gate. Parking is available outside of the gate.
Directions from Revelstoke: Head East on the Trans Canada Highway, over Rogers pass and towards Golden. About 20 minutes before you reach Golden and just after you cross the large highway bridges over the Columbia River and the train tracks, there will be a turning lane to your left for Donald Rd. Turn left onto Donald Rd, then an immediate right onto Dejordie Rd. will bring you to our gate. Parking is available outside of gate.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What size of chainsaw do we need for the log building courses?
We recommend a 45-60 cc size saw fitted with an 18’’ bar. The shorter bar length allows for safer, more controlled cutting when fitting logs. Stihl and Husqvarna are our recommended choices.
2. Do you rent tools if participants don’t have their own?
We have several complete tool packages that we can rent for the courses. These are typically reserved for students who are flying and can’t easily travel with a saw. Participants are still required to supply their own personal protection equipment.
3. Have any past participants gone on to build their own log and timber buildings?
Yes, many students have built log and timber buildings of their own after completing our course. Student projects have included cabins, saunas, houses, and outbuildings.
4. Have past students found log and timber building employment after taking a course from the BC School of Log Building?
Yes, some of our students have chosen to pursue employment after completing their course and have been successful in securing a position in the trade. Our courses provide a great foundation for someone who is interested in working in the log and timber building industry.
5. What do you do with the buildings that are constructed in the course?
We sell the completed log shells and timber frames that are built in the courses. If the building is not sold prior to the beginning of the course, then the students in the course are given the opportunity to purchase the shell.
6. What if I need to cancel my course?
All deposits and tuition paid for a course with the British Columbia School of Log Building are non-refundable. However, if you do need to cancel and there are at least 6 weeks remaining before your course starts, we will refund you your deposit less a 15% credit card and administration fee.
The BC School of Log Building reserves the right to cancel any log building course at any time. In the case of a course cancellation, the BC School of Log Building would refund the price of the course. The BC School of Log Building and Stonehouse Woodworks Inc will not be responsible for any other cost incurred by the student in the event of a cancellation.
Please ensure that your equipment and personal belongings are adequately insured before you arrive at the course. Equipment that is lost or damaged during the period in which the course takes place is the responsibility of the student. If a student purchases an equipment rental package, the BC School of Log Building reserves the right to charge the student for lost or damaged equipment.
Finally, we recommend that students purchase trip insurance which covers you for cancellation, delay or injury. No refunds are granted in the event of an incident stopping you from taking the course either before your course begins or during your log building course.
7. Where do students stay?
If you click on the ‘Location’ page of the website, you will find several options for accommodation during the courses including hotels and motels, b&bs, hostels and camping. You can also find a complete list of accommodation at http://www.tourismgolden.com .
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