Preservation Timber Framing

Traditional repair of timber-framed barns, homes, churches and steeples

Services

No two projects are alike and many incorporate a broad range of services, from documentation and structural drawings to thoughtful repairs of both frame and finish. The following list is not exhaustive but reflects the diversity of our work across barns, historic homes, churches and steeples, and museums.

Conditions assessments
Framing repairs
Custom timber frames
Millwork and finish

Conditions assessments

Our clients often know that their building needs help, but don’t know where to start. It can be hard to understand how disparate repairs are interrelated, and which ones should take priority. Building committees must be able to convey the historical significance of their building and phase repairs to raise funds over time. We perform a wide range of assessment services to help plan the preservation of historic structures.

Explore our assessment services

Framing repairs

Our approach to repairs is always informed by the findings of our initial assessment. Once we understand the existing condition of the frame, we then develop a repair plan that restores the structural integrity of the building while honoring its history and preserving its aesthetic value. We recommend in-kind repairs, meaning we use the same species of wood wherever possible along with traditional joinery techniques to repair or reproduce framing elements.

Custom timber frames

Every now and then we get a special request to erect a new structure. We can either cut a frame entirely from new wood or, if we find a good match for your project, raise a historic frame fully repaired and restored. While some clients opt to save a historic frame, others have asked us to cut reproduction frames using traditional joinery, hand finished timbers, and historic architectural features. Both approaches make for beautiful finished spaces and help to keep traditional craft skills alive. Check out our current inventory of historic frames or let us know if you’re looking for something a little different.

Historic frames for sale

Millwork and finish

Millwork and finish carpentry such as doors, windows, and custom moldings provide much of the character and architectural interest in historic New England buildings. By restoring and accurately reproducing these elements, we preserve the architectural details and period style that tell the story of your building and its makers. We use traditional joinery and techniques to repair and faithfully reproduce interior and exterior architectural millwork, including doors and doorway surrounds, windows, trim, and custom molding.