How to Build a Small Timber Frame Shop

Check with your local building or zoning office to make sure you've got any necessary building permits. If your shop is small enough or if it's used for non-commercial purposes, you may not need a permit, but it's best to check before you start building a timber frame shop.

Design your frame. Unless you're an experienced carpenter or structural engineer, you'll need help with this stage. The timbers in your building should distribute the load evenly. You may want to consider buying a timber frame plan or kit to ensure that your shop is built safely and is structurally sound.

Determine the type of wood to be used for your timbers. Common materials include pine, fir and oak. Pine is lighter than oak but is susceptible to fungus if not treated. Oak is heavy and dark but twists and can crack in places more frequently than pine or fir.

Figure out where your electrical and plumbing connections will be located. While most builders caution against including conduits in the timbers because of the potential for structural problems, you can route pathways along the top and sides of timbers for any necessary plumbing or electrical lines for your shop.

Assemble your frame on the site where you plan to build, putting together the last panels to be raised first. Be sure your land allows access to a crane, if you're building a timber frame shop that will be too heavy to raise by hand. Keep the frame panels off the ground to avoid the timbers from becoming wet or dirty.

Decide whether to use structural insulation panels, insulation rolls, foam or no insulation. The type of insulation used will depend heavily upon the area where you're building your shop and how often it's used. Structural panels are more expensive than regular insulation rolls but will last longer and offer more exposure of the interior timber frame.

Select an appropriate finish for your timber frame, depending on the type of wood used. The finish should reduce the amount of twisting and cracking, complement the natural beauty of the wood and be safe for people who will work in your shop. As a general rule, water-based finishes will be less expensive and safer. Some timber frame companies apply finish before the frame is shipped; this can be more expensive, though, and can require touch-up work after the frame has been raised.