This day began the journey; 50 trees, 81 timbers, 198 joined connections
It began by harvesting White Oak, Red Oak, Sugar Maple and Black Cherry trees. The timber was taken in the winter as the old timers tell us. Skidding the logs 400 yds to the home site was full of long frustrating days, working in one of the icier winters we had in a while. The Woodmeizer sawmill was set up in the, soon to be, yard. Milling commenced and ran into, spring of 2022. The timbers which were mostly 8"x8" had to then be inspected by the National Hardwood Lumber Association, due to county building codes. Only 4 out of over 230 timbers failed inspection, this was the wind in my sails to carry me into cutting this special frame.
Each bent was cut with confidence and the knowledge that, with care, this frame could stand for centuries. Each timber is chosen and oriented to showcase or hide the beauty of the grain, wane and knots. by the winter of '22, the 24' x 32' - "Red Brush" home was cut. The following fall the frame was raised. Food was cooked, people congregated, boots were tied, the crane fired up, it was time to put the puzzle together.
In 6 hrs the frame was together and the whetting bush nailed. The sourced timber left over from the beams did not go to waste as it went into TnG flooring, trim, stairs, railing, and cladding. The home was completed the summer of 2023. Because we have worked every step of the process from selecting the right timber, falling the giants, transporting, milling, drying and storing. it gives us a better total understanding of this process and the care it needs to have a structure that is not only awe inspiring but strength that lasts. It started with a love and passion for this craft. Through blows to the chisel, bloodied hands, head scratching and finally to overcoming this monumental project, Red Brush Timber Framing Began.
Owner, Sam Wise