The Best Way to Frame a House Timber From End to End

A true frame starts long before the first cut. Season your stock, check every board for twist, and mill all faces square so joints close without force.

Mark out with a sharp pencil and a marking gauge, cut shoulders first, then cheeks, and pare to the line with a chisel you have just honed. Dry-fit the whole carcass before glue touches wood.

Clamp with even pressure, check diagonals for square, and let the assembly rest overnight. A patient frame is a frame that lasts generations.