Plan, Design & Build
Get planning and building tips for timber home construction, including info on budgeting, eco-friendly building advice, siting your home, interior & exterior design elements, and more.

Some introductory terminology to get you started in choosing a timber home provider and understanding what the inside and outside of your home can look like.
Structural insulated panels (SIPs) and timber frame homes mirror and reinforce each other’s strengths, from their sustainability …
It's the details that make all the difference after all!
Use these questions as a way to organize the daunting process of building a timber home.
Use this checklist to make sure you find the right piece of property for your timber home.
The details of each variety may seem small, but their effect is huge.
Timber frame construction has been used for centuries and is increasingly popular today - here's why.
Add your own fossil-like imprints to concrete to give your timber frame home an aged appearance.
Design a personalized space dedicated to what you love to do and get inspired by these fun examples.
The mantel is an underestimated fireplace feature that can set the tone in any living space. Here's how to decorate a fireplace m…
What are the biggest differences between conventional and naturally built homes?
What exactly is a naturally built timber home, and what sets it apart from other homes?
Wormy or ambrosia maple is known for its white and dark wood tones, but it can lose color over time. Here's how to keep your worm…
It's time to rekindle your romance with an old flame: the wood-burning fireplace.
These warm and welcoming design ideas prove why a timber-framed home is the ultimate gathering spot.
Why you should consider building a timber frame home for you and your family.
A well-designed timber-frame gazebo provides a flexible outdoor living space perfect for a range of gatherings.
What are the pros and cons for an interior versus an exterior chimney? We’re working on a limited budget and need to build someth…
Successful lighting design in a timber home with cathedral and vaulted ceilings soaring 20-plus feet into the air creates an addi…
Jeff and Stephanie Bowes of Canadian Timberframes share three topics to address before choosing a timber provider.
This rustic barn structure was built to include two separate living spaces: a large area with a bar for entertaining, and a secon…
How high or low should you hang your lighting fixtures? Here are a few quick guidelines.
Confused about all of the different lighting options out there? Here’s a brief overview of different fixtures.
A symbol of American tradition, backyard barns have become the place to be for good old-fashioned fun!
Here’s what you need to …
Light is light, right? Actually, no. A variety of light sources are needed for safety, livability and ambiance. It can help you a…
Barn-style homes are having a big moment in the sun. Check out these tips and trends to help you achieve that look in your timber…
Choosing timber-frame appropriate stains and sealants will ensure your home is as strong as it is stunning.
Are geothermal heat systems really as efficient and cost effective as you think?