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June 24 to 28, 2026
9am-5pm each day
Learn the traditional building technique of timber frame construction, which employs large timbers, mortise and tenon journey, wooden pegs, and few or no metal fasteners. The Sugar Shack, Outdoor Pavilion and other structures at Avon Hills Folks School are all examples of similar student built timber frames during this class.
As a class, we will cut and assemble a timber frame, which we will raise outdoors on the final day. You'll learn how to lay out and cut many types of joinery, using both traditional hand tools and professional power tools. We'll cover frame design, wood species, foundations and enclosures, tool sharpening, and much more. You'll leave the course with enough skills to tackle your own small project.
We will also discuss foundations, enclosing a frame, wiring and plumbing issues, and basic frame and joinery design.
All tools will be provided, however students are encouraged to bring their own favorite tools to class.
Required Tools
Ear and eye protection
Optional Tools
1 1/2 inch framing chisel
Mallet (with a wood handled chisel you will want a 20 to 40 oz. mallet with wood, plastic or rawhide head)
Framing square
Combination square
Tape measure
Pencil
Circular saw with sharp blade (thin kerf blades work well)
Extension cord
Hand saw (Japanese pull saws with both crosscut and rip teeth work well)
Corner chisel
Slick
Tuition: $575
Materials: $30
Lunch: Provided on site each day. Based upon a vote of the class we will also gather together one evening for a group meal and some great conversation. (Maybe more than one night).
This course is for students 18+.
If you’re traveling from out of town, onsite camping is available for $10 per night. Campers are responsible for bringing their own tents and camping gear. Camping is primitive, with no hookups or electricity. A portable toilet is located near the camping area, and while there are no showers onsite, a shared restroom inside the house is available for use. Potable water and a hand-washing station are provided, and outlets in the workshop can be used to charge phones and other electronics. We also have several great local lodging options nearby if camping isn’t your preference.
Your Instructor
CLARK BREMER
(he/him)
Clark took his first timber framing class in 1997, and was instantly hooked. He was a professional timber framer for 10 years, and served on the board of the Timber Framers Guild. A former computer programmer and researcher at Bell Labs, he now designs timber frames when he's not teaching and leading workshops. Clark lives in NE Minneapolis with his wife Mia.