Introduction to Timber Framing - October 15-19, 2025
October 15-19, 2025
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
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 small 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 the 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. A list of optional tools, such as mallets and chisels, will be provided upon enrollment, along with suggestions where to purchase them.
The structure built during this course will be an outdoor classroom for Spark-Y, a 501(c)(3) Minneapolis based nonprofit empowering youth through hands-on education rooted in sustainability and entrepreneurship.
Required Tools
1 1/2 inch chisel: you will need a chisel with at least a 5” blade. The Stanley "Contractor Grade" and Buck Brothers are less expensive options. Woodcraft and Sorby make good framing chisels, but make sure they measure exactly 1 1/2". The Barr chisel is also an excellent tool.
Mallet: with a wood handled chisel you will want a 20 to 40 oz. mallet with wood, plastic or rawhide head.
Ear and eye protection
Optional Tools
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
Lunch: Provided on site each day. Based upon a vote of the class we will also gather together one evening with a group meal and some great conversation. (Maybe more than one night).
Lodging: See our Plan Your Experience page for local suggestions as well as check out local short-term rentals. Primitive on-site camping may also be available upon request.
Tuition: $525
Materials: $30
This course is for students 18+
Your Instructors
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.
ALO OSBERG
(they/them)
A timber framer, boat builder, and avid forager— Alo is most in their element when outside, learning processes for transforming raw elements into functional art. They started timber framing as an apprentice in Cherry Valley, NY in 2020 but started their carpentry work much earlier as a public artist and later a crew leader for students, volunteers, and artists at Summit Academy, Steger Wilderness Center, Historicorps, and Visitor Center Artist Camp. They are always looking for ways to connect people to place and love teaching aspiring craftfolk about local organic material with curiosity, patience and play.
When they’re not carving timbers, they enjoy mushroom forays, gardening, mask-making, and learning languages.