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.