About us

Hyrum Thompson is a man shaped by decades of discipline, vision, and deep respect for the art of building. A licensed general contractor with over 45 years in construction, and more than 30 years in timber craftsmanship, architectural design, and manufacturing innovation, Hyrum’s name has become synonymous with quality and vision in the timber industry.

His love for woodworking began early.
At just 14 years old, Hyrum was already building with purpose. He began in fine cabinetry, where every joint required precision and every surface reflected care. That early training sharpened his standards and refined his eye—qualities that continue to guide how he approaches each structure to this day.

In cabinetry, there’s no room for shortcuts. That level of care became the foundation for The Dovetail Difference®—Hyrum’s patented joinery system. It brought the accuracy of a cabinetmaker to the strength of timber framing. Today, it remains a trusted hallmark across the industry.

Innovation followed naturally.
Hyrum went on to design multiple patented systems, including power-post innovations that combine strength and simplicity for the people who use them. At Western Timber Frame®, he continues to guide product design and improvement while mentoring a new generation of craftsmen. These individuals carry forward the same dedication to excellence and care that shaped him.

His perspective deepened through experience.
He often laughs with his friend Laurence about how he once talked him out of adding a pergola to his first home—unaware at the time how powerfully these timbered spaces could shape family life. That changed once he experienced owning one himself.