This Pergola Faced Hurricane Irma—and Stood Tall
On the edge of florida
Where land meets the Gulf and hurricanes test every timber, one pergola became more than a structure—it became a sanctuary.
“Are you kidding? This pergola has already been through its first hurricane—Irma. She stood tall and proud and never wavered. Our neighbors sat with us under her and watched as men from Texas cut trees off the lines and restored our power. Thank you for your wonderful product. She gave our neighbors shade when there was none. Be proud of your product. Thanks.”
— Kenneth Baker, Florida
Shelter in the Storm
When Kenneth reached out after the storm, his words hit home. His message spoke not just of structural strength, but of human connection—neighbors leaning on each other in a time of need.
Hurricane Irma wasn’t just a weather event. It was a force of nature, ripping through neighborhoods with sustained winds over 155 mph. The storm earned a Category 5 status, the most intense rating on the Saffir-Simpson scale.
Yet through it all, their pergola stood tall.
A Gathering Place in Chaos
Once a quiet backyard retreat, it quickly transformed into a place of calm amid the turmoil—a place where neighbors became friends.
As trees fell and power lines snapped, Kenneth and his neighbors found protection beneath the heavy timber beams. The pergola offered what few things could in that moment: shelter, shade, and the comfort of being together.
A Testament to Timber Strength
At Western Timber Frame™, we craft more than structures. Every beam, joint, and post is built with purpose—from old-world craftsmanship to precision engineering. We believe that form should follow function, and both should withstand the test of time.
Kenneth’s pergola wasn’t just decorative. It became a story of resilience. A symbol of hospitality. A warm, lit porch in a dark and stormy night.
And we’re honored to have played a part.
From Our Workshop to Your Backyard
Not everyone lives in a hurricane zone. But whether you’re facing high winds, heavy snow, blazing heat, or just everyday life, we build timber frame structures that are designed to last.
We don’t take stories like Kenneth’s lightly. When we say “lasting legacy,” this is what we mean—something your family, friends, and neighbors can count on when it matters most.
Gratitude and Grace
We’re grateful beyond words that the Baker family was safe—and that their pergola played a meaningful role in that experience. Kenneth’s message reminds us that our work extends far beyond wood and screws. It’s about creating places of peace, even when the skies turn dark.
To the Baker family: thank you for sharing your story. And thank you for reminding us what a humble structure can mean when it holds up more than just a roof.
Built for Beauty. Engineered to Last.
At Western Timber Frame™, we build with purpose. Our structures don’t just bring aesthetic charm—they carry with them the weight of real-world durability. Every mortise and tenon joint. Every oversized post. Every piece of wood is crafted to endure.
When we say “lasting legacy,” this is what we mean.
