One of the greatest actions there is to positively influence the environment is to plant a tree. Trees are hard assets that make the land fertile; which is why we are growing a legacy of tree plantations! For Every Single Average-Sized Western Timber Frame™ Pergola Kit We Have 50 Trees Planted! (On our larger than average sized ShadeScape® shelters there are even MORE trees planted.) Trees; they are essential builders of habitats and a restorer of ecosystems. And, not only in surrounding environments — every activity, function and homeostasis of the human body survives with the help of these oxygen producing timber giants. But trees do more than give us the life-giving air we breathe. Trees get rid of pollutants, clean up and filter contaminants, and improve air quality. [...]

Every farmer I have ever met loves the outdoors! And for this farm family relaxing in a fresh living air environment is living life at its best. Today's featured shade shelter is the perfect fulfillment of this American family's dream. Kennan and Marnee delight in cooking together and having friends over for Sunday barbecues; which are why they have four grills. They went to the Salt Lake City Home and Garden show looking for a protective shade cover.  Seeing Western Timber Frame’s ShadeScape® structures, they were impressed with the quality and beauty. Marnee: “We went to the home show and we were just looking for a 10’ x 10’ structure. Western Timber Frame was there and they had a beautiful display. We met a one of their Design guys there and he [...]

It is imperative, —as we instinctively know— for every building project to have an architecturally responsible foundation. The importance of a solid foundation is so deeply ingrained in us that it is often used in similes to represent stoutness and stability. For example, childhood has been labelled as the foundational years; our core beliefs are said to be the foundation for our actions, behaviors, and decisions. And as sampled here, there are a plethora of quotes: "Keystone habits are the foundation of success." - Charles Duhigg Completing the foundation correctly is a most essential aspect to the durability of your entire project. Along with established support it provides a level platform, bears and spreads out the weight, prevents settling, as well as holds against wind. Here we cover some of the simple basics of foundations, footings and [...]

The outdoor living area is where I travel through time, journey the world, and discover new things. It is where I look through books and the computer —all while kicking back on my pergola swing. Or enjoying other things, similar to the Leary family's children pictured here —slowly savoring a cup of delicious hot chocolate. For the grand kids, it is a favorite place to play and host their birthday. Time with family, friends, or in solitude outdoors brings a lot of pleasure. Today, where I am, is a particularly gorgeous sunny day in January. The sunlight is amplified by the fact that between January 2nd and January 5th the earth is as close as it gets in proximity to the Sun. Time is something many of us take for granted. It just exists. And yet, back in [...]