The Dovetail Difference®

What Is the Dovetail Difference^®?

The Dovetail Difference^® is Western Timber Frame’s patented dovetail joint — a beveled, wedge-shaped connection designed to interlock structural timbers rather than relying on exposed metal hardware to form the primary joint. Invented by founder Hyrum Thompson, it fits together like a three-dimensional puzzle so load is distributed across the joint instead of concentrating at a single exposed fastener.

The tapered geometry is also designed around the natural movement of timber as moisture and seasons change. The result is a substantial wood-to-wood connection that keeps the joinery visually integrated into the structure. It’s the joint at the heart of Western Timber Frame pergolas, pavilions, gazebos, cabanas, and other heavy-timber structures.

Diagram of the patented Dovetail Difference wedge-shaped timber joint interlocking without metal fasteners — The patented Dovetail Difference^® joint

Patented joint technology — U.S. Patent No. 9,797,149, “Timber Frame Structures with Improved Joint Assemblies,” Western Timber Frame Inc.

How Does the Dovetail Joint Work?

Traditional timber connections can be built in many different ways, including wood-to-wood joinery and connections that use bolts, screws, plates, or hangers. The Dovetail Difference® was developed as a different approach: an interlocking timber joint designed to make the wood itself a primary part of the connection.

Each joint uses a beveled, trapezoidal “tail” that fits into a matching socket. As the pieces come together, the tapered geometry creates a wedging action and spreads load across a broad wood-to-wood contact area rather than concentrating the connection at a single exposed fastener. Western Timber Frame cuts each tail and socket with CNC machines, so the two halves meet the same way every time.

The joint is also designed around the natural movement of timber as moisture and seasons change. Instead of rigidly pinning the connection at one point, the tapered shape allows the timbers to move while remaining mechanically engaged. Watch one go together:

Dropping the patented dovetail joint into place.

How Strong Is the Dovetail Joint?

The Dovetail Difference® is designed to carry substantial structural load through an interlocking wood-to-wood connection. Instead of concentrating the connection at a single exposed fastener, the joint spreads load across a broad contact area between the timbers.

Western Timber Frame commissioned pressure testing on a single dovetail joint to measure how much load the connection could carry. The test reached 11,055 pounds before failure.

Interlocking wood-to-wood connection at the primary joint
Load is distributed across the joint rather than concentrated at one exposed fastener
Company-commissioned pressure test reached 11,055 pounds on a single joint
Standard packages are engineered for 115 mph wind, and higher where local code requires it

Pressure test of a single Dovetail Difference joint reaching 11,055 pounds — A single Dovetail Difference® joint during company-commissioned pressure testing.

Craftsmanship in Every Detail

Structural design is only part of what you notice in a finished timber structure. The proportions, surface texture, edges, spacing, and details all contribute to how substantial and refined it feels. Western Timber Frame leaves the timber rough-sawn and eases each edge, so the surface texture is part of the finished look.

Dovetailed corner post showing rough-sawn timber, eased round-over edges, and interlocking rafter ends — Rough-sawn timber, eased edges, and interlocking rafter ends on a dovetailed corner post.

01 Authentic Materials

Full-Dimension Rough-Sawn Timber

We use full-dimension rough-sawn timbers, giving the posts, beams, and rafters the substantial scale and natural texture that define a heavy-timber structure.

02 Refined Details

¼″ Round-Over Edge Profile

Exposed timber edges receive a precise quarter-inch round-over. It softens the edge while preserving the substantial proportions and crisp character of the timber.

03 Shade by Design

Purposeful Shade Plank Spacing

Shade planks can be positioned to create the balance of sunlight and shade planned for the space, while adding another layer of depth and rhythm to the open roof.

04 Substantial Roof Design

Layered Roof Timbers

Layered rafters and shade members give the roof depth and dimension from above and below. Their size, spacing, and arrangement are designed as part of the structure rather than added as an afterthought.

A Homeowner’s Story From Hurricane Irma

After Hurricane Irma passed through Florida, homeowner Kenneth Baker sent us this note about his pergola:

This pergola already went through its first hurricane. She stood tall and proud and never wavered. Our neighbors sat under her and watched as men from Texas restored our power. Be proud of your product.

Kenneth BakerWestern Timber Frame homeowner

The Dovetail Difference^® in Real Projects

From backyard pergolas and gazebos to pavilions, decks, and exposed timber framing, these completed projects show how our interlocking timber joinery becomes part of the finished architecture.

Timber frame deck pergola with a dry space below and concealed lighting

Timber frame pavilion glowing with warm string lighting at dusk

Timber frame gazebo with integrated overhead lighting

Timber frame pavilion with a ceiling fan and concealed lighting

Exposed timber frame covered entry and exterior hall

Dovetail Difference Questions

What is The Dovetail Difference®?

The Dovetail Difference® is Western Timber Frame’s patented dovetail joint — a beveled, wedge-shaped connection designed to interlock structural timbers through a substantial wood-to-wood connection. It is protected under U.S. Patent No. 9,797,149 and is used throughout Western Timber Frame heavy-timber structures.

Does the dovetail joint rely on exposed metal fasteners?

The primary dovetail connection is formed by the interlocking geometry of the timbers rather than relying on exposed bolts, screws, or brackets to create the joint. Other parts of a complete timber structure, including anchors and project-specific connections, may use structural hardware where required.

How strong is the dovetail joint?

The tapered joint creates a broad wood-to-wood contact area that distributes load across the connection. In company-commissioned pressure testing, a single Dovetail Difference® joint reached 11,055 pounds before failure. The complete structure is engineered separately for the wind, snow, and other loads required for the project.

How does the joint handle natural timber movement?

Timber naturally expands and contracts as moisture and seasons change. The tapered dovetail geometry is designed around that movement while keeping the timbers mechanically engaged. As with any natural wood structure, some checking, movement, or small changes in appearance can occur over time.

How are Western Timber Frame structures engineered for wind and snow?

Standard packages are engineered for 115 mph wind. Where local code requires more, the structure is engineered to meet the higher requirement. Snow loads and other structural requirements are also addressed according to the project location and applicable engineering.

Is The Dovetail Difference® patented, and who invented it?

Yes. The joint is protected under U.S. Patent No. 9,797,149, “Timber Frame Structures with Improved Joint Assemblies.” It was invented by Western Timber Frame founder Hyrum Thompson.

What structures use The Dovetail Difference®?

The Dovetail Difference® is used throughout Western Timber Frame heavy-timber structures, including pergolas, pavilions, gazebos, cabanas, covered outdoor structures, and other custom timber-frame applications where the patented joint is part of the design.

Does the dovetail joint need special maintenance?

The dovetail connection does not require the kind of routine tightening associated with an exposed bolted joint. The timber itself still needs normal exterior care based on its finish, climate, moisture exposure, and orientation. Periodic inspection and maintenance help protect the appearance and condition of the overall structure.

Dovetail Difference at a Glance

What it is: A patented interlocking dovetail timber joint
Patent: U.S. Patent No. 9,797,149
Invented by: Western Timber Frame founder Hyrum Thompson
Made by: Western Timber Frame — Payson, Utah (since 2008)
Joint type: Beveled, wedge-shaped dovetail that creates an interlocking wood-to-wood connection
Primary connection: Designed to interlock without relying on exposed bolts, screws, or brackets to form the joint
Wood movement: Tapered geometry is designed around the natural expansion and contraction of timber
Engineering: Standard packages are engineered for 115 mph wind, and higher where local code requires it
Materials: Full-dimension rough-sawn timber with ¼″ eased edges
Used in: Pergolas, pavilions, gazebos, cabanas, covered outdoor structures, and other custom timber-frame applications

Who Invented the Dovetail Difference?

Western Timber Frame founder Hyrum Thompson standing in front of a timber frame gazebo — Founder Hyrum Thompson at a Western Timber Frame gazebo.

The Dovetail Difference^® was invented by Western Timber Frame founder Hyrum Thompson, a named inventor on the company’s U.S. patents. Since founding Western Timber Frame in Payson, Utah in 2008, he has continued developing timber-frame systems around a simple question: how can the structure itself do more of the work while keeping the finished craftsmanship clean and intentional?

Patented Invention

The Dovetail Difference^®

An interlocking timber joint that uses the geometry of the wood-to-wood connection rather than relying on exposed bolts, screws, or brackets to form the primary joint.

U.S. Patent No. 9,797,149

Patented Invention

TimberVolt^®

A timber-integrated power system designed to route electrical access for outlets, lighting, and other powered features through the structure rather than treating wiring as an afterthought.

U.S. Patent No. 10,053,861

A timber-integrated power system designed to route electrical access for outlets, lighting, and other powered features through the structure rather than treating wiring as an afterthought. Explore TimberVolt^®.

Machined dovetail joinery cut into the ends of two timber pavilion posts — The dovetail joinery, machined into the post ends.

Alongside these patents, Hyrum Thompson has continued developing Western Timber Frame systems for joinery, power integration, anchoring, shade, and other parts of heavy-timber construction. The goal is not simply to add features, but to solve practical design and installation problems in a way that still feels like part of the timber architecture. He still works the timber himself.

Hyrum Thompson cutting a dovetail timber joint on a beam in the Western Timber Frame workshop — Cutting a timber joint in the shop.

What Can Timber Joints Look Like After Time Outdoors?

Timber changes as it moves through seasons, moisture, sun, and weather. These project photos show three real examples: a conventional timber joint after about 18 months, a Dovetail Difference® joint after about 18 months, and a maintained Dovetail Difference® pavilion photographed seven years after installation.

Example of a conventional timber frame joint after about 18 months showing checking and visible separation — This example shows checking and visible separation after the timber had been exposed outdoors for about 18 months.

Example of a Dovetail Difference timber joint photographed about 18 months after installation — In this 18-month example, the interlocking dovetail connection remains closely engaged as the timber naturally moves.

Maintained Dovetail Difference timber pavilion joinery photographed seven years after installation — This maintained pavilion shows the dovetail joinery seven years after installation.

Start With a Better Connection

The Dovetail Difference^® is more than a detail you see at the corner of a timber structure. It’s part of how Western Timber Frame approaches the entire build — from engineering and precision-cut joinery to the way the finished structure comes together. Tell us about your space, and our design team can help you plan what comes next.

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What Is the Dovetail Difference®?