A ShadeScape® shade structure from Western Timber Frame™ is
a piece of cake.
Slide Circled Arrows for Before and After
You can easily build a beautiful do-it-yourself backyard shade shelter and
go from this….
… to this…
in as little as ONE AFTERNOON!
How can installing a MASSIVE, oversized timber frame structure be a picnic?
There are many reasons, but firstly, there is an essential element that makes a Western Timber Frame™ architectural shade structure:
• Stronger
• More Durable
• More Aesthetically Pleasing
• Faster & so Much Easier to Install
than modern conventional timber frame structures or ancient time-proven architectural timber frame structures.
The essential element is the innovative Western Timber Frame™ patented joint system called The Dovetail Difference®.
The Dovetail Difference®
is a revolutionary State of the Art
award-winning
patented connection system
that makes all the difference!
First, take a look at how traditional timber frame joints are made. . .
For millenniums of time, woodworkers around the world use mortise and tenon joints to securely join two pieces of wood together. The union of timbers by mortise and tenon joints are superior in strength, time-proven to hold steadfast.
Mortise and tenon connections are still the most common architectural joint utilized in timber framing and in some types of construction.
Ancient Joint System
Archeologists unearthed four wooden water wells that were built using a mortise and tenon joint system. Located near the town of Leipzig in Germany, the wells are believed to be the world’s oldest preserved timber frame construction. They are dated to have been constructed somewhere between 5206 and 5098 B.C.
Mortise
The mortise is a cavity, hole, pocket, groove, recess or slot carved or cut into a piece of wood which a corresponding part fits in or extends through.
Tenon
The tenon is a projection, the end of a wooden beam or post that is cut and shaped inverse of the mortise cavity, to fitting in as a hand would slide into a fitted glove.
Conventional Timber Frame Joint Systems
A conventional timber frame mortise and tenon joint is compromised in strength. As seen in the illustration below, the integral core of the solid wood beam is typically cut out in a square “U” shape. Having less mass, the remaining tenons are “out-on-a-limb” or rather branching out like a limb.
Chainsaw “U” joint on a conventional timber frame pergola kit.
After 18 months, this typical mortise and tenon joint is cracking.
Dovetail Joint
The dovetail joint is a mortise and tenon joint that is tapered at an angle, rather than a straight “U” notch. An angled mortise and tenon dovetail will hold stronger than a squared-straight shape “U” notch.
An Engineering Architectural Masterpiece:
The Dovetail Difference®
Innovation is a blending of inspiration and hard work. Hyrum is a natural born innovator. He has been passionate about woodworking since he was just a kid. For him, growing a beard, hard work and creating sawdust is his way of having a good time. Along with his timber-wrights, he is dedicated to the craft of building quality architectural masterpieces reproduced using time-proven ancient craftsmanship.
With all of its diversity, life, shapes, and colors humans innately desire to bond with nature. Touching one of these wooden timbers as it resonates a reassuring sense of harmony, of being at one with the universe. At Western Timber Frame™, we all feel deep gratitude for the durable, renewable, and sustainable way of building, she provides.
As durable as timber frame shelters are, Hyrum recognized that even in the best-cut timber frame joint there was a weakness in the overall design. He knew there had to be a way to make an even better joint – as he had the advantage our progenitors had no access to – modern technology.
Traditional “U” Weakens the Structure
In traditional dovetail timber frame joints, the integrity of the post is weakened when the center of the post is cut away. Using a chainsaw or skill saw the method to cut a timber framer would hack out a “U” shape through the post on both sides, then slide the other post through, lock it in and then bolt it in.
“If a timberwright is good they can cut for a pretty tight seam and it will look great,” says Hyrum, “but after a few months, six months to a year, maybe two years, the timber will sometimes begin to have gaps and separations.”
This is because of the nature of wood. With the heat and cold of interment weather, wood expands and contracts. Over time, those thin posts are vulnerable to gaps and breakage. And plain and simple, it does not look as nice.
The primary factor in determining the strength and long term durability of the mortise and tenon when loaded with tension is the strength and size of the material used. Holding fast to the time-proven ways of timber framing Hyrum conscious mind kept at work seeking for a better solution until he had a well-defined emergence of insight for a new way that would allow the wood to expand and contract. This inventive design is called The Dovetail Difference®
After searching around the globe, he invested in the best high-tech equipment that could handle carving the precise dovetail on the beams and the tails of massive sized timbers. With state-of-the-art machinery, the method of construction for The Dovetail Difference® was realized – a better and stronger joint connection! NO more cutting out the integral core of the post. NO vulnerable tenons without the strength of mass. The formation of the joints are still patterned for long-term durability but upon architectural principles that will outlast the craftsmanship of conventional old-world joinery.
The Dovetail Difference® is engineered to keep the STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY of the beams/posts in tact.
We use The Dovetail Difference® design, a massive mortise and tenon dovetail joint system throughout our timber construction process that creates very strong, rigid joints. On the pressure test featured here the load-bearing The Dovetail Difference® joint didn’t give until over 11,000 lbs.!
Not only did The Dovetail Difference® prove to be stronger it also adds to the beauty of the structure by maintaining a tighter more aesthetically pleasing joint.
The Dovetail Difference® allows the wood to naturally expand and contract in the outdoors, wherein you will not see any gaps as it is behind the dovetail mortise notch. The Dovetail Difference®, is easier to assemble. Even large oversized 20′ beams will just slide in – lock in place – for tighter seams without the unsightly gaps.
* In Europe, traditional dovetail joints are sometimes called a culver-tail, fantail or swallowtail joint.
The second reason for an easy install is
we DO all the HARD WORK for YOU.
Timber frame DIY ShadeScape® pavilion kit in the process of being pre-cut and pre-tested in the pre-assembly room of the shop.
Every single piece is pre-cut, then assembled completely together in our shop, tested & pre-stained before it is ever shipped out.
An Oriental style timber frame pergola kit in the shop, in the process of being pre-cut and pre-tested for an installation.
All this to ensure your installation will be
When it comes to talking about timber frame pergolas, arbors, gazebo and pavilions, and trellis structures, I have to say that my favorite topic is the amazing ease and speed that one of these massive structures can be installed. There is not an easier heavy timber pavilion or gazebo kit to install than the kits from Western Timber Frame™. In many aspects, they are often easier to install than even typical hardware store kits because their sheer size and strength allow for posts to stand upright. This combined with the interlocking joints makes for a straightforward installation.
There are many components that create a faster and easier DIY shade structure. Here are two more features that make these massive timber frame structures a no trouble star.
The Drop-in-Rafter™ Layouts & Post-to-Beam™ Connections
The Drop-in-Rafter™ and Post-to-Beam™ Connection System – two more of Hyrum’s innovative designs – make erecting a timber frame shelter a breeze.
Every engineered feature of a ShadeScape® kit and other timber frame structures are built for easy applications with the end user in mind. ShadeScape® pergolas, pavilions, gazebos, arbors and other timber frame structures are as enjoyable for the do-it-yourself individuals as it is for those who want to have it all done-for-them.
There are two main benefits of the drop-in rafter layout:
#1 Ease of installation.
Because the timber beam that supports the rafters is already marked and slotted, you don’t have to measure anything or try to figure the proper spacing of your rafters.
#2 Prevents Warping & Twisting
The primary benefit of the drop-in rafter layout is that it helps prevent warping and twisting of the rafters year after year.
Below is a pavilion in progress with easy Drop-in-Rafter™ and Post-to-Beam™ Connection Systems.
Each and every kit is unique and custom to each homeowner’s specific needs and specs. These are not cookie-cutter kits.
King post set in place with rafters on a DIY timber frame pavilion kit in the shop being pre-tested for fast and easy installation.
Side top beam of the timber frame DIY ShadeScape® pavilion kit in progress in the Western Timber Frame™ shop.
Top beam rafters are tested and set in place on the top beam of the timber frame DIY pavilion kit in progress in the Western Timber Frame™ shop.
Top beam connects into the King post where you can see The Dovetail Difference® mortise cuts ready to receive the rafters in place on the DIY timber frame pavilion kit inside of the Western Timber Frame™ assembly area.
Here on the top beam is The Dovetail Difference® connection system with the adjoining Drop-in Rafter-Layout™ in place on the DIY timber frame pavilion kit.
The side view of the top center beam of the DIY timber frame pavilion kit with The Dovetail Difference® connection system and three rafters in place on the Drop-in Rafter-Layout™.
Here is a beautiful view DIY timber frame pavilion kit with the notched in Drop-in Rafter-Layout™ already marked and slotted, so there is no need to have to measure anything or try to figure the proper spacing of your rafters.
Bottom of timber frame pavilion posts pre-cut to receive the knife plates for a stronger, cleaner finish without the view of unsightly hardware.
Knee braces and dove-tailed post ends featured with The Dovetail Difference® and one post is pre-drilled for the pre-wired TimberVolt® power post to maximize the outdoor living experience.
View of the Queen post set in place for the roof of the DIY timber frame pavilion kit being pre-tested in the Western Timber Frame™ shop for fast and easy installation.
The DIY timber frame pavilion ShadeScape® kit roof is being squared up.
A DIY timber frame ShadeScape® pergola kit finished in a Rich Cordoba stain getting ready for shipping.
All the measuring, cutting and layout work is done by
experienced craftsmen.
Our DIY backyard timber frame shade shelter is as fast and as easy as
elementary child’s play.
A DIY timber frame ShadeScape® pergola kit packaged for shipping.
Even though these are tough, durable, solid timbers, every effort is made to protect the kit through every step, from beginning to completion.
Shipping is Free Across the Contiguous United States
A great semi-truck driver pulling out with a new timber frame ShadeScape® kit to another happy homeowner. One more addition to a more beautiful, family-friendly America!
Combining the Best in Old World Craftsmanship
with New Technologies
Another Testament to the Durability & Strength of Timber Frame
The Horyu-Ji temple built in Japan over 1400 years ago was constructed with interlocking timbers using the same principles as found in traditional European timber framing with mortise and tenon connections. This method gave the timbers allowance to fluidly ride a seismic wave maintaining its integral strength and stability. The Horyu-Ji temple survived the violent shaking of 46 earthquakes with magnitudes of 7.0 and greater.
I would like a catalog please. I’m interested in a 10 x 10 pergola possibly a 10 x 20 pergola.
Thank you!
Hello Sandra, I have sent your request for a catalog and info onto a Design Manager. They will get it to you as soon as possible. Thank you for your interest.
Same request as Sandra please.
Thanks
Cindy
Hello Cindy, I have forward your request, the same as Sandra, for information on a 10′ x 10′ and a 10′ x 20′ pergola to a Design Manager with a catalog. Thank you, and have a wonderful day.
I would also like to request a catalog and information for a 12 x 16, 12×14 or 12×12 pergola. Thank you
Hello Deb,
I have sent your request onto a Design Manager for information for a 12’ × 12’, 12’ × 14’ and 12’ x 16’ pergola. We will also get you a catalog as well.
Thanks, and have a wonderful day.
I am interested in receiving a catalog.
Thank you for your interest, Liz. We will get you a catalog as soon as possible.
I would also like a catalog
We will get you a catalog as soon as possible, Lisa. Thank you.
I would like to request a catalog. Thank you.
Yes, we will get you a catalog.
I would like to receive a copy of your catalog, please.
Thank you!
Lori
Hello
May I request a catalog and price list please
Thank You
I would like a catalog and price list for a 10×20 pergola free standing.
Hello Lori,
We will get you a catalog as soon as possible. Thank you for your interest.
Hello Steve,
I have forwarded your request for pricing and a catalog. You are welcome, and thank you for your interest.
Hello Minda,
I have forwarded your request for a catalog and pricing on a 10’x 20′ free-standing pergola. Thank you.
I would like a catalog, please!
Hello Kira,
We will get you a catalog. Thank-you.
I would like a catalog of the 10×20 footprint pergola and pricing thank you
Hello John, I forwarded your request onto a Design Manager for pricing on a 10′ x 20′ pergola with catalog. Thank you for your interest.
I would like a catalog and price list for your pergolas. Thank you.
Hi Jacob, We will get you a catalog and pricing from a Design Manager.
We are interested in pricing for a 18’x18′ pergola or 16’x16′ pergola.
We would also love to have a catalog! Thank you!
Hi Brian and Heather,
I have forwarded your request to a Design Manager for pricing on a 16′ x 16′ or 18′ x 18′ pergola and we will get you a catalog as soon as possible. You are welcome and thank you for you interest.
I am interested in how the knife plates are secured to the ground/patio and what keeps the posts from rising off the knife plates in very strong gusts.
Hi Bill,
I forwarded your question onto a Design Manager. Thank you for your question.
Looking for a rough size of 10 x 22 on a patio slab by the patio door gutters are about 8 feet high. Look in for ideas and recommendations and cost
Hello Michael,
I forwarded your request to a Design Manager. They are closed at present but will get with you soon and give you the information you are looking for. Thank you, have a wonderful evening.
I would like pricing info for your pergola design.
I have forwarded your request for pricing to a Design Manager. Thank you for your interest.
I would like a catalog please. I really like the design concepts.
Thank you Todd, for the compliment. We will get you a catalog as soon as possible.
Could I have a catalog and pricing sent as well.
Yes, we will get you a catalog. I forwarded your request for pricing to a Design Manager. Thank you for your interest Andrew.
I would love a catalog!
Hi Dennis, We will get you a catalog as soon as possible. Thank you for your enthusiasm.
Hello
I requested a quote for the 12×20 on Monday- I filled out all the info, but still have not gotten anything. Can you help please ?
Hello and yes, Susan & David, I will help you. I have forwarded your request for a quote on a 12′ x 20′ to a Design Manager. I am not sure of which resource you used to fill out for a quote but I am so very sorry you have had to wait without a quicker response. Thank you for reaching out again. A Design Manager will reach out to you.
I would love one of your catalogs also please.
Would love a catalog and price list.
Hi Teresa,
We will get you a catalog as soon as possible. Thank you for your interest.
Hello Bob,
I have sent your request onto a Design Manager for a price list. We will also get you a catalog as well.
Thanks, and have a wonderful day.
I would love a catalog
Hi Stephanie,
We would love to send you one. We will get you one as soon as possible. Thank you for asking.
I would like a price for 8×10 or 8×16 and a catalog please!
I would like a catalog please. If I Have a design of my future pergola can you made it and send it in Europe ? Thank you!
Hello Colby,
I have forwarded your request to Design Manager for pricing on an 8′ x 10′ or 8′ x 16′ ShadeScape™. We will also get you a catalog as well.
Thank you for your inquiry.
Hello Camelia, across the ocean,
I forwarded your question and request for a catalog and they will send you a catalog get back with you. Thank you.