in as little as ONE AFTERNOON!

There are many reasons, but firstly, there is an essential element that makes a Western Timber Frame™ architectural shade structure:

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. . .

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.

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.

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.

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.!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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