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.
Hello can you send me a catalog and pricing
Hello Steve,
Yes, we will get you a catalog as soon as possible and I have forwarded your request to a Design Manager for pricing.
Marilynn
Can you get me a catalog and pricing please.
Thank you.
Sergio
Yes, we will get you a catalog, Sergio, as soon as possible, and I have forwarded your request to a Design Manager for pricing.
Can you get me a catalog and pricing please… thanks you..manuel
Hello Manuel,
I have forwarded your inquiry to a Design Manager for pricing and we will get you a catalog as soon as possible. You are welcome. Thank-you for asking.
I am interested in a catalogue and pricing please!
Thank you, for asking Sara. I have forwarded your request for a Design Manager to provide you with pricing and a catalog. Have a wonderful day.
Marilynn
Can you send a catalog and pricing please
Yes, we can, and thank-you, Derek, for asking. We will send you a catalog as soon as possible and I have forwarded your desire for pricing to a Design Manager.
Requesting catalog and pricing for 15’ x 20’
Hello, Skip, thank-you for your interest. I have forwarded your request for a catalog and your desire for pricing on a 15′ x 20′ ShadeScape™ to a Design Manager. They are closed until Monday but they will send you a catalog as soon as possible. They also do ask you about the style, wood type, post size etc. you may be thinking of for pricing. Have a happy weekend!
catalog and pricing please
Please send a catalog and pricing
Catalog and pricing please
Thank you for asking, Nancy. I have forwarded your request for a Design Manager to provide you with pricing and a catalog.
Hello Brenda,
Your request for pricing and a catalog has been forwarded to a Design Manager. Thank you for your interest.
Hi, Nicolas. We will get you a catalog as soon as possible and I have forwarded your request to a Design Manager for pricing. You are welcome.
Can you please forward me a catalog and pricing also. We are looking at having a 14’x32′ pergola made.
Please send us a catalog and pricing as well. Thank you!
Thank-you for your interest, Misty. I have forwarded your request for a catalog and your desire for pricing on a 14′ x 32′ ShadeScape™ pergola kit to a Design Manager. They will send you a catalog as soon as possible. As a heads up, for pricing as each kit is custom for you, they will need to ask you a couple questions about the style, wood type, post size, etc. those types of things. It’s such a beautiful morning here. I hope it is for you too and that you’ll be enjoying the rest of your day.
Thank you for asking, Jessica,
We will get you a catalog and I have forward your request for pricing to a Design Manager and you are so very welcome!
Can you send a cata6and price list for pergola approximately 12′ X 14′?
Thank you,
Marilyn
Thank you, Marilyn, for your interest. I have forwarded your request for a catalog and a Design Manager to give you pricing for a 12′ x 14′ pergola. They are closed this coming Monday in remembrance of those we honor on Memorial Day. They will send you a catalog as soon as possible and give you pricing as well. They will need to ask a few questions such as post size and wood type, etc. And by-the-way we share the same name.:) Have a blessed weekend with those you love.
You are welcome,
Marilynn
Could I get a catalog and pricing please.
Thank you
Can you send me a catalog please? Thank you.
Thank you for your interest, Serbina. I have forwarded your request for a catalog and they will get you one as soon as possible.
Hello Dewayne,
The shop is closed today in honor of Memorial Day. I have forwarded your request for a catalog, as soon as possible. I have also forwarded your desire for a pricing as well. They will get you with you soon.
Have a wonderful day,
Marilynn
Interested in a catalog and pricing
Hello Brian,
I have forwarded your inquiry to a Design Manager for pricing and to get you a catalog as soon as possible.
Interested in catalog and pricing. Our space is 16′ x 24′ …thanks!
Hello,
Would like pricing and catalog too. Thank you!
Thank you for your interest, Michael. I have sent your request for a catalog and pricing to a Design Manager. They are on the designing side of it. Every design is as unique as each individual’s landscape. They will need to touch bases with you just to ask you a little more about the 16′ x 24′ space, and what your vision is such as the wood type, style and post size, etc. for pricing. Hope you have a delightful evening.
Marilynn
Thank you for asking, Denisse,
We will get you a catalog and I have sent your request for pricing to a Design Manager and you are so very welcome! I hope you have a nice night and great day ahead!
Marilynn
Would like a catalog please.
Hello Adrianna,
Thank you for asking. We will get you a catalog as soon as possible. Have a wonderful day.
Can you send please send me price list for pergola approximately 12′ X 20′?
Thank you,
Paul
Thank you for your interest, Paul. I have sent your request for pricing on an approximate 12′ x 20′ ShadeScape™. As each and every design is as unique as each individual’s landscape, they will need to touch bases with you just to ask you a little more about your space, your vision for wood type, style and post size, etc. They will get in touch with you or if you call 801-331-6690 they can also connect you with a Design Manager. You will get ZERO PRESSURE. They are great guys who really get into the designing side of it and can quickly answer any questions you may have.
Please send me a catalog.
Yes, we will get you a catalog, Morris, as soon as possible,
we’d like some more info also
Thank you for your interest, Katy. I have sent your request for information.
I would love to see a catalog and some pricing.
We’ll get you out a catalog right away. I have forwarded your request for a Design Manager to give you pricing, also. Thank you for asking, Mark. Have a wonderful day.
Catalog and pricing please
Hi Brian,
I have forwarded your inquiry to a Design Manager for pricing and to get you a catalog as soon as possible.
Good day,
please let me have price for a 15′ x 20′ pergola….for styles and designs please let me have a catalog,
thanks
Good morning, Olimpo,
Thank you for your interest. I have forwarded your request for a catalog and your desire for pricing on a 15′ x 20′ ShadeScape™ pergola kit to a Design Manager. They will send you a catalog as soon as possible. As a heads up, for pricing as each kit is custom, they will need to ask you a couple questions as to wood type, post size, etc.
Oh yes Please send me catalog with prices.
Hi Robert, I have forwarded your inquiry to a Design Manager for pricing and to get you a catalog as soon as possible. Hope your day is awesome, today!
-Marilynn