What Does a Timber Framer Do?
A Timber Framer is a highly skilled craftsman in the structural trades sector of the construction industry. They construct traditional wooden structures, like homes, barns, and bridges. These important frameworks provide the sturdy base for many types of buildings.
The job typically involves detailed planning, measuring, and cutting of large pieces of timber into the required shape, then fitting them together using traditional methods such as mortise and tenon joints and wooden pegs. It's exciting but it can also be physically demanding.
A Timber Framer often works both indoors and outdoors, on construction sites or workshops. You can expect to work as part of a team and your day could include reading blueprints, determining materials needed, producing timber structures, and assembling those structures at construction sites.
If you have a knack for building things and you love working with your hands, a career in Timber Framing might just be the perfect fit for you.
Skills Required
Technical Skills
- Understanding of Timber Framing Techniques
- Blueprint Reading
- Material Estimation
- Using Hand and Power Tools
- Knowledge of Structural Engineering Principles
- Knowledge of Building Codes
Soft Skills
- Physical Stamina & Agility
- Attention to Detail
- Problem Solving
- Time Management
- Communication
- Teamwork
Technical Skills
- Understanding of Timber Framing Techniques
- Blueprint Reading
- Material Estimation
- Using Hand and Power Tools
- Knowledge of Structural Engineering Principles
- Knowledge of Building Codes
Soft Skills
- Physical Stamina & Agility
- Attention to Detail
- Problem Solving
- Time Management
- Communication
- Teamwork
Education and Training Requirements
Required Education
- High School Diploma: Complete high school education or obtain GED equivalent. Classes in Mathematics, Technical Drawing, and Shop are beneficial.
- Pre-Apprenticeship Course: Enroll in a pre-apprenticeship course at a trade school or community college. Courses related to Construction, Woodworking, or Carpentry are recommended.
- Carpentry Apprentice: Enter into a carpentry apprenticeship program. Here, you will work under the supervision of experienced carpenters to learn all aspects of the trade.
- Timber Framing Training: Receive specialized training in Timber Framing. This can be part of your apprenticeship or a separate course.
- Journeyman Carpenter: Achieve journeyman status in Carpentry after completing apprenticeship.
- Certified Timber Framer: Pursue certification from an accredited organization like the Timber Framers Guild. The certification process usually involves extensive examination and proved work experience.
- High School Diploma: Complete high school education or obtain GED equivalent. Classes in Mathematics, Technical Drawing, and Shop are beneficial.
- Pre-Apprenticeship Course: Enroll in a pre-apprenticeship course at a trade school or community college. Courses related to Construction, Woodworking, or Carpentry are recommended.
- Carpentry Apprentice: Enter into a carpentry apprenticeship program. Here, you will work under the supervision of experienced carpenters to learn all aspects of the trade.
- Timber Framing Training: Receive specialized training in Timber Framing. This can be part of your apprenticeship or a separate course.
- Journeyman Carpenter: Achieve journeyman status in Carpentry after completing apprenticeship.
- Certified Timber Framer: Pursue certification from an accredited organization like the Timber Framers Guild. The certification process usually involves extensive examination and proved work experience.
Licensing and Certification
State Requirements
Not typically required, but certification may enhance job prospects