Name: Timber Framing (Post and Beam Construction)
Instructor: Patrick Moore
Skill Level: Beginner
Prerequisites: None

Format: 5-Day in-person course

Date: February 23rd to 27th, 2026

Class Description:

This hands-on class is designed to teach students the fundamentals of structural timber framing (Post & Beam). As a class, students will team up to build a structure for a client. The instructor will begin with an overview of joinery, tools, and terminology utilized in timber frame construction. From there, the actual building process begins. Students will learn how to layout the timbers from a drawing without the use of math or trigonometry. Patrick encourages students to come and learn an age-old tradition of carpentry and participate in the construction of what will become an amazing outdoor structure. By the end of the week students will leave with confidence and knowledge to tackle any back-yard shelter or timber framed structure with success.

This class utilizes metal hardware as well as some handcut / machine cut joinery. If you are looking for a traditional timber framing class with all handcut mortise and tenon joinery, that is not this class.

The project is yet to be announced. 4 Days will be spent at the school building the structure and 1 day will be spent on site raising and installing the structure. We will be cutting timbers by hand as well as with machines. We will discussing traditional joinery as well has usage of modern hardware.

Also, see the Stereotomy class taught by Patrick Moore which can be helpful for this class.

Topics and skills covered will include:

• Learn proper timber frame terminology and joinery
• How timber frames work structurally
• Tools and equipment necessary
• Hands-on practice building and raising a timber frame
• Structural and aesthetic considerations for design
• A brief historical overview of timber frame through the millennia

What you’ll need:

You can bring these tools or you can purchase from Austin School of Furniture’s retail store.

• 1½” timber framing chisel
  • Recommended – Barr Framing Chisel
• Hand Saw
  • Recommended – Silky Katanaboy 20 in. Folding Saw
  • Or – Stanley 26” Sharptooth Saw
  • Or – Large Ryoba Japanese Hand Saw
• 25’ Tape Measure
  • Recommended – Stanley FatMax
• Carpenter’s Pencil
• Safety glasses, hearing protect and dust protection
• Framing Square
  • Recommended – Carpenter’s Stainless-Steel Square
• Mallet or Dead Blow
• Plumb bob with braided string
• 2’ Level (or larger)
• Olfa Knife
  • Recommended – Olfa Heavy Duty Cutter
• Chalk Line
  • Recommended – Tajima Chalk-Rite Chalk Line Reel
  • Recommended – Red permanent chalk
• Combination Square
  • Recommended – 12” Combination Squares

Students may also find the following optional tools useful:

• Block Plane
  • Recommended – Stanley Block Plane
• Laser Level
• Sliding T-bevel
  • Recommended – Shinwa Sliding T-Bevel
• Spokeshave
  • Recommended – Veritas Large Spokeshave
• 1” timber framing chisel
• Assorted power tools

Austin School of Furniture has the right to cancel this class at anytime if the minimum amount of students is not reached.

See our Refund Policy here