Whether you're building your first timber frame home or engineering pegged joinery professionally, this book gives you the exact technical specifications and construction methods traditional timber framing is built on.
A Timber Framer's Workshop
- ✨ Updated engineering specifications for pegged mortise and tenon joinery
- 👊 Over 250 photos and CAD drawings
- 🧠 Bridges the gap between novice builders and professional-grade technical detail
- 🗣️ Built as a lasting reference, not a one-read book
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Mike D.
I've read this cover to cover more than five times and I still go back to it as my main reference. There's a treasure trove of information in here that other books just don't cover.
See It In Action
Discover Timber Framing That Works
Build with the engineering-tested joinery methods and construction techniques traditional timber framing depends on.
250+ Photos and CAD Drawings
Follow along with detailed photos and CAD drawings covering every stage of traditional timber frame construction.
Joinery That's Actually Been Tested
See the real engineering data behind pegged mortise and tenon joinery, tested and published for the first time in this edition.
Common Questions Before You Order
Everything you need to know before getting your copy.
Who is this book for?
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Anyone building their first timber frame home, or professional builders, architects, and engineers who need the technical detail.
Do I need construction experience to understand it?
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No. It's written to teach the fundamentals from the ground up, while still going deep enough for experienced professionals.
What topics does the book cover?
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Traditional timber frame joinery, design, and construction, including the updated pegged joinery engineering specifications.
What makes this different from other timber framing books?
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It's the only one built around real, published engineering testing data for pegged joinery, not just tradition and guesswork.
How long does shipping take?
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Orders are processed in 2–3 business days and delivered within 7–12 business days after dispatch.
Delivery times are estimates and may be extended during holidays or periods of high demand.
Do I need construction experience to understand it?
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No. It's written to teach the fundamentals from the ground up, while still going deep enough for experienced professionals.
What makes this different from other timber framing books?
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It's the only one built around real, published engineering testing data for pegged joinery, not just tradition and guesswork.
R
From square rule layout to cutting precise mortises, Steve breaks down the craft into manageable, highly practical steps. A masterwork of structural timber design. Cannot praise Steve Chappell enough for compiling all this knowledge.
J
This revised edition with updated joinery specifications is an incredible achievement. The details on pegged timber joints are second to none in the woodworking literature. Highly recommend this to anyone interested in timber framing!
A
The scientific test results on pegged connections included in this revised edition set this book apart from every other woodworking text. Essential for woodworkers, structural engineers, and architects alike. Arrived quickly in perfect condition too.
E
From square rule layout to cutting precise mortises, Steve breaks down the craft into manageable, highly practical steps. A masterwork of structural timber design. Will be using this as a primary reference for years to come.
K
I've been a carpenter for over 15 years and this is by far the most thorough guide on traditional timber framing available. The sections on roof trusses and scarf joints are pure gold. Highly recommend this to anyone interested in timber framing!
K
Bought this book before starting my timber frame porch project. The clear diagrams and load-bearing math gave me complete confidence when raising the frame with my crew. Cannot praise Steve enough for compiling all this knowledge.
K
This revised edition with updated joinery specifications is an incredible achievement. The details on pegged timber joints are second to none in the woodworking literature. Arrived in perfect condition too.
K
Steve's expertise shines through every single page of this book. The updated engineering specifications for pegged mortise and tenon joinery provided the exact load calculations I needed for my 24x36 barn project. The section on scarf joints and pegs was especially clear.
N
From square rule layout to cutting precise mortises, Steve Chappell breaks down the craft into manageable, highly practical steps. A masterwork of structural timber design. Cannot praise Steve Chappell enough for compiling all this knowledge.
J
We used this book as our bible while cutting the frame for our off-grid homestead cabin. The joinery layout techniques and step-by-step instructions saved us hundreds of hours and costly mistakes. Highly recommend this to anyone interested in timber framing!
E
An extraordinary blend of practical craftsmanship and rigorous structural engineering. The history, joinery details, and building plans included make this worth every penny. The section on scarf joints and pegs was especially clear.
K
We used this book as our bible while cutting the frame for our off-grid homestead cabin. The joinery layout techniques and step-by-step instructions saved us hundreds of hours and costly mistakes. Highly recommend this to anyone interested in timber framing!
J
From square rule layout to cutting precise mortises, Steve breaks down the craft into manageable, highly practical steps. A masterwork of structural timber design. Arrived quickly in perfect condition too.
E
We used this book as our bible while cutting the frame for our off-grid homestead cabin. The joinery layout techniques and step-by-step instructions saved us hundreds of hours and costly mistakes. The section on scarf joints and pegs was especially clear.
R
Bought this book before starting my timber frame porch project. The clear diagrams and load-bearing math gave me complete confidence when raising the frame with my crew. Will be using this as a primary reference for years to come.
E
The illustration quality and detailed engineering formulas make this an invaluable reference on my workbench. You can tell this book evolved from decades of teaching Fox Maple workshops. Arrived quickly in perfect condition too.
B
An extraordinary blend of practical craftsmanship and rigorous structural engineering. The history, joinery details, and building plans included make this worth every penny. Arrived quickly in perfect condition too.
H
From square rule layout to cutting precise mortises, Steve Chappell breaks down the craft into manageable, highly practical steps. A masterwork of structural timber design. Cannot praise Steve Chappell enough for compiling all this knowledge.
R
A fantastic reference book for traditional woodworkers. It bridges the gap between hand-crafted timber joinery and modern structural engineering requirements very well.
N
Extremely detailed content and great structural guidance. The photos and drawings are clear, though I would have loved even more high-resolution color photographs. Still a 5-star quality resource.
P
Great manual for timber framers. Steve covers all variations of the mortise and tenon joint along with truss design. Highly recommended, though beginners might need to read it twice to digest everything.
N
Item arrived a few days later than estimated, though the book content itself is quite detailed and technical.
J
Extremely detailed content and great structural guidance. The photos and drawings are clear, though I would have loved even more high-resolution color photographs. Still a 5-star quality resource.
B
From square rule layout to cutting precise mortises, Steve Chappell breaks down the craft into manageable, highly practical steps. A masterwork of structural timber design. Arrived quickly in perfect condition too.
B
This book is very heavy on engineering formulas and structural calculations. I was looking for a basic woodworking project book, so it was a bit overly complex for my small weekend project.
A
We used this book as our bible while cutting the frame for our off-grid homestead cabin. The joinery layout techniques and step-by-step instructions saved us hundreds of hours and costly mistakes. Arrived quickly in perfect condition too.
Thank you! Glad to hear the book arrived in good shape and served as a helpful reference.