color options
01
Timber oil by Heritage Natural Finishes is our standard for good reason. All of their finishes are formulated from all natural environmentally friendly products, specially formulated by a former timber frame company owner and specifically designed to meet the unique and demanding nature of timber protection. Explore our standard color options below.
CRTC Standard Douglas Fir (DF) Finish Colors
Heritage Natural Finishes (HNF) timber oil, semi-rustic oil rub sheen finish on rough sawn DF
CRTC Standard Eastern White Pine (EWP) Finish Colors
Heritage Natural Finishes (HNF) timber oil, semi-rustic oil rub sheen finish on rough sawn EWP
textures & pegs
02
decorative cut options
03
product care
The exact thing that makes wood so beautiful can make caring for it a little more complex, as every tree is different with individual characteristics. Below we've detailed some steps to take to care for and maintenance your timber frame. If you have any questions or concerns about the way your product is aging, just reach out to us. If properly maintained a timber frame project by Cedar Ridge Timber Company, LLC will weather the time gracefully for future generations to enjoy.
The most important factor is to monitor your timber frame for changes.
Let us know anytime you have a concern, or need maintenance products to keep your timber frame looking like new. If you notice any mold, mildew or water staining, please contact as ASAP, this indicates water intrusion without the ability for wood to dry out quickly enough and may lead to rotting wood.
Your timber frame will experience some noticeable changes as it dries to equilibrium - the specific wood moisture content for the project location.
The timber will develop new splits with existing splits getting larger, timbers will noticeably shrink. Other changes like bow (curve to the side), twist, and crown (curve up and down) may occur. No worries, it's all part of the natural process, but if changes seem excessive, never hesitate to contact us for a closer look. Your timber frame has been carefully detailed to take the test of time gracefully. All the timber is end sealed with a special natural wax sealer and all parts are completely sealed with a base coat prior to assembly for protection throughout the future. When design permits we always use our hybrid joint ( RE: website Shop section for details) which conceals any length shrinkage and maintains maximum strength over the years, combining the historically correct mortise and tenon joint.
This can easily be performed by you, the owner, or any painting or handyman service. It’s difficult to predict the amount of time when this will occur, as weather exposure, primarily how much direct intense sun your timber frame receives daily is the largest contributor to finish depredation. It may occur within the first year or two, and longer after that (around 3 years) with our standard natural timber oil. Once again the greater lead time we have for construction, the more durability we can provide for the finished product. If we can get considerable dry time as the timber is cut prior to finish and more time between the base and final coat(s), finish penetrates deeper into the timber and absorbs a greater amount - increasing finish life dramatically. See Finish Options for details about different product finishes we offer.
When you start to notice color fading (lighter where weather exposure is greater) or slower drying from the rain than originally, it’s time for a maintenance coat.
timber frame installation
Cedar Ridge Timber Company, LLC (CRTC) offers installation services for all our products, but we’re happy to provide our customers with detailed instructions and plans including fastener recommendations to perform the installation.
All of our timber frame is pre-assembled in our shop, and any product/or product portion that can be safely transported on a 30’ gooseneck is shipped assembled. For any timber frame portions that must be transported apart, all possible parts are test fitted, location and mating parts clearly marked, holes for assembly are pre-drilled, and timber frame is always pre-finished. Large trusses can often be hauled in two halves. All solid timber frame (structural and decorative) requires foundation support, so please provide as much lead time for your project as possible so that we can assist in the design stage for a seamless installation.
We are happy to assist you in the design stage for an easy and successful timber frame installation. We can assist with securing specialized timber frame engineering services, as well as provide engineer stamped shop drawings for code compliance. It's important to plan carefully ahead of the installation, as it can be a narrow window of opportunity to get the timber frame in place at the right time in the construction schedule. Timber frame trusses, structural or decorative, will normally need to be installed in the early framing stages, prior to roof sheeting, or proper access left through the roof sheeting to lift from above. In this case trusses would need to be placed under the roof area and then lifted into position.
gable pediment installation
Standard fixed pitch requires site template by others for each gable pediment with location and exterior face clearly marked and test fit to each location for a proper fit. The template can be made from 1x4s and hinged into place and locked in position with screws or scrap plywood with any crown accounted for by cutting 1x4 to fit snug.The template should be near the same size as the gable pediment.
post base installation
Proper post base installation is a crucial part to strong and durable timber frame. Click on each image to learn more about the post base installation process as well as templates you can use for a seamless install.
OZCO post base
OZCO post base galvanized metal in black powder coat finish is available in sizes up to 10"x10" to securely and attractively attach your timber frame to your porch or structure. "Ornamental wood ties (OWT) saves you time as they do not require extra labor and material to conceal them. When it comes to attaching timbers, posts, joists, and beams, OWT are the ultimate statement of style and strength."
