Converse Timber Frame JoineryAt Converse Timber Frames we pay special attention to the joinery details. For both the structural integrity of the frame, and its appearance over time. We call the joinery in our timber frames housed joinery. We have all the standard joinery of timber frames, i.e. mortise and tenon, laps, splines, etc.; but we also, whenever possible, add a housing. The timber is recessed into a housing that adds to the structural integrity of the joint and helps resist the twisting that can happen over time. It also keeps the appearance of the joint as being a tight finished detail. The shrinkage that naturally happens to the timbers over time is concealed inside the pocket. This process is more time consuming to do, but there's a big difference in the appearance of the frame over a period of time. We have invited others to look at our frames and compare them to other frames that do not practice this technique; and they have always come back commenting on how much better our frames have looked. We think of our frames as fine cabinetry done with timbers. Our frames are all cut by hand. We use a process were each piece is analyzed before it is cut. Each piece is then detailed on the computer and then cut from that drawing. This allows us to cut very precise pieces and have very exact fits. The picture below shows a timber frame hammer truss, the pieces after they are cut, and the detail drawing for one of the pieces. Select the picture for a larger view in a new window. 
We would also welcome you to check out the details page for examples of the quality of our joinery. Details | 
