timberwork

Timberwork is the craft and trade of shaping, joining, and assembling timber for construction, furniture, and decorative elements. It covers structural work such as framing and carpentry, as well as joinery and paneling. Solid wood is common, but modern timberwork also uses engineered products like plywood, laminated veneer lumber (LVL), glue-laminated timber (glulam), and cross-laminated timber (CLT). Material choice depends on strength, durability, workability, and availability.

Key techniques include cutting, planing, jointing, and finishing. Common joints are mortise-and-tenon, dovetail, scarf, and housing joints, used with or without fasteners and adhesives. Timber framing employs large pegs and fitted joints, while carpentry more often builds with studs and joists. Moisture control through drying or seasoning prevents warping, and protective finishes or treatments guard against decay and insects. Proper design accounts for wood movement, strength, and local codes.

Applications range from house frames, beams, stairs, and flooring to furniture and cabinetry. Engineered wood broadens opportunities by improving strength and stability. Sustainability considerations include responsible sourcing and certification programs such as FSC or PEFC. Maintenance and proper detailing improve longevity, while design choices should respect regional timber practices and available species.