Designing and Caring For Your Timber Frame Pavilion
Here’s an uncomfortable truth: Many homeowners are secretly unhappy and embarrassed about their properties and are reluctant to invite people over. It’s a missed opportunity to build great memories with friends and family, and their backyard becomes a nonfunctional piece of real estate that’s bland and forgotten.
Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?
You’re not alone. We’ve been there, too, and we have a solution to turn your drab backyard into a place where you can proudly host your guests.
Timber frame pavilions are solid structures built with premium Douglas Fir timber. They give you a fantastic space to do many things, from hosting gatherings with your loved ones to serving as an outdoor kitchen to grill sizzling steaks and cold drinks to your best friends.
At Fisher’s Backyard Structures, we have 25 years of experience building pavilions, and we know the difference a quality pavilion will make in your backyard. That’s why we’re getting into the nitty-gritty of timber frame pavilions today. From choosing styles to the best building materials to proper maintenance, we aim to equip you with the knowledge you’ll need to make the best of your backyard.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
What Is a Timber Frame Pavilion?
A Timber frame pavilion is a freestanding structure built with heavy timbers, fastened together with interlocking joints.
While quality wood-frame pavilions can last many years, timber-frame construction stands out by giving the structure a majestic look while being solid and sturdy enough to withstand harsh weather conditions.
Sturdy construction and quality materials make for a significant, majestic, and beautiful investment.
Pros and Cons of Timber Frame Pavilions
Is a timber frame pavilion right for your backyard? Let’s consider the pros and cons:
Pros of Timber Frame Pavilions:
- Timber-frame pavilions are solid and sturdy. The heavy timbers and interlocking joints make them ideal for strong, large structures that can withstand harsh weather conditions.
- Timber frame pavilions are beautiful and majestic and look best in a natural setting.
- Timber frame pavilions are an environmentally friendly shelter option. At Fisher’s Backyard, we construct our timber frame pavilions using recyclable materials and sustainable methods.
Cons of Timber Frame Pavilions:
- Timber frame construction requires precision, experience, and a specific skill set. The heavy timbers also make it impossible to set yourself. In other words, don’t DIY a timber frame pavilion by yourself!
- Because timber-frame pavilions use high-quality materials and construction, they are more expensive than most other options.
- Timber-frame pavilions have a specific look and are often used as larger event spaces or in a rural, natural setting. Consider alternatives like wood pavilions, vinyl pavilions, pergolas, and gazebos depending on your needs.
Designing Your Timber Frame Pavilion
Timber Frame Pavilions come in many designs to fit your environment. Some considerations for choosing a design are:
- Style - Some styles are grand and ornate, while others are simpler and blend in with the environment. With the right selection of color and options, you can build a pavilion that displays a perfect blend of form and function.
- Size - What size structure do you need? Will it be for small, intimate gatherings or large events? Consider these suggested guidelines if you are planning to build a structure to host large events.
- Roof Material - What roof material do you want on your structure? Do you go with classic shingles, or would you consider the smooth lines of a metal roof?
Let’s dig into these three design options more closely so you can discover the options you have!
Timber Frame Style Options
There are many timber frame pavilion styles you could choose. However, these styles are the most popular ones we know of and are sure to please with their classic, timeless look.
- Grand Teton pavilions have rounded cross beams and powder-coated supports. Due to their graceful design, they exude strength and elegance and are popular for wedding venues or restaurants. A smaller Grand Teton pavilion will make a spectacular outdoor kitchen if you have the backyard space.
- Denali-style pavilions use a unique hammerbeam roof system reminiscent of Gothic architecture. They are well suited for wedding venues or outdoor gathering spaces. Like Grand Tetons, a Denali-style pavilion would also make a fantastic addition to your backyard, whether as an outdoor kitchen or poolside shelter.
- A Kingston-style pavilion is designed to blend into the surrounding nature and not call much attention to itself. As such, it is simpler and less expensive. These beautiful pavilions are highly practical for any purpose involving crowds. They are a popular choice for churches, parks, and wedding venues.
Take the time to consider which style you’d like your pavilion to be. You might even look at our project gallery to see some examples of how the completed projects look in their environments.
Popular Timber Frame Sizes
Now that we’ve talked about pavilion styles, let’s consider some popular sizes.
- Small - starting at 12’ x 12’, this would be ideal for a moderately-sized yard. There is space for some outdoor furniture - perfect for spending an evening outside with your loved ones!
- Medium - a 20’ x 20’ frame would be a good size to install an outdoor kitchen with outdoor dining sets. With electrical outlets and lighting you have a great venue for hosting dinner parties, or even outdoor movie nights with family and friends - the possibilities are endless!
- Large - depending on the choice of style, pavilions can be built from 30’ to 40’ wide, to 80’ or longer in length. Pavilions of this size are ideal on a park or church grounds, and adds a touch of class and beauty to outdoor events such as a wedding, festival or family reunion.
No matter what size you decide on, you’ll also need to consider the color of your timber and roofing materials to tie everything together. Let’s explore these options next.
Roofing Materials and Other Building options
Most timber frame pavilions are built using premium Douglas-fir timber, which is ideal for structural framing and harvested from sustainable timberlands.
To better suit your location, you can choose from a variety of colors to match your environment:
- Jarrah Brown
- Natural
- Mahogany Flame
- Rustic Cedar
- … and many more!
Finally, you’ll need to customize the roof of your timber frame pavilion. You can choose from a variety of options, such as:
- Standard Shingles—made of asphalt, standard shingles are the most common roofing choice due to their relatively low cost and variety of colors. They also give the pavilion a traditional look.
- Regular Metal Roofing—While more expensive than traditional shingles, metal roofing is gaining in popularity due to its high durability. This robust and long-lasting material also comes in a variety of colors.
- Standing Seam Metal Roofing—Like regular metal roofing, standing seam metal roofs are durable, robust, and highly durable. Additionally, all fasteners are hidden, giving your roof a smooth, professional look that is also less prone to leaking.
You can even add a cupola to add visual appeal to your pavilion’s roofline - or how about a fireplace create the perfect rustic experience? The warmth of a cozy, crackling fire might be just what you need for a perfect evening out!
Finally, with the opportunities for self-care under our beautiful pavilion, you’ll also need to care for your structure to get years of enjoyment. Read on to find out what you’ll need to know.
Maintaining Your Timber Frame Pavilion Structure
So, you’ve taken the bold step to build a timber frame pavilion. How do you protect your investment so you’ll have many years of enjoyment?
Here are some general maintenance tips to keep your pavilion beautiful:
Keep your pavilion clean.
Dust, leaves, bird nests, droppings, dirt, and grime can accumulate in your pavilion. Removing this debris is simple and maintains your pavilion’s aesthetic.
Mild detergent and warm water will effectively remove bird droppings. Be careful about using a power washer, which can strip paint and damage building materials.
Trim surrounding foliage.
Trimming foliage around your pavilion prevents it from growing into or onto your timber-frame pavilion. It will also keep the surrounding area neat and make your pavilion stand out.
Falling branches can also land on your structure, damaging the roof and increasing wear.
Creeping vines can add beauty to your pavilion, but you will need more frequent maintenance, like trimming, to keep the growth under control and prevent damage.
Check for wear and tear.
Make it a point to inspect your pavilion for any wear or damage. It’s practice to do this once a year and after any severe weather. You’ll want to look out for:
- Loose hardware or shingles
- Rotted or splintered wood
- Damage from weather or aging, such as faded paint
- Pests such as termites, bee, or wasp nests
It’s important to address any issues quickly before they develop into larger issues, which will result in more time and money spent resolving them. Remember that the key to a long-lasting pavilion is regular maintenance.
Apply fresh stain or sealant.
Wood is a durable, natural material for building beautiful structures like pavilions. But regular upkeep is needed for longevity.
A quality wood pavilion is already stained to protect it from moisture, pests, and sun damage. However, this seal wears out over time. To protect the wood, you should reseal/restain your pavilion every 2-3 years.
Check for pests.
Check for pests such as termites or other wood-boring pests, as they can cause serious damage if left undetected. If you stain or seal regularly, this will be fine.
Maintaining Your Timber Frame Pavilion Roof
Now that we’ve discussed maintaining your pavilion's timber structure let’s examine the steps for maintaining the shingle and metal roofs.
Shingle Roofs
Shingle roofs are a popular choice for pavilions and are effortless to maintain. Here are two simple things you can do to keep your pavilion’s shingles in excellent condition.
- Inspect for damage in the spring and after severe weather. You can do this from the ground level. If you notice damage, we recommend calling in the professionals to make repairs.
- Remove moss and other debris, especially if your pavilion is in a moist area. Moss may grow on shingles. While the moss won’t immediately damage the shingles, it will if left unchecked. We recommend removing any moss accumulation once a year. Sprinkling zinc sulfate granules over your roof yearly will prevent moss growth.
Metal Roofs
Your metal roof is an investment that will last many years with proper care and maintenance.
Here are some tips on keeping your pavilion’s roof in excellent condition.
- Debris and mildew can accumulate on your roof. Depending on the design of the roof, debris may not land on your roof, but if it does, it’s as simple as removing it once a year. Mildew can also grow on the roof, depending on the climate. In this situation, you can clean the roof yourself with some recommended materials or hire a professional.
- Structural maintenance is recommended once every 2-3 years or after severe weather. Maintenance typically involves checking for and repairing fasteners, rivets, screws, and flashing materials. Roofing contractors have the expertise for this kind of work.
Finally, we have two more tips to make maintaining your timber frame pavilion as hassle-free as possible:
- Use eco-friendly cleaning materials. Many commercial cleaning solutions contain chemicals that can damage your pavilion and the environment around it. Water and white vinegar are effective and gentle cleaning solutions, and baking soda works very well against stains and dirt. We recommend spot-testing a new cleaner to make sure it doesn’t damage the surface you’re cleaning.
- Don’t be afraid to hire a professional, especially if you are looking at roof-related maintenance. It is always better to get an experienced professional to do the work than risk damaging your structure or, worse, getting hurt.
Conclusion
We hope you found this information helpful when choosing a backyard structure!
At Fisher’s Backyard, we only want the best for your family and friends to enjoy. We also provide other high-quality structures, such as pergolas, gazebos, and pavilions, right here in Lancaster County, PA.
Don't hesitate to contact us with any questions or wish to order your timber frame pavilion!