Timber Frames are inherently green structures in themselves. As trees grow, they naturally sequester carbon in their trunks and in the soil around them. Once harvested and used in a timber frame, that carbon stays locked up in the wood for the life of the structure. The majority of our timbers are proudly sourced locally in the Northeastern US where species like Eastern White Pine and Hemlock are abundant and sustainably harvested from carefully maintained stands of local forest. Our business supports a local supply chain of landowners, loggers, truckers, and multigenerational family mills.
We use OSB as the facings for our standard structural insulated panel (SIPs) because it is environmentally friendly. These OSB SIPs are environmentally friendly because they typically contain softwoods such as poplar and aspen, which are fast-growing trees harvested on a tree farm when they are young. This is important in a green society because the emphasis is on newer and faster-producing trees which protect the old-growth forests. As a result of this protection towards old-growth hardwoods, OSB is generally referred to as a sustainable and renewable natural resource.
One of the major concerns for any homeowner is the inability to control rising energy costs. Recently, there have been spikes in propane, heating oil, electricity, and even the labor associated with felling, splitting, and drying wood for home heating. However, SIPs offer a window of hope; SIPs are virtually airtight due to the nature of their fabrication and installation, and they form a continuous layer of thick insulation completely around the timber frame structure. As a result, the occupants have much more control over their interior environment, especially when paired with recommended energy recovery ventilation. This helps make timber frame and SIP homes extremely energy efficient, saving costs over time and reducing the total amount of heating and cooling energy needed for the lifetime of the structure.
Why Work With Us?
Vermont Frames specializes in producing traditional and affordable timber frames. The year 2021 marks 45 years of Vermont Frames making dreams become a reality. The friendly, knowledgeable staff at Vermont Frames provides a full range of design/build services. In addition to our experienced, technical team, we work with several architects that offer complete architectural services that can help turn your ideas into working home plans.
Our homes are typically constructed with softwood – primarily eastern white pine and douglas fir, which complement our “big beam” framing style. Our timber connections are handcrafted mortise and tenon joinery with hardwood pegs.
Energy Efficient Building
Structural Insulated Panels form an uninterrupted insulating blanket with an R-value much greater than that of conventional walls with fiberglass insulation. Timber frame buildings can be enclosed in a modern, more cost-effective way with our SIPs.
Experienced Staff
Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is managed by Jim Giroux who has been with the company for over 30 years and they are overseen by our shop foreman, Andy Kidder, who has crafted timber frames for over 21 years. In addition, many of our experienced framers have over 20 years in the business and have constructed over 1200 frames.
AFFORDABLE
Affordable timber frame homes and structures are attainable with a modest budget. Whether you are looking for a multi bedroom home for a growing family, a single floor retirement home, or the perfect barn for your workshop or studio, we can accommodate you.
STRUCTURAL INSULATED PANELS
Our sister company, Foam Laminates of Vermont, manufactures Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) for enclosing and efficiently insulating your timber frame. Having the frames and panels all in one building allows for easy planning and coordination.
Browse Project Galleries
Browse through examples of various timber frame installations. From Dutch Saltbox Timber Frames to Summer Camps to Commercial Buildings, we have the perfect timber frame solution for your next residential or commercial project.

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I would like to compliment both your timber framers and SIP installers for their excellent work. Both crews led by Tom performed very, very well.
Gene S. Hall