THE BLOG

 

Every industry experiences trends, and timber framing is no different. A naturally creative craft, there are several exciting timber frame trends on the rise in 2025. Whether indoor or outdoor, there’s a lot to look forward to in this coming year, and we figured we’d explore some of it with you today! 

 

From sustainability to design, we’re going to explore all the upcoming trends for timber frames in 2025. Your experts at Wolf Lake Timer Works have the scoop. 

 

Timber-Covered Outdoor Kitchens 

Imagine the summertime rolls around (trust us, we’re dreaming of it in these cold times), the pool is open, friends and family are gathered around you, and you’re making a killer dinner in a fully stocked outdoor kitchen. Barbecue, flat top, gas stove, refrigerator – you have it all. But rather than having the sun beating down on your head, you have a stunning timber frame covering your entire outdoor kitchen, protecting you from the sun’s rays and any potential summer showers that could come.  

 

This is a popular choice for the ongoing trend (no doubt inspired by COVID-19) of homeowners wanting to have “everything they need” at home. Whether that’s an outdoor kitchen to host events, a personal home theatre, a decked-out den with foosball and air hockey – anything required to bring the fun home.  

 

Timber-Covered Poolside Bar 

Similar in concept to the outdoor kitchen, more and more homeowners love the idea of having a poolside bar. Whether you drink or not (not all bars have to serve booze, if you prefer), having a place to sit, mingle, and enjoy a tasty beverage while your family splashes in the pool are a great summer treat.  

 

Timber frame structures over poolside bars give you shelter and the space to create that rooftop bar experience from home. You can even attach an enclosure to stand in as a changing room for those who want to enjoy the pool but don’t want to track water in the house to go change. String up some lights, set up a boombox, and your entire summer setup is ready to go! 

 

 

Timber Home Accents 

You love the look of timber, but don’t have the desire or budget to do an entire timber structure. That doesn’t mean you can’t have some beautiful timber accents to spruce up your home!  

 

Timber Entrances: A timber entryway is easy to incorporate into your existing home plan and adds a rustic, warm aesthetic to the main focal point of your property.  

 

Timber Gable Trusses: If you want to add a simple woodsy touch to your home, you can add a gable truss to make your house stand out from the rest. These look particularly good when you pair them with a timber entryway.  

 

Timber Post and Beam: Need something durable? Wolf Lake Timber Works uses durable Douglas firs timbers, meaning our timber post and beam lines are not only easy to add to your architectural plan, but you can trust they'll last! 

 

Timber Brackets: A delicate, rustic touch, customizable millwork, and brackets combine both functionality and style.  

 

Timber Frame Gazebos  

A timeless classic, a timber frame gazebo is the perfect addition to your backyard or garden. A freestanding, open-sided structure provides you and your loved ones with a sheltered space perfect for relaxing, taking photos, hosting outdoor gatherings, eating meals, or even hosting entertainment like live music!  

 

It's the perfect option for homeowners who want a freestanding structure that takes up limited space and offers a variety of functions. You can completely elevate your outdoor experience by adding this iconic and timeless timber structure.  

 

 

Pergolas and Trellises 

Need a backyard overhaul but want something a little different? Pergolas and trellises may be a good option for you. If you want something that combines the rustic aesthetic of timber with the elegance of a pergola or trellis, this is an excellent option to change the look of your backyard. This is a perfect structure to have by the pool or in the garden and is customizable to suit your unique needs.  

 

Timber Frame Barns 

Timber frame barns are the epitome of rustic charm. Traditionally used to store hay or house animals, they now serve a range of modern functions. 

 

These versatile structures can host events like dances, weddings, and birthdays, or even be used to store prized possessions such as motorbikes and cars. Alternatively, they offer the perfect retreat for a personal workshop, where you can craft wood, pursue hobbies, or work on your pet projects. 

 

Timber Frame Sheds 

Timber frame sheds are a cost-effective and simple way to add some additional storage to your backyard without taking up too much space. What’s more, you can match your outdoor storage space with your home, provided you already have timber accents. This allows you to keep your property on-theme while also providing some practical use all-year round. Timber frame sheds can be customized based on size, location, style, and functionality, depending on what you need to use the shed for.  

 

Hybrid Timber Frame Homes 

Hybrid timber homes combine the beautiful timber frame elements you love with other methods of construction. Other building methods can also include log work, brick and concrete, cement, metal frame, stick frame, straw bale, and more.  

 

This allows builders to use key timber frame features and incorporate them into more conventional home construction methods to achieve a unique and fully customizable look and feel. One of the key benefits of a hybrid construction method is that it can help reduce construction costs while still getting the full appeal of a timber frame home.  

 

Having a hybrid home allows you to have the most ideal elements of timber framing in pivotal areas like a foyer, living room, dining room, etc. – while other, less-visited rooms like bathrooms and storage can use more traditional construction methods.  

 

Here are the key takeaways:  

 

• Cost savings 

• Construction flexibility 

• More customization 

• More timber accents can be added over time/in the future 

 

Sustainability 

One of the biggest trends we’re seeing each year is a desire to go greener. Sustainability is a hot topic, and timber frames are one of the best options for construction operations looking to be more environmentally friendly.  

 

Timber is a highly sustainable building material. Most builders source their timber from renewable sources – meaning a new tree is planted for every tree that is cut down. Not only can you get a beautiful structure, but you can feel good knowing that your environmental impact is being mitigated by choosing timber.  

 

Prefabrication 

Another trend outside of just the structure builds themselves is the art of prefabrication. This process allows builders to process construction materials off-site and quickly assemble them on-site.  

 

This model saves time, money, and a lot of stress when it comes down to it. There are a lot of advantages to this construction method because it allows workers to craft the majority of the build in a covered environment, safe from the elements. Mass production of the necessary composite parts also means you can save money.  

 

This also means that the homeowner won’t have to wait long for their project to be completed. They can get back to having full use of their home and property much sooner.  

 

Trust the Experts of Wolf Lake Timber Works 

At Wolf Lake Timber Works, our mission is to craft the highest-quality timber frame structures and accents to bring your vision to life. Whether you want work done on your home or cottage, or have a dream backyard paradise in mind, our experts can hand-craft you the timber frame structures you need to see that vision come to life.  

 

We can customize your desired timber frame or even tailor one of our existing designs to meet your needs. We service Southern Ontario and all North America and are happy to have a conversation about how we can use our expertise to help you achieve your timber frame dreams.  

 

Our Process: 

 

• COLLABORATION: The client brings their ideas to our experts, and we discuss their vision before developing a comprehensive plan. 

• FREE ESTIMATE: Further explore your vision (photo, sketch, or architectural plan) and bring it to life within your budget. 

• 3-D MODEL DRAWINGS AND ENGINEERING: Create a concept based on your vision, use 3-D model drawings, and provide stamped engineered shop drawings. 

• PREFABRICATION: Skilled tradesmen hand cut, sand, and stain each piece of your structure in our shop to the highest standards. 

• DELIVERY/INSTALL: Experienced crew assembles your timber structure, turning your vision into reality in as little as one day. 

 

Don’t walk into your next project unsure of where your vision is headed. Let our expert timber framers build your dream from the ground up. Contact us today!