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Hello, timber frame enthusiasts; we’re back again today to talk about a subject you may have assumed we’d never touch on – landscaping. However, the truth is, that every well-made structure needs the grounds to support it, and, not only that, a structure or home is only as beautiful as the landscape surrounding it.
Imagine a century home built in the middle of a sandy wasteland – you wouldn’t likely want to purchase a property like that. Why? Because it seems blatantly unintentional. And projects that lack intention are typically risky and not worth the investment.
So, where do timber frame structures meet landscape design? It’s simple, really, outdoor timber frame structures outline important and intricate elements of landscaping design and can provide a stunning focal point that can truly level up your landscape designs.
Wolf Lakes Timber Works is a Canadian-owned and operated timber provider utilizing Douglas fir for all of our builds. You can trust that if you come to us, you not only get a Canadian-made product, but you also get a product developed and fabricated by professionals with years of experience who are dedicated to excellence.
Timber framing has been essential in construction over the last few thousand years – especially when you consider how sturdy and efficient it is. It’s been used in several countries for centuries to craft long-standing structures and buildings.
British archaeologists have discovered traces of timber-framed homes from more than 10,000 years ago – so, you can trust that it’s a reliable form of construction. It would later gather additional traction in the following. Recently, it has surged in popularity due to innovations making construction more reliable and efficient.
Today, timber frame structures have been adapted to meet the needs of the modern world. Whether they’re simply stylistic accents on your home or are their own standalone outdoor structures, they can be easily integrated into your home and landscape design.
The beauty of working with timber is that it’s quite versatile – it can be applied to accents such as timber gable trusses or even standalone structures, such as timber pavilions, timber gazebos, and timber pergolas and trellises.
While you might not put the two together, timber framing and landscaping go together like bread and butter. Timber frames, in their beautiful natural glory, are the perfect complement to landscaping elements such as mulch, stone, plants, flowers, and more. Landscaping elements can be crafted around established homes and outdoor timber structures. This creates a cohesive and attractive property that family and friends enjoy – while also increasing your home’s marketability.
For example, adding a wooden deck actually averages a return on investment (ROI) of approximately 75%, according to timbertech.com. Additionally, professional landscaping has been shown to increase a property’s value between 15-20%, according to kennarealestate.com.
Not only is the material versatile; it’s timeless. With proper application and care, timber can last well into the long term, even holding up against varying weather conditions for years. By trusting in the right timber provider, you can ensure that any timber frame structure you install is going to be around well into the future.
"Priceless things matter not for their value, but because they offer us an enduring reminder of stability and permanence." — Barbara Taylor Bradford.
Although, Wolf Lake Timber Works certainly offers guaranteed value. So, we’re the best of both.
Imagine, just for a moment, that you have a backyard that spans between 465 to 930 square metres; what would you do with it? Assuming your home is in a more rural or expansive area, you could put literally any timber structure on it; timber pergolas, timber pavilions, timber gazebos, and even timber trellises could be placed here. But how would you make them cohesive?
To be clear, you don’t need a backyard that big to use a combination of timber structures and landscaping to make the most of your yard – our point is to use your imagination.
How do you make them work with each other? It’s both simple, and somewhat complex; you need to work with the natural surroundings you’re dealing with.
Generally, flat land that’s easy to plant on will make it simple for you to add a timber structure along with landscape elements such as a flower garden, a well-crafted waterfall, or even a simple herb garden.
Difficult terrain will require more specialized care, with elements of both timber framing and landscaping being evenly distributed to increase a property’s appeal and value.
The beautiful thing about timber is that the resource is renewable. Responsible timber professionals replace the trees that they use to ensure that that timber frame construction isn’t causing overharvesting; overharvesting refers to the act of exploiting a natural resource to depletion.
After replanting the trees used in the construction of timber frame structures, the newly growing trees continue to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere, storing it within their wood. This not only helps eliminate the pollution in the air, but timber is also recyclable and biodegradable.
Along with landscaping, additional trees and plants can also eliminate CO2 and can be designed to require little maintenance, limiting the need for environmental intervention.
Green landscaping often uses sustainable materials such as stone, wood, and other recycled products that reduces the need for transportation emissions and ensures all materials used are renewable or recyclable.
The lovely thing about building long-lasting timber structures is that nature can organically integrate themselves with nature. Whether it’s a timber gazebo inviting wisteria vines to climb its sturdy beams, or sweet peas – vibrant climbing annuals – trailing up the sides of a timber trellis, filling the air with fragrance and colour.
Timber framed structures provide a certain degree of framing that allows the softer, yet structured features of landscaping such as water, fire pits, plants, and scenic views to meld effortlessly to create an outdoor masterpiece.
Landscaping and Timber Framing: Exploring Durability
Modern timber wood structures can last indefinitely, but that doesn’t mean we can’t acknowledge advances in wood treatment to prolong durability. While most structures are designed to require minimal maintenance, there are additional steps you can take to maintain the materials:
Inspect for damage: Inspect for signs of warping, wear and tear, and insect activity.
Trim nearby plants: Make sure landscaping features are well maintained.
Opt for long-lasting products: Wolf Lake Timber Works has long-lasting products that don’t require as much maintenance. Our products are all built to stand the test of time.
Ensure proper grading: Prevent water from pooling around posts. Additionally, avoid piling mulch around the posts, as it can trap moisture and lead to damage.
Timber wood structures aren’t the only timeless investment; having carefully curated and crafted landscaping allows the structure to sit on suitable soil/grounds, while also keeping the wooden structure in good condition by managing the organic foliage surrounding it.
You know the lovely thing about pairing timber frame construction with eco-friendly landscaping efforts? They aren’t simply perfect for the home; they’re also great for social spaces such as public/memorial parks and other outdoor areas. Pairing carefully curated landscaping efforts with Canadian-crafted timber structures allows cities and towns to develop high-quality green spaces that invite others to enjoy the outdoors. It encourages them to relax and savour the presence of natural resources and, hopefully, inspires them to protect them in the future.
Not only this, but this amazing combo is appropriate for several public events, such as weddings, photoshoots, outdoor yoga, and more!
Regardless of your desired project, there’s an effortless way to combine building your dream timber frame structure while also having landscaping done around your desired property. Whether you want to install a backyard waterfall along with a timber pavilion, or a flower garden with a timber gazebo, Wolf Lake Timber Works has the expertise you need to make your outdoor vision come to life.
Wolf Lake Timber Works has always prided ourselves on our ability to work in tandem with our clients to develop a concept and make it into reality. Our team believes strongly in communication to create a product that not only lasts for the long term but also exceeds your expectations.
Wolf Lake Timber Works doesn’t just focus on creating stunning timber frame structures; we also focus on maintaining sustainability and longevity of not only our industry, but our products and planet.
Canada is one of the most sustainable providers of lumber that exists, depending entirely on healthy, sustainable forests that are replenished as the product is required. Wolf Lake Timber Works makes a point to ensure all Canadian Douglas fir timber used is replenished as required, ensuring long-term sustainability for the future.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today. Together, our team can make your vision come to life.