Timber Framing for the Rest of Us A Guide to Contemporary Post and Beam Construction  by Rob Roy New Society Publishers, 2004. This book describes and explains the basic principles of framing a structure with heavy timbers using "non-traditional" methods such as metal fasteners like truss plates, screws, bolts and pole barn nails -- about which little has been previously published.

"Traditional" timber framers employed wood-on-wood joinery using mortise-and-tenon, scarf and rabbet joints to create wonderfully strong and aesthetically pleasing buildings. As this guide points out, the use of metal fasteners can make timber framing more accessible to farmers and owner-builders without sacrificing strength or beauty.

Rob Roy, the author, has been exploring alternative construction methods through his EarthWood Building School in West Chazy, New York, since 1981. He and his wife, Jaki, are best known for their cordwood masonry skills. A sunroom addition to their EarthWood house, constructed in 2002, was built as a case study to demonstrate and document the joinery principles outlined in this book.

In addition to the case study, Roy's book provides a basic background on timber framing, some advice on procuring timbers, and specific instructions and alternatives for foundations, post height, fastening and trusses. Detailed plans are not provided and more experienced builders will have to look elsewhere for answers to advanced construction problems.

For those with the time, experience and money to afford it, a traditional timber frame may still be preferable. But "for the rest of us," this book offers a good introduction to the alternatives and a foundation for do-it-yourself construction.

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