Heavy Timber Manufacturing & Structural Systems

At Mid-Atlantic Timberframes, heavy timber manufacturing focuses on producing custom structural components and coordinated systems for buildings where long spans, high loads, and long-term durability are required. We fabricate heavy timber packages that integrate posts, beams, trusses, and connection strategies to support commercial, institutional, agricultural, and specialty building projects. Our approach emphasizes precision fabrication, coordinated detailing, and efficient installation to support reliable performance in the field.

What Is Heavy Timber?

Heavy timber refers to large-dimension solid wood members used in structural construction, typically defined by minimum cross-sectional size requirements under building code standards. Mid-Atlantic Timberframes manufactures custom heavy timber components and packages for use in heavy timber buildings and structural systems across commercial, agricultural, institutional, and specialty applications where durability, long spans, and long-term performance are required.

What Is Heavy Timber Construction?

Heavy timber construction is a structural building approach that uses substantial solid wood members as the primary framework of a building. These members include posts, beams, and trusses that carry roof and floor loads, allowing for wide, open interior spaces with fewer load-bearing walls.

Although heavy timber is often associated with exposed wood and traditional craftsmanship, the term refers primarily to the size and structural role of the timber members, not a specific architectural style or connection method. In practice, heavy timber construction may incorporate traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery, concealed steel connections, or modern engineered hardware depending on structural and design requirements.

How is Heavy Timber Construction Different?

Heavy timber construction differs from conventional light-frame systems by relying on fewer, larger structural members rather than many small studs and joists. The mass of these components provides high load-bearing capacity, long spans, and a distinct architectural presence that is difficult to replicate with other structural systems.

In fire conditions, heavy timber tends to char on the surface at a predictable rate rather than failing rapidly. This charring behavior can help preserve structural integrity for longer periods compared to unprotected light-frame construction. For a deeper look at fire behavior and design considerations, see our article on heavy timber and fire resistance.

From a fabrication standpoint, heavy timber construction requires careful coordination of member sizing, detailing, and connection strategy to support both structural performance and efficient installation. At Mid-Atlantic Timberframes, this coordination includes detailed shop drawings, CNC-precut members, and connection planning that help reduce on-site labor and minimize rework.

What Are the Benefits of Heavy Timber Construction?

Heavy timber offers a combination of structural performance, durability, and sustainability that makes it well suited for a wide range of building types.

• Structural durability -Heavy timber members provide high load-bearing capacity and long-term reliability, supporting buildings designed to last generations.
• Fire performance – Due to its mass, heavy timber chars on the surface when exposed to fire, which can slow structural degradation and help preserve load-bearing capacity compared to conventional light framing.
• Energy efficiency – Heavy timber structures are often paired with high-performance building systems such as structural insulated panels, creating tight building envelopes that improve thermal performance.
• Sustainability – When responsibly sourced, heavy timber is a renewable structural material with a lower embodied carbon footprint than many traditional building systems.
• Design flexibility – The strength of heavy timber allows for open floor plans, long spans, and exposed structural elements that contribute both functional and visual value.