Timber Frame: A practical starting point for the construction sector

Three leading organisations in the construction sector – Timber Development UK (TDUK), Structural Timber Association (STA) and Swedish Wood – have launched a new digital platform designed to make timber frame construction easier for built environment professionals to understand and adopt.

Roof installation on a timber frame building

Timber Frame: Where to Start is a practical and accessible guide that provides a clear introduction to timber frame construction and its principal elements. Its purpose is simple: to give users a quick and straightforward way to understand how timber frame works, while signposting them to credible and accessible sources of further information.

Designed for anyone interested in timber frame construction, the guide supports a broad audience. It will be particularly useful for architects, specifiers, engineers, timber frame suppliers, building operators, housebuilders and contractors. It also serves as a clear introduction for those new to timber frame who want reliable information in one place.

Machined carcassing in a timber frame construction

Timber frame is a proven, reliable and mainstream method of construction, fully supported by warranty providers, lenders and insurers. In Scotland, 92% of all new-build homes are constructed using timber frame. Seven of the top 10 UK housebuilders operate their own timber frame manufacturing facilities, and it's predicted that as many as one in three UK homes could be timber frame by 2030.

With leading construction companies increasing their use of timber frame and many smaller firms beginning that transition, demand for clear and practical guidance continues to grow. This new digital guide has been created to help companies build confidently in timber, providing the insight needed to deliver successful projects and positive outcomes.

Dave Hopkins, Chief Executive of Timber Development UK, said:“Timber frame is no longer an alternative method of construction; it's a mainstream solution that supports productivity and sustainability. This guide brings together the information businesses need to get started, all in one accessible place.”

Inspection of a timber frame construction in progress

Andrew Orriss, CEO of Structural Timber Association, added: “There's a growing appetite across the sector to build more in timber. The challenge for many organisations is knowing where to begin. ‘Timber Frame: Where to Start’ provides a clear route in, backed by trusted industry bodies and credible information.”

Stephen King, UK Project Manager at Swedish Wood, commented: “As a long-standing supplier of structural timber to the UK market, we're seeing strong growth in demand for timber frame construction.

"By supporting this initiative, we're helping ensure that companies looking to build in timber have the confidence, knowledge and supply chain support they need to do it well.”

The digital platform reflects a shared commitment from TDUK, STA and Swedish Wood to support industry growth, encourage informed decision-making and promote high standards across the sector.

To access the guide, visit https://timber-frame.uk.