Schools

In 2019, the Timber Framers Guild purchased the Heartwood School, to help fulfill the Guild’s mission of “promoting, supporting, honoring, and advancing the craft of timber framing”. The Heartwood School, in operation for more than 45 years, is a non-profit school that offers a variety of classes on all aspects of timber framing and traditional trades. Classes range from 2 days to 3 weeks and are taught by professionals in the craft - most of whom are TFG members. Check out the Heartwood School Schedule for information on more than two dozen courses in timber framing, design, business practices, and historic preservation. Apprenticeships and partial scholarships are available.

As an alternative to in-person classes, the Guild has numerous online resources available to those interested in timber framing. The Guild also offers more advanced training through our Community Building Projects. Those who are employed at a timber-framing company may be able to participate in our Apprenticeship Program.  Also, note that some of the schools listed below offer internships and apprenticeships. 

Many of the additional schools listed below offer 1-5 classes per year.  While some are for-profit companies and others are non-profit institutions, the course fees at both are often comparable. Some of the schools offer a broad range of classes, and the timber-framing program is just one segment of their offerings.  Some, but not all, hire Guild members as instructors. 

• Avon Hills Folk School (Avon, MN)
• College of the Rockies (Cranbrook, BC)
• Driftless Folk School (Viroqua, WI)
• EcoNest School of Natural Building (Ashland, OR)
• Heartwood School (Alstead, NH)
• Island School of Building Arts (Gabriola Island, BC)
• John C. Campbell Folk School (Brasstown, NC)
• North Bennett Street School (Boston, MA)
• North House Folk School (Grand Marais, MN)
• Perth Campus and Heritage Institute - Algonquin College (Perth, ON)
• Pine Mountain Settlement School (Pine Mountain, KY)
• Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute (Adrian, MI)
• School of Practical Stereotomy (Ottowa, ON)
• State University of New York at Delhi (Delhi, Ny)
• The American College of the Building Arts (Charleston, SC)
• Tillers International (Scotts, MI)
• Yestermorrow Design/Build School (Waitsfield, VT)

This is a partial listing of the many accredited institutions and the more informal educational programs that provide training and guidance to those interested in learning about timber framing. We do not formally endorse any of the above programs.