How Much Does a Timber Frame Home Cost?

One of the most common questions we hear is how much a timber frame home actually costs. The answer depends on several factors including size, design complexity, timber species, and the level of completion you are planning for.

This guide will break down realistic pricing ranges so you can better understand where timber frame projects typically start and how they scale.

Timber Frame Pricing Overview

Timber frame construction is highly flexible, which means costs are typically expressed in ranges rather than fixed prices.

Timber Frame Kit Only (Most Common Starting Point)

Most timber frame kits fall in the range of:

$40 to $90 per square foot

This typically includes:

• Engineered timber frame design
• CNC cut timbers with joinery
• Basic structural components
• Frame hardware (varies by package)

Smaller cabin-style frames generally fall toward the lower end of this range, while more complex designs or larger spans increase cost.

Timber Frame Shell Packages

When additional building components are included such as roof systems or structural enclosure elements, pricing typically ranges from:

$90 to $170 per square foot

These packages may include:

• Timber frame kit
• Roof decking or structural roof system
• Additional enclosure materials depending on design

Full Timber Frame Home (Mid to High Finish Construction)

When a timber frame is taken through full residential construction with finishes, systems, and interior build-out, total project costs typically range from:

$200 to $400+ per square foot

This includes the full construction process beyond the timber frame itself.

Example: Small Cabin Timber Frame (Around 700 Sq Ft)

A smaller cabin-style timber frame is often the most accessible entry point into timber frame construction.

Typical ranges:

• Timber frame kit only: $28,000 to $60,000
• Expanded kit with additional components: $50,000 to $90,000
• Full build (turnkey construction): $140,000 to $280,000+

This type of project is ideal for cabins, guest houses, or small residential homes.

Example: Larger Timber Frame Homes (1,200 to 2,000 Sq Ft)

As size increases, so does overall project scope and material requirements.

Typical ranges:

• Timber frame kit: $60,000 to $140,000
• Shell package: $120,000 to $300,000
• Full build: $250,000 to $600,000+

What Impacts Timber Frame Cost

Several key factors influence pricing:

Size of the structure

Larger frames require more timber, engineering, and labor.

Design complexity

Simple rectangular layouts are more cost effective than complex roof lines or multi level designs.

Timber species

Different wood species can affect both material cost and appearance.

Package scope

Some projects include only the frame, while others add roof systems, decking, siding, or full enclosure options.

Location and logistics

Delivery and site conditions can also affect overall project cost.

Why Timber Frame Pricing Varies

Unlike standard construction, timber frame projects are not one size fits all. Each frame is engineered for strength, design intent, and architectural flexibility.

This allows each structure to be adapted into many different uses including cabins, barns, homes, garages, pavilions, and workshops, but it also means pricing is based on design and scope rather than fixed templates.

Getting an Accurate Estimate

The best way to understand cost for your project is to start with a design that fits your general vision. From there, adjustments in size, layout, and package scope will refine pricing.

Browsing available timber frame designs is a helpful first step to compare styles and starting kit ranges.

Explore Our Timber Frame Collection

View available designs, layouts, and starting kit pricing on our frames page. Each design includes both base frame views and example renderings to show how the structure can be finished in different ways.

Explore cabins, barns, homes, garages, and more to find the right starting point for your project.