Project Showcase: Western Red Cedar Timber Frame Cabana

A Custom Cedar Cabana Designed for Outdoor Living

This custom timber frame cabana was designed as a substantial outdoor living space, combining a large open entertaining area with a smaller utility and storage section under a second hip roof.

The main cabana measures approximately 15' x 27', with an additional section measuring approximately 13' x 8' that provides space for storage and utilities. Both sections feature hip roofs, giving the overall structure a clean, balanced appearance while allowing the two areas to function together as one cohesive outdoor structure.

The entire frame was built from Western Red Cedar, selected for its natural beauty, warm color, and suitability for an outdoor application.

Western Red Cedar Throughout

Western Red Cedar gives this cabana a distinctive natural appearance that works particularly well for outdoor structures. The wood's grain, color, and natural character allow the timber frame to stand out while still fitting naturally into its surroundings.

For a project like this, the timber itself becomes a major part of the finished aesthetic. Rather than relying on heavy finishes or additional decoration, the cedar provides much of the visual character of the structure.

A Different Approach to the Rafters

One of the more specific design requirements for this project was the use of smaller 2x rafters.

Team Timber typically works with substantially heavier rafter members, often using at least 4x material depending on the structure and design. For this cabana, however, the customer wanted the lighter rafters to achieve a particular architectural look.

Using smaller members required additional consideration during the CNC process. The machining had to account for the reduced cross-section of the rafters so that the cuts and joinery could be produced accurately without compromising the integrity of the smaller members during fabrication and handling.

This is one of the advantages of CNC fabrication: the cutting process can be adapted to the specific requirements of the project rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.

CNC Cut Timber Frame

The frame was CNC cut from Western Red Cedar, including the primary posts, ties, plates, ridge members, hip rafters, slanting rafters, and common rafters.

The frame incorporates traditional timber framing elements while using CNC precision to produce the required cuts and joinery. Each component is prepared specifically for its location in the structure, allowing the frame to be assembled with the various roof sections and member sizes working together as designed.

The result is a timber frame that combines the traditional appearance of heavy timber construction with the precision and repeatability of modern CNC fabrication.

Two Hip Roof Sections, One Cohesive Structure

The two roof sections give this cabana more flexibility than a simple open pavilion. The larger 15' x 27' area provides the primary outdoor living space, while the smaller approximately 13' x 8' section adds dedicated space for utilities and storage.

Using matching hip-roof forms across both sections helps tie the two areas together visually and creates a cohesive overall structure.

The Finished Result

This project is a good example of how a timber frame can be tailored to a specific architectural vision. From the choice of Western Red Cedar to the use of smaller rafters, the frame was designed around the look and function the customer wanted rather than simply applying a standard timber frame package.

The combination of cedar timbers, two hip-roof sections, and carefully proportioned members creates a structure that is both functional and visually distinctive—well suited for outdoor entertaining, gathering, and everyday use.

Looking for a Custom Timber Frame?

Every project has its own requirements, from overall dimensions and roof design to timber species and member sizes. Team Timber provides custom timber frame modeling and CNC fabrication for projects that require a tailored approach.

Interested in a custom timber frame for your next project? Contact Team Timber to discuss your design.