Flexible Design. Expandable Space. Ready-to-Raise™ Simplicity.
The 12x36 Small Timber Frame offers a smart, adaptable layout perfect for workshops, cabins, or glamping retreats. With three open bays and a loft for expanded living or storage space, this design balances rustic timber frame beauty with modern flexibility.
Frame Highlights:
- Footprint: 12' wide x 36' deep (432 sq ft on the main level)
- Layout: Three spacious bays for flexible interior configuration
- Loft: Adds extra living or storage space without increasing the frame’s footprint
- Add-On Option: Pair with our 10x36 Shed Roof Plan to create a unique and functional cabin design
- Customizable: Prefer a shorter frame? The design can easily be adjusted to suit your specific needs
Whether you’re building a workshop, a tiny home retreat, or a backyard guest cabin, this timber frame is designed to adapt as your plans evolve.
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This plan provides detailed, easy-to-follow blueprints, perfect for anyone building their own timber frame.
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We understand that every project is unique, so we offer extensive customization options for our plans and kits. Choose from various sizes, roof styles, and finishes to match your style and landscape. Our design team is dedicated to helping you create the perfect plan that reflects your vision.
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- Phone: Call us at 888-552-9379 (9–5, M–F) to speak with one of our experts.
- Email: Send your questions to projects@timberframehq.com, and we will respond within two business days
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Do you happen to have any pictures of any of these finished? I would like to see how you would go about finishing them out.
What are the ceiling heights in the lower floor and loft area?
Hello James – The dimensions are 8′-4″ from the foundation to the bottom of the tie beam, and 6-0 1/2″ from the top of the tie beam to the collar tie.
Is there a way to easily modify this to a full two story? Looking for a 12′ x 30′ two story addition.
Ben,
You would just need to increase the post length between the upper strut and plates. How far are you looking to go?
Brice
8′ side walls with a 5/12 pitch roof
Looking to build something similar, but 16 x 36, 1-1/2 story – could these plans be modified accordingly?
Thanks
Hello I was wondering if this type of design could be 24’x36’. Was was looking at the barn and I think it would be to high with the top floor being 15’ to the peak this style here you say is 6’ to the peak from the second floor.
I could work there starts to be quite of bit outward thrust at the rafter feet, so the collar ties will come into play more. Have you seen our plan at https://timberframehq.com/shop/24×36-heavy-timber-barn/.
Brice
Yes, we can put it in the pipeline to get it done.
On the loft joists, I assume they are joined as dovetail joints for the inner joists but the outermost joists — how are they joined to the posts?
All of the rafters are housed into the beams/posts 3/4 to 1″ and are secured with a structural screw. I do not recommend the dovetail at the end of a joist. As the timbers dry, the timbers dry away from each other weakening the joints.
hi,
is the price for the plan the same if you supply it as ben requests in the above post?
BENAUGUST 21, 2018 AT 8:09 PM
Looking to build something similar, but 16 x 36, 1-1/2 story – could these plans be modified accordingly?
regards
The plan is what I am looking for could it be sized for 14 feet wide?
The beams would not change much only the rafters correct?
Yes, the rafters would be the biggest change with those plans. We can help you sort that out, email Brice at support@timberframehq.com.
i had asked for 14 foot wide and Brice said no problem. next question is can we add base logs and floor joists on the bottom floor??
what is the length of the beams to make the 36 foot run two 18’s?
Yes, we can add the floor system to the plan. It is not a problem to make those changes and it can be completed through our custom design service. You can learn more at https://timberframehq.com/custom-design/.
Does this design lend itself to using sip panels? Seems tricky with the protruding beams and cantilevered roof, right?
Would it be possible to build this structure on sonotube concrete posts, if so, what hardware would be best to secure the posts? Or, would it be better to have the posts come down on sills? Thanks
Hey Gavin, landing on concrete is just fine. See our construction detail here using the Timberlinx A475, keeping in mind the base plate shown is incorrect – we now recommend using the heavy duty post bases in our shop: https://timberframehq.com/timberlinx-post-base-detail/