William Latta timber Frames has been based in Somerset since 2006. Originally involved in wooden boatbuilding, William Latta has 22 years experience of constructing timber framed buildings in a variety of styles. We are a small business, with a large premises, so we can take on a variety of work, large and small.

WHAT IS TIMBER FRAME?
It is the use of large section timbers to create a structural ‘skeleton’ supporting the walls floors and roof. A variety of elaborate joints tie the timbers to each other creating a very strong structure which does not rely simply on screws or bolts.
It’s all about the look – you’ve paid for it and you want to see it. With this type of build the structural elements along with the carpenter’s handiwork are on show, and not hidden behind plasterboard or buried under layers of insulation.

TIMBER
The timbers used are fresh sawn (green) Oak, a strong durable timber. We also on occasion use construction-grade softwoods such as Douglas Fir.
Fresh-sawn means that the timber has been recently felled and so still contains moisture. It is traditionally used as it is easier to procure the various lengths and sections required straight from the saw mill. It is also softer and has not started to move, so is easier to work with.
Once the frame is assembled the wood shrinks, cracks and hardens, locking the frame together. Careful timber selection can also reduce the impact of the drying phase.

FINISHING
With all this exposed timber comes a requirement to consider the surface finish and texture of the timber. There are many options. The timber can be planed and sanded smooth in the workshop and surface treatments such as waxes and oils can be supplied Alternatively the frame can be scoured clean by sand blasting. This can be done after the frame is put up.

WHAT WE DO
We can help with the initial design to move the project forward, taking into account practical and aesthetic considerations.
At this stage we can consult with your designer to tailor the frame to work within the proposed building.
Later on we can liaise with your builder/main contractor to make sure everything is right. We can come to site to install, or alternatively provide the project ex-works to be installed by a third party.
We can also assist with advice on closing in the frame, including glazing options and cladding.

PROCESS
-Initial Enquiry.
-Phone / email discussion.
-Site visit / designs or preliminary ideas are sent over.
-An estimate is given with a lead-in time. (minimum time from receipt of the deposit to delivery).
If the client wants to continue then construction drawings are worked up and the price adjusted (if
necessary)
A deposit taken and the timber is ordered!