Timber Frame Construction
in Ennis, Montana
Stein Builders builds post-and-beam timber frame structures across Montana — from full custom homes to exposed timber additions. Every joint is cut by hand. Shay runs every project personally, start to finish.
What’s Included in a
Stein Builders Timber Frame
Post-and-beam timber framing is one of the most demanding forms of construction — and one of Shay's specialties. From timber sourcing to final exposed joinery, we handle every phase of the build in-house.
- Timber sourcing and species selection
- Post-and-beam layout and engineering coordination
- Hand-cut mortise-and-tenon joinery
- Timber trusses and ridge beams
- Exposed interior timber work and beams
- Structural timber additions and loft framing
- Final sealing and finish treatment
Montana Ridge Timber Frame — Big Sky, MT
How Our Timber Frame
Comes Together
Meet in Person
Shay meets every new client before any work starts. For timber framing projects, that means walking the site, understanding the structure you want, and talking through timber species, joinery style, and scope.
Timber Selection
We select timbers based on your project — species, grade, drying method, and sourcing. Reclaimed, locally milled, or new-cut. The timber selection shapes the look and feel of the finished structure.
Joinery and Cutting
Every joint is hand-cut in-house. Mortise and tenon, pegged joints, and scarf cuts are laid out and cut before a single piece goes up. Precision at this stage determines the integrity of the structure for decades.
Raising and Assembly
The timber frame goes up as a system. Every piece lands in its place. Shay is on-site for every phase of the raise — no project managers, no hand-offs.
Finishing and Enclosure
Once the structure is raised, we coordinate enclosure — infill panels, insulation, roofing, and finish details. The exposed timber stays visible and protected for generations.
Recent Timber Frame Projects
Montana Ridge Timber Frame
Big Sky, MT — Full timber frame new construction
Madison Valley Barn Addition
Ennis, MT — Structural timber addition and exposed loft
Gallatin Valley Home
Bozeman, MT — Post-and-beam with exposed interior beams
“Shay is very busy because he is so good! If you are lucky to get him for your project he will be laser focused on it and 100% yours. I would give him a 10/10 for his communication, promptness, cleanliness, and above all his skill level and experience in all types of building.”
Why Stein Builders for Your Timber Frame
One Builder, Start to Finish
Shay runs every Stein Builders project personally. There is no project manager between you and the builder, and no rotating crew handling the details that matter. You hire the owner — and the owner does the work.
Built for Generations, Not for Speed
Every Stein Builders project is built for the long view. The structural choices, material selections, and finish work are made for a result meant to stand for many generations.
Licensed, Insured, and Bonded
Stein Builders LLC is fully licensed in Montana, fully insured, and bonded. Documentation is available on request before any work begins.
Range That Fits the Project
We take projects from $20,000 focused scopes to $10 million full builds. The same level of attention applies to a single custom piece as to a complete luxury home.
Let’s talk about
your project.
Fill out the form and Shay will be in touch within one business day. If you’d rather just talk, call him directly.
Ennis, MT 59729
Timber Framing FAQs
What's the difference between timber framing and regular framing?
Traditional stick framing uses dimensional lumber hidden inside walls. Timber framing uses large structural timbers — typically 6×6 or larger — joined with traditional joinery and left exposed. It's a slower, more precise method that produces a structure meant to be seen.
Do you use reclaimed or new timber?
Both. We source based on the project. Reclaimed black walnut, locally milled Douglas fir, or new-cut pine — the right timber depends on the structure, the look, and the budget. We discuss options during the initial consultation.
Can timber framing be added to an existing home?
Yes. We build timber frame additions, loft conversions, and structural timber elements that integrate with existing construction. Every project is evaluated on-site first.
What does a timber frame project cost?
Timber frame projects typically range from $50K for a standalone structure to $2M+ for a full custom home. The biggest variables are timber species, joinery complexity, and scale. We provide honest estimates after the site walk.