Timber Frame in Covington, KY
LARGE KINGSTON TIMBER FRAME PAVILION
Built on an impressive scale, this custom 30′ x 60′ Kingston Timber Frame Pavilion was delivered and professionally installed in Covington, Kentucky. Providing approximately 1,800 square feet of covered space, the structure combines traditional mortise-and-tenon craftsmanship with massive Douglas fir timbers to create an expansive open-air setting capable of accommodating large gatherings, events, dining areas, or other community and commercial uses.
Stretching 60 feet from end to end, the pavilion is supported by 12 substantial 8×8 timber posts. Approximately 10 feet of header clearance maintains tall, open sides around the structure, giving guests plenty of room to move throughout the pavilion while preserving wide views of the surrounding property.
Across the 30-foot width, six exposed timber bents form the primary truss system. Each incorporates massive 8×10 bottom chords and 8×12 top chords, creating a series of repeating structural frames that can be seen throughout the entire length of the pavilion. At this scale, the trusses do much more than support the roof—they establish the architectural rhythm of the interior.
Traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery brings the heavy timber components together, allowing the connections themselves to remain visible as part of the finished structure. 4×10 curved knee braces reinforce the frame while introducing softer lines between the vertical posts and horizontal beams, providing a distinctive handcrafted detail throughout the pavilion.
The size of the structure is further emphasized by its substantial roof. A 6.5/12 pitch creates considerable height through the center of the pavilion, while 24-inch eave overhangs and 16-inch gable overhangs extend beyond the timber frame to provide additional coverage and balanced exterior proportions.
Heavy timber rafter plates and a structural ridge beam carry the roof between the six bents. Depending on final engineering requirements, rafter plates are sized at either 8×10 or 8×12, while the ridge beam can range from 8×12 to 8×16. These oversized components are appropriately scaled to the pavilion’s 30-foot width and 60-foot overall length.
Above the timber frame, 2× #1 SPF tongue-and-groove roof decking creates an expansive finished wood ceiling. With nearly 1,800 square feet beneath the roof, the exposed decking becomes a significant part of the visual experience inside the pavilion, complementing the trusses and heavy timber framework below.
An Australian Timber Oil stain was applied to the timber structure, enhancing the grain and natural variation of the Douglas fir. The pavilion was crafted from #1 & Better Douglas fir that is S4S, or surfaced smooth on all four sides, and FOHC, or free of heart center, providing a refined finish appropriate for a structure where the framing remains completely exposed.
Final shingle or metal roofing materials were intentionally excluded from this project, allowing the finished roofing system to be supplied separately. This gives the customer flexibility to coordinate the roof with other buildings or select materials based on the property’s specific architectural requirements.
Because a timber frame of this size requires significant structural planning, stamped engineered drawings were included with the project. The pavilion was then professionally installed at the customer’s Covington location, with lift rental included for both unloading the delivery truck and raising the heavy timber components during assembly.
The finished Kingston represents timber framing on a truly substantial scale. From the repeating six-truss interior and 12 oversized posts to the soaring roof and 1,800-square-foot footprint, this project combines the functionality of a large covered venue with the craftsmanship and architectural presence of a traditional mortise-and-tenon timber frame.
- Year Completed: 2025
- City: Covington
- County: Kenton
- Price Range: $98,000-$105,000