Built from massive hand-hewn beams and assembled like wooden puzzles, Ontario’s timber-frame barns are icons of rural architecture. Unlike modern framing methods, timber framing relies on large vertical posts, horizontal beams, and diagonal bracing to create an incredibly stable skeleton. These barns were designed to last—flexible under load, resistant to collapse, and capable of supporting heavy haylofts or livestock beneath. Every cut beam, joint, and peg contributes to the strength and soul of the structure.
OBP works to document and protect these frames before they vanish under the weight of neglect or development. By mapping out barn anatomy—from king posts and tie beams to purlins and wall plates—OBP helps property owners and restoration experts identify what’s worth saving and how to do it. These barns are not relics; they’re blueprints for resilient, eco-friendly design. Explore Ontario’s timber heritage—connect with us at Ontario Barn Preservation to learn more.