TIMBER FRAMING COURSE 2025

Introduction
This is a practical introduction to traditional, medieval-inspired timber framing. We will cover timber conversion, timber selection, recognising conversion marks, what to look for in ancient timber frames and the history of timber conversion.
The course will be limited to between four and six participants.

Aim of the course
Together we will build a modest timber framed building for use near the Bedales tennis courts, and each student will make a mortise and tenon joint to take home.

What will you learn?
Students will be taught how to mark out and cut joints, and plan and design a simple timber frame. We will make pegs using shave horses and work with hand tools throughout.

The course is suitable for
The course will be suitable for complete beginners, but also those with some experience in carpentry who wish to know more about traditional timber framing. Gabriel is happy to discuss particular projects if you have one in mind.

Why choose this course?
The course offers great value for money and the opportunity to work alongside a tutor with extensive experience of teaching and traditional building conservation. It will be held in the grounds of Bedales school, in a well-resourced department. By the end of course you will have contributed to the making of a small but beautiful building, and learned the necessary skills to plan and build your own projects.

Timetable
This is subject to change, depending on progress, but expect the week to look like this:
Monday – Friday, 9.30 - 5pm. Courses run every day 9.30am - 5pm. Early finish Friday.
Day 1 –Timber conversion and selection theory. Marking out and cutting a mortise and tenon.
Day 2 - Scarfing wall plates and sill plates and putting together wall frames.
Days 3 and 4 - Marking out and cutting the three cross frames.
Day 5 - Finishing the trusses and raising.
Every day will also include peg-making. Depending on our progress we may have time to cut rafters too.

Your tutor
Gabriel Langlands is a timber framer and artist who teaches timber framing part time at Bedales School. He has been a carpenter for 20 years, working partly in conservation and repair. In 2007 he completed the SPAB Craft Fellowship for traditional building crafts. 

5-day course fees £500

£250 non-refundable deposit to secure your place. 

To book a place on the course, or if you have any questions about the course, please email him at gabriel.langlands@gmail.com

Many thanks!