At Woodpecker, we combine traditional timber craftsmanship with advanced CNC technology to produce accurate timber frames, mass timber components, and custom joinery.
From our facility in Exshaw, Alberta, each piece is prepared in a controlled shop environment before arriving on site. Timber moves through a clear fabrication process, from S4S planing and CNC cutting to hand-cut joinery, final detailing, and quality checks. This helps improve fit, finish, efficiency, and on-site installation.
We receive our timbers directly from the sawmill in rough-sawn form. The first step in our process is to plane each timber on all four sides using our in-house automated planing machine. This creates an S4S finish, meaning “smooth four sides,” and refines the timber to a dimensional accuracy of 0.5 mm. By creating a consistent, accurate starting point, we ensure each timber can be processed precisely through the CNC cutting stage.
After planing, timbers move to our cutting and joinery department. Our drafting team creates detailed 3D models using CAD technology, which are exported directly to our Hundegger ROBOT-Drive CNC machine. Before cutting begins, our CNC operator reviews the model and prepares the material for processing. This system allows us to cut joinery, drillings, and connection details with exceptional speed, consistency, and precision.
While CNC technology handles many traditional and modern joinery details, some projects require skilled hand-cutting. Complex joints, oversized beams, reclaimed timbers, or custom architectural details may be completed or finished by our experienced timber framers. This combination of technology and craftsmanship allows us to respond to the unique requirements of each project while preserving the character and quality of traditional timber framing.
There are several ways to connect timber components in a structure. The best method depends on the project’s structural requirements, design goals, and desired appearance. Many timber frame projects use a combination of traditional joinery, concealed hardware, and exposed steel connections to achieve both performance and visual impact.
Traditional joinery is the foundation of timber framing. Large timber members such as posts, beams, rafters, and purlins are connected using carefully crafted wood joinery instead of exposed metal fasteners. Mortise and tenon joints secured with oak pegs are among the most recognized traditional timber framing connections.
For connections carrying higher structural loads, concealed engineered hardware is often incorporated into the timber frame system. These hidden connections may include knife plates, slide-together connectors, threaded rods, or custom steel details designed for strength and clean architectural detailing. Concealed systems can support greater loads while maintaining the exposed timber aesthetic.
Exposed connectors are often used in industrial-inspired timber structures or projects seeking a bold architectural aesthetic. Steel plates, brackets, and visible hardware can become intentional design features while also providing strong, efficient structural connections within the timber frame system.
From sourcing to specification, we’ll help you choose wood that’s strong, sustainable, and perfectly suited to your project.
Mass timber systems use engineered connectors, hardware, and fasteners to join structural wood components based on project-specific engineering requirements. Modern systems often incorporate slide-together connectors, structural fasteners, custom steel hardware, and bracing for increased strength, efficiency, and reliability.
Our drafting team carefully designs each connection to meet load-bearing requirements, maintain clean architectural detailing, and ensure precise alignment during installation.
From glulam beams to cross-laminated timber panels, our fabrication process combines CNC technology with skilled craftsmanship to produce accurate, high-quality timber components.
Our Hundegger ROBOT-Drive CNC machine cuts precise joinery, drillings, and connection details for both traditional timber framing and modern mass timber systems. For complex joinery or oversized components, our skilled timber framers step in with hand-cutting and finishing to maintain accuracy, quality, and craftsmanship.
To help you understand what to expect, we’ve outlined answers to the most common questions about our journey and CNC cutting. If you have further questions feel free to contact us directly.