About American Country Barns
The American settlers
built their buildings to last using tools and techniques they
brought from the old world, where builders still make things to
last. They used extra-heavy timbers to create strong
self-supporting frames, which they pre-cut in small workshops
close to the source of the wood supply. The completed frame was
delivered to the construction site where it was assembled in
that great team effort, the barn raising. The entire frame could
be assembled in a day! This construction model worked well
because it permitted specialization: the frames were produced in
an efficient shop and the barn raising was a community event
with local labor and a wind-up celebration.
We continue this tradition today with our quality timber frame
barn and shed kits. Our craftsmen cut your barn frame in our
shop to your specifications. We add all the finishing materials
including siding and windows, that you or your carpenter need to
complete the barn at your home. When you receive your barn or
shed, all you need is a foundation, tools, roofing materials and
a supply of willing labor.
Besides the authentic look, you can tell the difference between
our barns and sheds and the factory-built products immediately:
MATERIALS
Your barn starts with Eastern Pine or Douglas Fir or Hemlock
logs at our supplier’s mill in Northern New England. The mill
cuts to our specifications, because we only accept premium
timbers. The heavy frame timbers arrive at our shop as green
wood, where they’re stored until they reach proper moisture
content and stabilize. After that, they can be cut to size, and
are ready for construction. We cut all our barns to order. Once
in place in your barn, the timbers continue to age for months
until they reach a warm brown color.
Today’s timber farms are no longer clear-cut but are a renewable
resource; they’re replaced right after being cut, assuring a
continuing growth of the Eastern forest. For the rest of your
barn, we include components from selected manufacturers of
hardware, windows and millwork. Most are small family businesses
who share our love of woodworking.
OUR DESIGNS
Our designer specializes in timber frame buildings and is a
leading figure in the industry. Based in western Massachusetts,
he designed all the standard barns in this catalog, which is
only a part of what we can provide. We chose him after seeing
his designs and some of the buildings he’s created. They’re
designs that look good and are built to last. Our barns are
engineered to meet building code requirements in all 50 states
and we can provide engineered drawings for any need. Need a
change to our standard barn? Want a larger barn? A special
purpose barn? Let us know and we can provide it directly or
bring in our designer for a consultation.
OUR SHOP
Located in New Milford, Connecticut, our shop consists of a
combination of modern woodworking machinery and traditional hand
tools which we use to hand-craft your barn’s frame to fit
together as designed. We’re also here to give backup
phone support; call our 800 number to be connected to support,
seven days a week.
Because it comes as a kit, your barn can be what you prefer. Add
options from our catalog: wrought hardware, windows, flower box,
shutters, a weathervane, a cupola. Add your own touches: reverse
the design, relocate the door, add trim. Match the trim on your
house. You supply the roofing, so you can have asphalt, wood,
metal or slate.
INSTALLATION
This is your choice entirely. We offer the following options:
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