Today, we are happy to share a candid interview with Doug Kehler, who is the Finishing Department Manager, Timber Purchaser, and Logistics expert at Cornerstone Timberframes. Doug has been an integral part of our team since 2018, and we cannot wait to introduce you to one of the important people responsible for our successful projects.

Windmills are quite possibly the most interesting buildings made by humans. They reflect our human ingenuity and beautifully display our ability to work cooperatively with nature. A curious mix of building and machine, windmills are a showcase of math, engineering, and refined carpentry skills!

A fresh perspective can be life changing. Fifty-five years ago, this image met the crew of Apollo 8 as they orbited the moon. The astronauts were in awe as they scrambled to find a roll of colour film for Bill Ander’s camera…

Cornerstone’s roots run deep in the soil of traditional timber framing. From the company’s inception in 1991, the founding Peters brothers maintained a steady focus on technical excellence and quality. Complementing their deep respect for traditional skills and methods, an interest in finding “better tools”, allowed them to see that new materials, digital design and state of the art equipment did not threaten the craft but freed it to be so much more.

While visiting Germany this spring, I found myself standing at a busy intersection, waiting for the pedestrian signal to change. A large group of motorcycles approached, went past, then accelerated as they cleared the intersection. It took several seconds before I realized why the experience felt so odd… the motorbikes were all whisper quiet.

Wood is part of a virtuous, circular bio-economy and Canadian forests can play a significant role in our response to climate change…

Whenever two pieces of timber meet in timber framing, they need to be connected. Carpenters call this connection ‘joinery,’ which involves cutting specific details into two pieces to keep them together. These joinery details are usually hidden from view once the timber frame is assembled.

Free trade between the US and Canada will celebrate its 35th anniversary on New Year’s Day, 2024.

In 1982 the US unemployment rate reached 10.8%, the highest level in the entire post-war period. Over 12 million job-seeking Americans were idled. In Canada unemployment reached 13%. There was sharp disagreement about the best course of action to address the underlying economic stagnation. Unions and employment advocates called for higher tariffs and stronger trade barriers as the only effective way to protect jobs.

One of the joys of summer is being outdoors, surrounded with pleasant views, unharried by the cares of the world. If you are looking for outdoor happiness, a well-designed and properly sited timber frame structure, like a pergola, gazebo or outdoor bar can transform a pleasing backyard into an oasis of wellbeing and delight.

1. Ease of Use

No other construction material is as versatile or easy to use as wood. It can be cut, shaped, and fastened with basic tools. With experienced supervision, installation is quick and can be undertaken by a small crew with only basic carpentry knowledge. Repairs and modifications are easy and do not require heating or other special measures in cold weather.