Bringing the Great Outdoors Inside

As someone who eats, sleeps, and quite literally breathes all things timber, I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of seamlessly blending our indoor and outdoor living spaces. And when I took on a new role at Simpson Strong-Tie as the Senior Business Specialist for Mass Timber and Offsite Construction, that vision really started to take shape.

You see, I’ve long been inspired by the unique properties of mass timber – an engineered wood product that combines smaller pieces of timber to create larger, stronger, and more consistent building materials. And after seeing these impressive cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels up close on job sites, I couldn’t help but wonder how I could incorporate them into a personal project.

The Outdoor Table of My Dreams

It all started with a simple desire – I’ve always wanted a large outdoor table for hosting big summer dinners with family and friends. And after building a brand new deck on our house last year, I had the perfect spot to bring this vision to life.

Of course, I had to run the idea by the household’s interior design manager (a.k.a. my wife, Holly) first. But to my delight, she was fully on board, especially since this new mass timber focus was such a big part of my job. With her seal of approval, I started reaching out to our customers to see if I could acquire the necessary materials.

Luckily, I was able to connect with my friend Tom Baun at Vaagen Timbers, who helped me source a gorgeous 4×10 CLT panel. Now, I’ll admit – this thing was a true behemoth, weighing in at a whopping 350 lbs. But with a little help from my neighbors, we were able to get it safely back to my place.

Transforming a Slab of Wood into a Stunning Centerpiece

The first order of business was to cut the CLT panel down to a more manageable size. Thankfully, I had access to an oversized beam saw – basically a souped-up version of a regular old skill saw – that made quick work of the job.

Next up, it was time to work my magic and transform this slab of wood into a true showpiece. After a quick sanding and clean-up, Holly and I decided on a rich, provincial-inspired stain to really bring out the natural beauty of the Douglas fir grain. I have to say, the end result was truly breathtaking – the deep, warm tones of the stain complemented the lighter, blonder areas, creating a stunning visual contrast.

Of course, no outdoor table is complete without a sturdy set of legs. While I toyed with the idea of building them myself, I ultimately decided to reach out to a small business on Etsy that specialized in custom steel legs. The team there did an incredible job crafting a set that perfectly matched my specifications, and the powder-coated black finish added a sleek, modern touch.

Putting it All Together (with a Little Help from Simpson Strong-Tie)

With the tabletop and legs ready to go, it was time for the grand assembly. To attach the steel legs securely to the CLT, I turned to one of my favorite Simpson Strong-Tie products – the Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws. These bad boys not only provide incredible holding power, but their sleek, low-profile design helps to maintain the clean aesthetic I was going for.

As I put the final touches on my new outdoor masterpiece, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride. Not only had I created something truly unique and beautiful, but I’d also gotten the chance to showcase my passion for mass timber and the innovative products that companies like Simpson Strong-Tie are bringing to the table.

Sharing My Passion with the World

Normally, I’m not one to share personal projects on social media, but I figured this was just too good an opportunity to pass up. So, I decided to post about my DIY outdoor table on LinkedIn, and the response was nothing short of amazing.

People were captivated by the story of how I turned a massive CLT panel into a functional and visually stunning piece of furniture. They were eager to learn more about mass timber and the various engineered wood products that are revolutionizing the construction industry. And of course, many were impressed by the Simpson Strong-Tie hardware that helped bring it all together.

Endless Possibilities for Outdoor Timber Structures

As I reflect on this project, I can’t help but be excited about the endless possibilities for incorporating outdoor timber structures into our homes and businesses. Whether it’s a grand, timber-framed pavilion, a cozy gazebo, or a sleek and modern pergola, these types of structures have the power to transform any outdoor space into a true personal paradise.

At Timber Building, we’re passionate about helping our clients create the backyard oasis of their dreams. Our team of expert designers and craftsmen can work with you to custom-design and build the perfect outdoor timber structure, tailored to your unique needs and preferences.

From luxurious outdoor kitchens and entertainment areas to simple, cozy retreats for relaxation and reflection, the possibilities are truly endless. And with the high-quality materials and cutting-edge construction techniques we employ, you can rest assured that your new outdoor structure will not only look stunning but also stand the test of time.

The Beauty and Functionality of Timber

Timber has long been revered for its natural beauty, durability, and versatility, and that’s why it’s such a popular choice for outdoor structures. Whether you’re drawn to the warm, rustic charm of a traditional timber frame or the sleek, modern aesthetic of a contemporary design, there’s a timber option to suit every taste and style.

But timber’s appeal isn’t just aesthetic – it’s also an incredibly functional building material. Thanks to advancements in engineered wood products like CLT and glulam, timber structures can now rival even the strongest steel and concrete when it comes to structural integrity. And with built-in resistance to weathering and decay, your outdoor timber structure will continue to look and perform beautifully for years to come.

Customizing Your Outdoor Timber Structure

At Timber Building, we understand that every homeowner has unique needs and preferences when it comes to their outdoor living spaces. That’s why we offer a wide range of customization options to ensure your new timber structure is a perfect reflection of your personal style and lifestyle.

Want to incorporate a cozy fireplace into your timber-framed pavilion? No problem. Dreaming of an outdoor kitchen complete with all the bells and whistles? We can make that happen. Or maybe you’re simply looking for a peaceful, shaded retreat where you can curl up with a good book – we’ve got you covered there, too.

The beauty of working with our team is that we’ll take the time to truly understand your vision and then bring it to life using only the highest-quality materials and construction techniques. Whether you’re envisioning a grand, multi-purpose entertaining space or a more intimate, nature-inspired getaway, we’ll work closely with you every step of the way to ensure your new outdoor timber structure is everything you’ve been dreaming of and more.

Bringing Your Backyard to Life

At the end of the day, your outdoor living space should be a true extension of your home – a place where you and your loved ones can gather, relax, and create lasting memories. And with a custom-designed timber structure from Timber Building, you can transform your backyard into the personal paradise you’ve always imagined.

So why wait? Give us a call or visit our website today to start planning your dream outdoor timber structure. Whether you’re looking to elevate your existing outdoor living area or starting from scratch, our team of experts is here to help you every step of the way. Get ready to experience the true beauty and functionality of timber in your own backyard!