Battle Ground craftsman offers affordable timber framing alternative

Arrow Timber Framing in Battle Ground is helping Pacific Northwest homeowners add a touch of rustic architecture to their houses through hybrid timber framing. 

Owner Bert Sarkkinen has been a framing contractor since 1995 and was introduced to hybrid framing in 2002, falling in love with the idea. He has been constructing hybrid timber framing ever since, now using local lumber and processing on his sawmill in Battle Ground. 

Hybrid timber framing is an evolution of full timber framing, a classic style where wooden pegs are used instead of nails as a means of joining wood together. This trend has been on the rise over the last 10 years because of feel and look of exposed wooden beams. 

Although homeowners want to include the rustic aesthetics of timber framing, they often can’t afford it through their whole house; hybrid framing is a way to incorporate beautiful exposed beams into the places that are most important for them, making it easier on the wallet.  

“We hate to see anyone come in here stretching their relationship and budgets to acquire good timbers,” said Lucas Holmgren, who heads up marketing and sales for Arrow Timbers. “It’s really important to us that the timbers not only fit aesthetically, but for each client’s personality, and it’s within the money range they want to hit.”  

While Arrow Timber Framing predominantly serves Washington and Oregon, Sarkkinen said, “If a good fit is found, mileage doesn’t seem to matter to us. We have done jobs in both Florida and Alaska.” 

With 13 timber truss design styles and each job being custom, Sarkkinen gets inspiration from each client. 

“The clients are unique and so are their projects,” he said. 

{{tncms-inline content="<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Arrow Timber Framing owner Bert Sarkkinen has also written a book called “The Art of Hybrid Timber Framing.” Among other things, the book presents images, ideas, tips on how to avoid expensive mistakes and predict the cost of your project.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1">For more information or to order a copy, visit Arrow Timber Framing’s website or give them a call.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p>" id="2a6d9587-8b33-4c31-b32e-b1ff00d9c92e" style-type="bio" title="Read all about it " type="relcontent"}}

{{tncms-inline content="<p class="p1"><span class="s1">• Phone: (833) 212-0202</span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1">• Website: arrowtimber.com</span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1">• Address: 9726 NE 302nd St., Battle Ground<span class="s1"> </span></span></p>" id="6aa7ce93-e739-40ed-b5a7-87099ae7cae5" style-type="bio" title="Contact Information " type="relcontent"}}