Custom Timber Framing
Creating Unique Timber Frame Structures
Our custom timber framing services are tailored to meet your specific needs. From initial design to final construction, we work closely with you to create a structure or accent that is both beautiful and functional. We direct source and custom make every timber frame component so they stand the test of time and fit together perfectly. Every project is unique and we love working with you to create something extra special.
What Our Clients are Saying
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Art Warren3 November 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Exceptional workmanship! They work with you even on the smallest details to accommodate you and help you with your ideas to transform your project into an absolutely beautiful renovation. Very friendly and wonderful customer service too.Posted on Google![]()
Cindi Krebs23 October 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Very good service. Attention to detail and respect for our property.Posted on Google![]()
Vision Design29 September 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
we subcontracted Daniel and his team for an outdoor living project this year and they have been amazing! From excellent communication to premium workmanship. We look forward to working with them in the future!Posted on Google![]()
Gavin Klinger8 September 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Daniel and his crew did amazing work on my timber frame porch. Very good attention to detail and good communication with everything.Posted on Google![]()
JT11 August 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The rough cut, hemlock front porch looks awesome, and the deck is a wonderful improvement from before! The mortise and tenon joint design isn’t something often seen anymore these days.+0Posted on Google![]()
Krystal Forcheskie21 July 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Daniel, Eric, Daniel and Ivan did a wonderful job on our exterior and interior home improvements (especially the timber roof and posts). They were punctual, courteous, polite and paid attention to every detail. We highly recommend Mountainside for all your home improvement needs. We will definitely hire Mountainside for all of our future projects!Posted on Google![]()
Brittanny Marie25 June 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
They took the house that we have lived in for over three years, and made it feel like the forever home we have talked about! We can't be more thankful for the amazing craftmanship that was done by this company! We would highly recommend for your next project.+1Posted on Google![]()
Dave Wengerd9 February 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I highly recommend Mountainside Home Improvements! They improved our home by putting in windows and wooden wrapped beams. Fast and affordable and quality.Posted on Google![]()
Jim Sideris10 January 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Daniel built my family an amazing timber frame boathouse and gazebo. Then they added a complementary truss to our front porch to tie it all together. Daniel and his crew are the hardest working most skilled carpenters I've ever had the pleasure of working with. If you're seeking expert timber frame construction, look no further than Mountainside Home Improvements.Posted on Google![]()
McKenna Keller18 December 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I cannot recommend Mountainside Home Improvements enough. Daniel and his team were an absolute delight to work with from start to finish. We had a pavilion built and attached to our home, and the craftsmanship and attention to detail are truly exceptional. Everything turned out beautifully and even better than we envisioned. They also updated our warped siding to the color we wanted, and we’ve already scheduled them to complete the rest of our siding in the spring. The entire structure was built and completed in just one day, which was incredible. We only had to wait a few weeks for the screen to arrive, and once it did it was installed quickly and seamlessly. Professional, efficient, and incredibly skilled. Mountainside Home Improvements exceeded our expectations in every way. Highly recommend!Posted on Google![]()
TIM HENNINGER25 November 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
REPAIRED/REPLACED OLD DECKING. EXCELLENT WORK.Posted on Google![]()
Jesse Smucker17 November 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Daniel and his team are phenomenal to work with, scheduling, timelines, attention to detail, quality work, are just to name few. 100% recommend this company!Posted on Google![]()
Beth Huntsinger15 November 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We were looking for someone to build a pergola for our home. We wanted to replace one that was starting to deteriorate. We were given Mr. Esh’s business card, and we decided to speak to him. Even though he had never built a pergola before, he assured us he could replace the one we had with something similar. The finished product is beautiful. We are extremely happy with our new pergola. He is a skilled craftsman who has created an attractive addition to our home. We know it will last a very long time. I highly recommend Mountainside Home Improvements if you are looking for someone to provide custom wood construction. Their crew worked quickly and accurately. They were also very respectful and friendly. Great experience in hiring Mountainside to do work at our home!!+2Posted on Google![]()
Larry Sensenig19 September 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Price was good loved the craftsmanship and the look of it. The people, including Dan and his workers, were awesome to work with.Posted on Google![]()
Eric Romberger22 August 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The job they did on our porch posts and beams looks amazing. They were in and out in a few hours. We are very pleased.+1Posted on Google![]()
John O'Sullivan21 August 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Daniel and his crew were outstanding. They came in and finished the job in less than 2 weeks and were extremely professional and always polite. Windows, doors, siding, and a metal roof. As well as adding an 8x16 covered porch on the rear of the house. (Last minute add on to the original quote with a reasonable price.) Quality work and very neat and meticulous about details. When the time comes to start the work on my garage, I will not hesitate to call Daniel to get the job done for me.Posted on Google![]()
kim26 July 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Daniel and his team replaced our deck and did an outstanding job in only 1.5 days. They also assembled and installed a gazebo for us. If you are looking for top notch work, here are your guys. Highly recommend! Kim & Mike SwangerPosted on Google![]()
Joni Wengerd1 July 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Great quality work ,no shortcuts, I would get Mountainside againPosted on Google![]()
Bria. Felmy6 May 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Daniel and his team fixed and installed new kitchen and bathroom floor for us. He went above and beyond what he needed to do. Beautiful work and wonderful service.Posted on Google![]()
David Kerstetter27 February 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Job well done. Asked multiple times if everything was ok, if not they would fix issue. We did not have any problems! Did a great job.Posted on Google![]()
Gemma Phillips12 February 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Daniel and his crew were wonderful! They did an excellent job replacing our existing deck, screen and railing. We would highly recommend them. Daniel was professional and knowledgeable. His estimate was reasonable. He and his crew always arrived on time, and were courteous.Posted on Google![]()
Charles Gallup11 January 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Daniel and his team did an incredible job tearing down our old garage and rebuilding a new one! Very meticulous, professional and very hard workers. We highly recommend them for all your construction needs!!!+2Posted on Google![]()
Art White28 May 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I had two decks that started to come apart due to poor workmanship. MHI came to my rescue. They disassembled the decks and rebuilt the the base correctly, then they reused the decking giving me a break in the cost. In three days they completed the job. Their workmanship was excellent. I highly recommend this company. They are knowledgeable and skilled workman. Thanks guys, we hope you have a safe and profitable summer. Had Daniel back this summer and he rebuilt the steps between the two decks he built last summer. Again very skills professionals you can count on for quality work done on time with care. Thank you gentleman, excellent job!+5Posted on Google![]()
Samuel Wengerd27 March 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Nice work! Would recommend Daniel and his crewPosted on Google![]()
Alice Raudenbush7 November 2023Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Daniel Esh is true to his word. Arrived when he said he would and did a superb job. He is very professional and very concerned about his work being done correctly. He completed the work in the time quoted. We will definitely recommend Dan at Mountainside Home Improvements LLC to our family and friends.Posted on Google![]()
Karen KinKade28 July 2023Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Daniel was a pleasure to work with. He did a basement and bathroom remodel for us. He was professional, responsive, punctual, and neat. Most importantly, he did a beautiful job. He takes pride in his work and made sure we were happy with the job. We will definitely be using his company again for future projects.Posted on Google![]()
Frank Torres12 July 2023Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Mountainside Home improvements was incredible to work with from the beginning to the end. Daniel was great with ideas and planning, and very up front with his quotes. He had a great worker, Matt, who was a great match to Daniel to work with. His scheduling and work were very professional, always meticulous with all his work, had the work done on time and was very courteous throughout the entire process. I cannot say enough to how enjoyable working with him was, and we now plan on doing more work throughout our home with Mountainside Home Improvements. I HIGHLY recommend Mountainside Home Improvements to everyone!! We will continue to use them for all of our projects in our house, you just can’t get any better than these guys!! A++++ work!! Phenomenal and professional service!!+4Posted on Google![]()
Mark Ilgenfritz10 April 2023Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Has a good attitude about his work. Is it easy to work with and is conscientious about his craftsmanship. He’s currently working by himself, but if the projects are not too large, he seems to be very capable to handle them.+2Load moreVerified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
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The History of
Mortise and Tenon
Discover the history and craftsmanship behind mortise and tenon timber frame construction, a method that ensures durability and aesthetic appeal.
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The history of mortise and tenon timber frame construction dates back thousands of years and spans multiple continents. This ancient joinery technique, characterized by fitting a tenon (a projecting piece of wood) into a mortise (a corresponding cavity), has been a cornerstone of woodworking and construction across various cultures.
The origins of mortise and tenon joints can be traced back to Biblical times, with some of the earliest evidence found in ancient structures like Stonehenge, dating to around 2600-2400 B.C. These joints were also prevalent in early Asian constructions, where they were used extensively in Chinese and Japanese temples around the 6th to 8th centuries A.D. Notably, the Forbidden City in Beijing showcases some of the most sophisticated mortise and tenon joinery in its timber frameworks.
In Europe, the technique gained prominence during the Middle Ages, particularly in the construction of large timber-framed buildings. By the 9th and 10th centuries, Europeans had developed advanced timber framing skills, using mortise and tenon joints to construct durable and complex structures. Examples of such constructions can be seen in the timber-framed buildings of medieval England and continental Europe, including notable structures like Westminster Abbey and the Winchester Cathedral.
The method crossed the Atlantic with early settlers and became integral to building practices in colonial America from the 1600s to the mid-1800s. The abundant forests provided ample resources for timber framing, which was used to build everything from simple homes to large public buildings. However, the industrial revolution and the advent of cheaper, faster construction methods, such as balloon framing, led to a decline in the use of traditional mortise and tenon joinery.
Despite its decline in mainstream construction, mortise and tenon joinery has experienced a resurgence in recent decades, particularly among enthusiasts of traditional woodworking and sustainable architecture. The Arts and Crafts movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which emphasized craftsmanship and quality materials, played a significant role in reviving interest in this ancient technique. Today, mortise and tenon joints are celebrated for their aesthetic appeal and structural integrity, frequently used in bespoke furniture making, historical restorations, and modern timber frame homes.
The mortise and tenon joint is a testament to the enduring legacy of traditional woodworking techniques. Its ability to provide strong, durable, and aesthetically pleasing connections has ensured its continued relevance from ancient times to the present day.





