Heavy timber construction is a building method that uses large, rustic, heavy sawn timbers or structural glue laminated lumber that is joined together with traditional mortise and tenon joinery or modern metal joinery. Also known as post and beam construction or mill construction, timber framing in floor and roof assemblies dates back to the beginning of civilization. The first completely self-supporting timber frame structure is believed to have been constructed during the 10th century. Developed since that time, the building method was brought to North America in the seventeenth century by European settlers.

Pole framing or post-frame construction is a simple, cost effective durable design that was developed during the 1930s. Originally constructed with round utility poles, today's pole buildings utilize laminated columns or square posts. The poles or posts are joined to create a building frame that siding is attached to and rafters are rested upon and secured to. Pole construction has commonly been used to build garages, agricultural and equestrian structures, and airplane hangers, but can also be used in the construction of low rise commercial or residential structures.

Log construction refers to a building technique in which a structure is built from logs that have not been milled into conventional lumber. Log buildings are formed by horizontally stacking logs and interlocking their ends with notches. The origin of this type of construction is uncertain, but it is believed to date back to Northern Europe during the Bronze Age. When Europeans settled in America during the 17th and 18th centuries, they utilized this knowledge of handcrafted log construction to create shelter. In 19th century American politics, log cabins came to symbolize humble beginnings, since no fewer than seven U.S. Presidents were born in log homes. Throughout history, log construction was used for homes, churches, schools, barns, mills, commercial buildings, and outbuildings. Typically built in rural settings, this rustic architecture style can be built in any climate. Today log construction can be seen in elaborate homes as well as in simple cabins, built from handcrafted or milled logs, with different styles and options.

Heavy timbers are a type of lumber that is differentiated from dimensional lumber by having minimum dimensions of 5 inches. Timber framing consists of joining heavy timbers together with pegged mortise and tenon joints, scarf joints or lap joints. Wood members of heavy timber framing are commonly known as post, beam, jetty, truss and brace. Historically, heavy timbers were hewn with axes or hand sawed. Today, CNC machines have modernized what was once a hand craft, allowing the industry to grow due to greater affordability of products and shorter lead.