the star hill method: timber framing essentials

Learn the Star Hill Method by helping build a real timber frame from layout to raise.

September 16–20, 2026
Ellsworth, Wisconsin

Limited to 8 Students

Many people want to build a timber frame.

Most don’t know where to start.

Common questions we hear:

• Where do I begin?
• What tools do I actually need?
• Do I need to be good at math?
• How do I know I’m doing it right?

This class answers those questions by giving you direct experience.

You don’t just learn how timber frames are built.

You help build one—from layout through joinery and into the test raise.

8 Students. Two Instructors. One Timber Frame.

We intentionally keep enrollment small so instruction stays personal, practical, and hands-on.

Every student participates.

Every question gets answered.

Every layout line gets reviewed.

This isn’t a demonstration.

It’s a working project.

Because the class is small, instruction can adapt to your goals and interests.

Whether you’re planning a cabin, a home, a shop, or simply want to understand timber framing at a deeper level, you’ll have direct access to instructors throughout the week.

The Star Hill Method

This class is built around the Star Hill Method—a practical approach to timber framing developed through years of designing, cutting, teaching, and raising timber frames.

The method is built around a simple belief:

Timber framing should be understandable.

Many people assume timber framing requires advanced math, complicated geometry, or years of experience before they can begin.

Our experience has been different.

When the process is clear, the work becomes approachable.

The Star Hill Method provides:

• A clear sequence from first timber to test raise
• Physical references instead of constant calculation
• Repeatable layout and joinery processes
• Systems that reduce uncertainty and increase confidence
• A framework that helps students understand why things work, not simply how

Throughout the week you’ll learn the thinking behind the method, not just the steps.

The goal isn’t to teach you how to build one timber frame.

The goal is to teach you how to approach future timber frames with confidence.

The Star Hill Layout System

Every student receives the Star Hill Layout System as part of their tuition.

The system includes:

• EZB
• EZL
• EZC

Manufactured from 304 stainless steel, the layout system is built for long-term shop use and is the same system we use daily at Star Hill Timberworks.

Rather than relying on calculations or complex geometry, the system provides physical references that allow students to transfer information directly to the timber with speed, consistency, and accuracy.

Used together, the Star Hill Method and the Star Hill Layout System create a workflow that helps students focus on understanding timber framing rather than fighting through unnecessary complexity.

Build Something Real

This is not a bench class.

Nearly all of your time is spent working on a full timber frame structure.

Students participate in:

• Full layout
• Joinery layout
• Cutting and fitting
• Assembly and adjustment
• Test raising as a crew

Everything you cut is part of the frame.

Standing inside a structure you helped build changes what you believe you’re capable of.

Tools & Workflow

Timber framing isn’t one thing, and we don’t teach it as such.

During the class, students are exposed to:

• Traditional hand-tool timber framing
• Mid-level power-tool workflows
• Production-oriented power-tool systems

The goal isn’t to tell you what tools to buy.

The goal is to help you understand why you would choose one approach over another.

By the end of the class, students aren’t guessing about tools.

They leave knowing:

• Which tools matter for their goals
• Which tools can wait
• How different tools affect workflow, accuracy, and pace

Tuition & Registration

Tuition for The Star Hill Method: Foundations is $3,000.

Tuition includes:

• Five days of hands-on instruction
• Participation in a full timber frame build
• Instruction in the Star Hill Method
• The Star Hill Layout System
  • EZB
  • EZL
  • EZC
• Digital Timber Framing Practices Manual
• Digital class plans
• Lunch each day

Registration requires a non-refundable $700 reservation payment.

The reservation payment secures your seat in the class.

The remaining balance is due 30 days before class.

Additional package options are available for students who wish to include edge systems, cutting systems, manuals, and other tools with their registration.

Ticket Options

Foundations

$3,000

Includes:

• Class tuition
• Star Hill Layout System
• EZB
• EZL
• EZC
• Digital manual
• Digital plans
• Lunch each day

Foundations + Beginner Edge System

$3,539

Includes:

• Everything in Foundations
• Beginner Edge System

Foundations + Full Edge System

$4,075

Includes:

• Everything in Foundations
• Full Edge System

Foundations + Cutting System

$3,293

Includes:

• Everything in Foundations
• Cutting System

Foundations + Complete Shop Package

$4,564

Includes:

• Everything in Foundations
• Full Edge System
• Cutting System
• Poly Shop Manual
• Marking Knife

Package pricing includes a 10% discount on eligible add-on products.

The discount has already been applied to the ticket prices shown above.

Package pricing may not be combined with other offers, discounts, promotions, coupon codes, or special pricing programs.

Invoicing & Shipping

Once final payment has been received:

• Your Star Hill Layout System ships directly to your home
• Any selected edge systems ship directly to your home
• Cutting systems ship directly to your home
• Marking knives ship directly to your home

Students are welcome to bring their systems and tools if they choose.

However, it is not required.

Many students travel by air and prefer not to transport tools.

The shop is fully equipped, and we’ll have everything needed for the week available at class.

Manuals & Plans

Students receive:

• Digital Timber Framing Practices Manual
• Digital copy of the timber frame plan built during class

The manual documents:

• The Star Hill Method
• Layout logic
• Sequencing
• Cutting workflow
• Fitting and assembly methods

The digital manual is provided before class so students can become familiar with the process before arriving.

A printed poly shop manual is available through selected ticket packages.

Meals, Lodging & Travel

Lunch is provided each day of the workshop.

Students are responsible for breakfast, dinner, lodging, and transportation.

Lodging

David’s Lodge and Inn is located approximately 5 miles from the shop in Ellsworth.

Red Wing, Minnesota is located approximately 11 miles from the shop and offers a wide variety of hotels, inns, vacation rentals, restaurants, coffee shops, and other amenities.

Additional lodging options can be found through the Red Wing tourism website.

Travel

Star Hill Timberworks is located approximately one hour southeast of Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP).

Students flying to class should plan to rent a vehicle or arrange transportation in advance.

Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare services are generally available in the Twin Cities but are often limited in our area and should not be relied upon for transportation to and from the shop.

What To Bring

• Safety glasses
• Hearing protection
• Gloves
• Sturdy footwear
• Weather-appropriate clothing

Most of the work takes place outdoors under cover.

We do have shop space available, but students should plan on spending much of the week outside and dress accordingly.

Layers are recommended, especially during spring and fall classes when temperatures can change throughout the day.

No prior experience required.

Just curiosity and a willingness to work.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

Registration requires a non-refundable $700 reservation payment.

The reservation payment secures your seat in the class and is not refundable.

The Star Hill Layout System, edge systems, cutting systems, marking knives, manuals, and other products are separate from class tuition.

Once final payment has been received and products have been shipped, those products become the property of the student and are not refundable through the class cancellation process.

Cancellations More Than 60 Days Before Class

All class tuition paid beyond the non-refundable $700 reservation payment will be refunded.

Any shipped products are excluded from the refund and remain the property of the student.

Cancellations 30–60 Days Before Class

50% of any class tuition paid beyond the non-refundable $700 reservation payment will be refunded.

Any shipped products are excluded from the refund and remain the property of the student.

Cancellations Less Than 30 Days Before Class

Cancellations made less than 30 days before the class start date are non-refundable.

Any shipped products remain the property of the student.

Substitute Students

If a student is unable to attend, a substitute student may attend in their place with prior approval from Star Hill Timberworks.

All substitutions must be approved before the first day of class.

Class Cancellation by Star Hill Timberworks

If Star Hill Timberworks cancels a class, all class tuition payments received will be refunded.

The Star Hill Layout System, edge systems, cutting systems, marking knives, manuals, and other shipped products are separate purchases and are not refundable as part of a class cancellation.

Star Hill Timberworks is not responsible for lodging, travel expenses, airfare, lost wages, or other incidental costs.

What You Leave With

Students don’t leave inspired.

They leave oriented.

You walk away with:

• Experience working on a real timber frame structure
• An understanding of the Star Hill Method
• Hands-on experience using the Star Hill Layout System
• A workflow you trust and can repeat
• Clarity around tools, methods, and next steps
• Confidence that comes from having done the work

For many students, this is the moment when building a timber frame stops being a dream and starts being a plan.

8 students.

Two instructors.

One timber frame.

The Star Hill Method.

Build. Remember. Repeat.

— Jon at Star Hill Timberworks