CALIFORNIA
TIMBER FRAME HOMES
Pre-fabricated Custom Homes & Cabins In California
CALIFORNIA
TIMBER FRAME HOMES
California Timber Frame Services
Timberbuilt specializes in designing and building sustainable, architecturally distinct timber frame homes across North America, and we’re proud to offer our services throughout California.
We provide customizable designs, timber framing, and on-site assembly to create beautiful homes that are energy efficient, comfortable, and engineered to last generations.
California’s vast and varied landscapes—from the coastal cliffs of Big Sur to the forests of the Sierra Nevada and the sunny expanses of its central valleys—make it an ideal location for a sustainable, energy-efficient timber frame home. Whether you’re envisioning a retreat in Lake Tahoe, a contemporary home in the Bay Area, or a ranch-style estate in the Napa Valley, a Timberbuilt home can be perfectly suited to California’s diverse climate and terrain.
Designs for California’s Landscapes & Style
California’s landscapes are among the most dramatic in the world and our designs produce homes that blend naturally into these diverse surroundings.
Along the northern and central coasts, where rugged cliffs and redwood forests set the scene, large windows and open floor plans can frame views of the ocean or towering trees. Our flexible design process means we can build a home near Big Sur with wrap-around decks for soaking in misty mornings and the Pacific breeze — or a hillside retreat above San Francisco Bay that combines modern aesthetics with rustic timber accents.
In California’s mountain regions, like the Sierra Nevada near Lake Tahoe or Mammoth Lakes, our homes can make the most of sloped, forested terrain with options for walkout basements — ideal for steep lots and for maximizing living space and panoramic views.
For warmer, drier regions such as Napa Valley or the Central Coast, our homes can morph to reflect a Mediterranean style, with stucco exteriors, tile roofs, and timber-framed courtyards that embrace the sunny climate. Our customizable designs allow for outdoor spaces like pergolas, terraces, and shaded patios, providing a cool retreat from the heat while complementing the natural beauty of California’s vineyards and rolling hills.
Energy Efficient Across California’s Climate
California’s climate varies from the cool, damp northern coast to the hot, arid southern deserts, making energy efficiency essential in home design. Our homes are constructed with structural insulated panels (SIPs), providing superior insulation that keeps interiors comfortable while reducing energy consumption.
In northern areas, where fog and cooler temperatures are common, a SIP home helps retain warmth and reduces heating needs. Regions like Eureka and Mendocino benefit from the airtight construction of SIPs, which keep out moisture and cool air, creating a comfortable indoor environment with lower energy costs during cooler months.
In contrast, southern desert areas like Palm Springs and Joshua Tree face extreme heat in summer. Our energy-efficient SIPs prevent excessive heat from entering the home, reducing the need for air conditioning and keeping energy bills manageable, even when temperatures soar past 100°F.
For Central Valley homes, where temperatures vary significantly between day and night, our well-insulated designs help maintain comfort without heavy reliance on heating or cooling systems.
Engineered To Last
California’s environmental challenges—earthquakes, wildfires, and coastal weather—require durable, resilient homes. Our timber frame construction and precision-engineered SIPs are built to meet these demands and ensure long-lasting performance. We engineer each home for its exact location to meet all local codes and standards.
In fire-prone areas like the Sierra Nevada foothills or southern California’s dry landscapes, we provide added fire resistance. Timber frame construction, with large, slow-burning timbers, offers greater protection than traditional wood framing, while airtight SIPs help keep smoke out, further safeguarding the home’s interior from wildfire-related hazards.
In earthquake-prone regions, like the Bay Area or Los Angeles, our homes are engineered for seismic resilience. The strong timber frame provides flexibility during seismic events, helping homes withstand earthquake forces and ensuring structural integrity in high-risk zones.
Along California’s coast, where saltwater, fog, and high winds pose challenges, our homes are designed for coastal endurance. SIPs provide superior moisture control and insulation, while the robust timber frame resists the impact of salty air and harsh winds, ensuring that your home stands strong for generations.
Whether you’re building in the mountains, along the coast, or in the desert, our homes deliver strength, sustainability, and energy efficiency, making them a great choice across California’s unique environments. We combine timeless beauty with modern durability to build homes that thrive in the Golden State’s diverse landscapes.
Featured Locations
Featured locations below provide general building code references, but rest assured—Timberbuilt manages the heavy lifting when it comes to ensuring your home exceeds all local codes and standards.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles, known as the entertainment capital of the world, is famous for its cultural diversity, vibrant arts scene, and beautiful beaches. With a mix of neighborhoods ranging from luxury enclaves in Beverly Hills and Malibu to artsy areas like Silver Lake and Venice, L.A. offers something for everyone. Residents enjoy year-round sunshine, access to world-class museums, and a variety of outdoor activities. Los Angeles is ideal for those seeking an urban lifestyle with easy access to beaches, mountains, and a thriving creative culture.
Local Building Codes – Los Angeles, CA
San Francisco
San Francisco, known for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, steep hills, and historic cable cars, is a compact city with a unique blend of history, innovation, and scenic beauty. The city is home to major tech companies and offers neighborhoods with distinct characters, such as the Mission District, Haight-Ashbury, and Pacific Heights. With a strong focus on green spaces and easy access to coastal trails, San Francisco is ideal for those seeking an urban lifestyle that emphasizes walkability, innovation, and cultural diversity.
Local Building Codes – San Francisco, CA
San Diego
San Diego is known for its laid-back beach culture, year-round warm climate, and beautiful coastline. The city offers diverse neighborhoods, from the historic Gaslamp Quarter to the beachfront communities of La Jolla and Pacific Beach. San Diego has a strong military presence and a family-friendly atmosphere, with excellent schools, parks, and access to outdoor activities like surfing, hiking, and boating. San Diego is perfect for those looking for a relaxed coastal lifestyle with city amenities and a strong sense of community.
Local Building Codes – San Diego, CA
Sacramento
Sacramento, the capital of California, is known for its historic Gold Rush roots and growing reputation as a farm-to-fork city. The city has a suburban feel with urban conveniences, offering family-friendly neighborhoods, excellent schools, and an expanding food and arts scene. The American and Sacramento Rivers provide opportunities for outdoor activities like kayaking and biking. Sacramento’s affordability and access to nearby wine country and Lake Tahoe make it a great choice for families and professionals seeking a balanced lifestyle.
Local Building Codes – Sacramento, CA
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, often referred to as the “American Riviera,” is known for its Mediterranean-style architecture, upscale neighborhoods, and scenic coastal views. With beautiful beaches, renowned wineries, and a relaxed yet refined lifestyle, Santa Barbara attracts those seeking luxury living in a smaller, seaside city. The town has a charming downtown area with high-end boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants. Santa Barbara’s combination of natural beauty and sophistication makes it an ideal spot for those wanting a high-quality coastal lifestyle.
Local Building Codes – Santa Barbara, CA
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe, located on the California-Nevada border, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering year-round activities like skiing, hiking, and water sports. Known for its crystal-clear lake and surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains, Tahoe provides a peaceful, scenic setting with small-town charm. The area is dotted with mountain cabins, luxury resorts, and ski chalets. Lake Tahoe is perfect for those who want to build a home focused on outdoor recreation and natural beauty, with a sense of serenity and community.
Artful, Rugged, Green: About Us
Timberbuilt is located in a small town outside of Buffalo, NY. We’ve been designing and building energy efficient timber frame homes across the continent for 35 years.
Our tag line ‘ARTFUL, RUGGED, GREEN’ is a pretty good description of the people who make up Timberbuilt and the homes we produce.
We begin each project with a company-wide commitment to providing outstanding service and value.
Begin yours by jumping over to our homepage or shooting us a quick note below.