Top Historic Barn Frame Suppliers in Your Area
Find trusted barn frame suppliers near you with historic expertise.
Finding the right historic barn frame for your home or project is a big step. These unique wooden frames have both history and strength, making them perfect for people who want something special. If you're planning to use an old timber frame, you'll want to work with experts who know how to handle them properly.
This guide will show you what to look for in a barn frame supplier and introduce some of the top companies in the field.
Types of Suppliers You’ll Come Across
Suppliers of historic barn frames tend to fall into a few categories:
Full-Service Experts
These businesses do it all—from finding the frames to restoring them and even delivering them. They might also help with design and construction. They often have a stock of frames already in various stages of restoration.
Salvage Companies
These companies sell a mix of historic building materials, including barn frames. Their selection isn’t as specialized, but they can have some hidden gems.
Barn Dismantlers
These groups focus on taking down old barns carefully. While they might not offer restoration services, they can be a budget-friendly choice if you're willing to fix the frames on your own.
Regional Specialists
These companies focus on frames from certain areas. They have a deep understanding of local styles and building methods.
What to Ask a Supplier
When connecting with a supplier, asking the right questions matters. Here are a few to consider:
- Do you document the frame’s history and condition?
- What kind of restoration work do you do before sending the frame?
- Are structural assessments included?
- How do you handle damaged or missing parts?
- What’s your process for taking down and delivering the frames?
- Can I talk to past clients for references?
- What warranties or guarantees do you offer?
- Do you help with design or using the frame in my project?
Regional Frame Styles in the U.S.
Barn frames look different depending on their region. This variety comes from the materials and building traditions of the settlers who built them. Top suppliers will understand these differences and can help you pick the right style for your needs.
New England Frames
New England barns often use hand-carved oak or chestnut beams. These frames are known for their detailed joinery and strong designs.
Mid-Atlantic Barns
These barns commonly mix stone foundations with timber upper levels. You’ll often see German-inspired styles in this region.
Midwestern Frames
Designed for tough weather, these barns feature large timbers and simple joinery. Many were built quickly as settlers expanded west in the 1800s.
Southern Frames
Built for warmer climates, these barns often have raised foundations and open designs for better air flow.
Top Historic Barn Frame Suppliers in the U.S.
If you're ready to find a barn frame, here are some of the best suppliers to check out:
1. Bay & Bent
Bay & Bent is the go-to company for complete historic barn frames. They specialize in preserving and restoring entire frames with great care.
Here’s what they do:
- They find unique frames from across the U.S.
- They carefully deconstruct barns to save every usable piece.
- They document each frame’s history and special features.
- Their facility handles all repairs using traditional methods.
- They prepare frames for delivery anywhere in the world.
2. Heritage Timber Works
This company focuses on barns from Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan. They offer large Midwestern frames and can customize them for new projects.
3. Green Mountain Timber Frames
Green Mountain specializes in old timber frames from the Northeast. They’re experts at restoring 18th- and 19th-century frames with detailed English-style joinery.
4. Antique Barn Company
This company works with barns from southern states, like tobacco and cotton barns. They know how to adapt Southern frames for modern use.
5. Pioneer Millworks & New Energy Works
These companies provide both reclaimed wood and whole barn frames. They also offer design and construction help, making them a great choice for full-service projects.
6. Trestlewood
Trestlewood specializes in mining buildings, old railroads, and western barns. Their materials have a rustic, industrial feel.
7. Lancaster County Timber Frames
With expertise in Pennsylvania Dutch styles, this company restores historic frames and also builds new ones using traditional methods.
How to Choose the Right Supplier
To pick the best supplier for your project, keep these things in mind:
- Timeline
Some suppliers have restored frames ready to go, while others might take longer to find and fix one for you. - Budget
Costs vary based on the frame’s size, age, condition, and rarity. Reliable suppliers will help you find a frame that fits your budget. - Style and Design
Think about how the frame’s style will work in your project. Some designs fit certain uses better than others. - Philosophy on Restoration
Different suppliers have different approaches to restoration. Decide if you want something very authentic or more modernized.
Preserving History, Building Dreams
When you work with a trusted barn frame supplier, you’re not just getting materials. You’re preserving a piece of history. These old structures show the craftsmanship and hard work of past generations. By choosing the right partner, you can give these frames a new life while honoring their legacy.
Take time to visit suppliers, see their restoration process, and ask plenty of questions. Each of the companies listed here brings special skills and knowledge to the job. By selecting the right one for your project, you’ll create a building that stands out and tells a story for years to come.
