Where to buy a timber frame in Quebec
The three ways to buy a timber frame, the questions to ask before signing and the Quebec companies whose site we have read.
Read on
In Quebec, a timber frame is bought in three ways: a kit of pre-cut, numbered pieces, a frame cut to measure, or a complete project (plans, frame and raising). Among the companies whose site we read on 2026-10-30, Harkins and Linéaire Écoconstruction offer them; none shows a complete-frame price, and most ask for a quote from a plan. Biobâtir does not sell frames at the moment: we offer a free designer that calculates the lumber of your plan's frame, and sourced, dated material prices.
The three ways to buy
A kit of pre-cut pieces
Pieces are cut ahead (often by CNC machine), numbered and delivered; you or a carpenter assemble them on site. Suits those who want to control the raising.
A frame cut to measure
The frame is designed for your project and cut in the shop, sometimes by hand. The price depends on the plan, the species and the joinery; it is almost always on quote.
A complete project
The company supplies plans, frame and raising, sometimes the envelope. It is the simplest and the least controlled; check what is included.
Companies whose site we have read
Read at the source on 2026-10-30. This list is not exhaustive: we only put what the company's own site says. To add or correct an entry, write to us (Contact page).
| Company | Where | What its site presents | Published prices | Ask for a quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harkins | Mont-Blanc (near Mont-Tremblant), Laurentides | Log homes and cottages; traditional timber frames and solid beams; architectural and construction services. Deliveries across Quebec, Ontario and the Maritimes (per the “Our story” section of its site). | No published price; kits sold separately: not stated. | “Contact” page; a plan is used to prepare a quote. |
| Linéaire Écoconstruction | L'Islet, Chaudière-Appalaches; says it builds anywhere in Quebec | Solid-timber frames; plan design; eco-building; custom projects; frame kits (shop); packages and training for self-builders; house models “coming soon”. | Kit shop: most “on request”; at the 2026-10-23 reading, a few kits showed from $6,400 to $12,900 (confirm in their shop). | “Evaluate your project” form. |
Questions to ask before signing
Ask each point in writing and confirm it on the quote:
- What does the price include: pieces only, plans, hardware, delivery, raising, taxes?
- Which species, what drying (green or dry), what grade? How are shrinkage and checks handled?
- Who calculates the frame's structure, and are the structural plans stamped by an engineer? The municipality decides which plans and documents the permit requires (LAU s. 119).
- Does the company hold a valid Régie du bâtiment du Québec licence? It can be checked in the RBQ's public register.
- Which shop drawings or raising plans are provided, and in what format?
- What are the manufacturing and delivery times, and what happens with a defective or missing piece?
- Where will the frame sit: slab, grade beams or piles? Who plans the foundation and its tolerances?
Check a licence
Régie du bâtiment du Québec: check a contractor’s licence
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy a pre-cut timber frame in Quebec?
Among the companies whose site we read on 2026-10-30: Harkins and Linéaire Écoconstruction. None shows a complete-frame price; ask for a quote from your plan. This list is not exhaustive.
What is the difference between a kit and a custom frame?
A kit is a set of pre-cut, numbered pieces, often standardised; a custom frame is designed for your project. The latter is almost always priced on quote.
How much does a timber frame cost?
Frame prices are rarely published. As a benchmark, the “cost of a timber frame tiny house” page gives the materials cost of a 20 × 20 ft tiny house, not the price of a purchased frame.
Do I need an engineer for a timber frame?
The structure of a heavy-timber frame must be calculated; ask who calculates it and whether the structural plans are stamped by an engineer. The municipality decides which plans and documents the permit requires.
Does Biobâtir sell frames?
Not at the moment. Biobâtir offers a free designer that calculates the lumber of your plan's frame, sourced material prices and guides.
Go further
- How much does a timber frame tiny house cost
- The timber frame designer (free)
- Lumber prices in Quebec
- Building permit for a tiny house in Quebec
What the sites say at the date shown: offers and prices change; no endorsement, and not legal or engineering advice.