In Colonial times, they did it the old-fashioned way. They built houses with massive skeletons of wooden beams–and no nails. This type of construction–called timber framing–was an import from the Old ...

Heading up Frank and Brenda Baker's driveway in Blissfield, Mich., the first thing you notice about their bungalow-styled house is the timber truss supporting the front porch. With its weathered wood ...