A new practical guide from Timber Development UK (TDUK) and the Structural Timber Association (STA) is intended to give first-time adopters of timber frame the confidence to get started and to streamline early design, procurement and delivery decisions.

The publication, Timber Frame: Where to Start, consolidates expert advice from across the sector and sets out clear steps for clients, contractors and specifiers exploring timber solutions. Launched as the construction industry seeks to build faster, improve quality and cut carbon, it aims to remove uncertainty and make timber frame a straightforward choice.

For Deeside Timberframe, a leading UK offsite manufacturer, the guide signals a shift in mindset—from viewing timber frame as a niche alternative to recognising it as a mainstream option.

"This is exactly what the industry needs," said David Crawford, Managing Director of Deeside Timberframe. "For too long, timber frame has been seen as something different or unfamiliar, particularly in England. This guide helps to remove that uncertainty. It gives developers and contractors the confidence to take that first step, backed by trusted industry bodies."

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Timber frame is already the norm in Scotland, where most new homes are delivered via offsite systems, supported by a mature supply chain and proven performance at volume. Uptake in England has lagged, largely due to unfamiliarity rather than capability.

"Scotland has shown what's possible when timber frame becomes the standard approach," David continued. "We're delivering homes quickly, efficiently and to a high level of performance. The opportunity now is to replicate that success in England, and this guide removes one of the biggest barriers to doing that."

With the UK Government targeting 1.5 million new homes, the need for scalable, reliable construction is pressing. As a leading form of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), timber frame combines speed, quality assurance and lower embodied carbon. The new guide reduces perceived risk by setting out a clear starting point, helping developers and housing providers make informed decisions earlier in the programme.

Deeside Timberframe says the timing aligns with its recent investment in capacity and capability, including a multimillion-pound expansion of its Throsk facility, enabling delivery at scale across Scotland and England.

"The guide explains how to start, but the industry also needs partners who can deliver," said David. "We've made significant investments in automation, design and in-house manufacturing so that we're ready to meet increased demand. Whether it's private housing or large-scale affordable developments, we have the capacity and the expertise to support clients from day one through to completion."

Early engagement is another central theme, reflected in both the guide and Deeside Timberframe's approach, with design and manufacturing integration used to unlock value and certainty.

"The earlier timber frame is considered, the greater the benefits. Through Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA), we can help optimise layouts, reduce prelim costs, and improve programme certainty. That's where real value is unlocked – not just in build speed, but in overall project viability."

Amid housing demand, skills pressures and Net Zero commitments, TDUK and the STA's launch of Where to Start underscores an industry drive to scale modern, low-carbon construction methods across the UK.