OakBridge Timber Framing Relocates And Adds Timber Showroom
OakBridge Timber Framing Ltd., located in Loudonville, OH, precuts and installs timber frame homes. Recently adding Timber Mosaics to its product offerings, the company purchases more than 250,000 board feet annually of hardwoods and about 70,000 board feet of softwoods.
Johnny Miller’s office with a White Oak frame.
The business was located on the Miller family farm for 29 years. Established in 1986 by Johnny Miller and Levi Hochstetler, OakBridge Timber Framing is composed of three generations of an Amish family. Miller and Hochstetler began the company based on their experience raising barns in their youth.
“Timber framing has always been part of our culture,” Miller said. “My father built mortise-and-tenon structures with his father.”
Skilled craftsmen at OakBridge take pride in their work as they craft each timber using hand tools.
“We use a drawbore technique, which makes for much tighter joints,” Miller explained. “We plane and finish our frames using a lot of techniques to keep our joints as tight as possible.”
A New Location and New Opportunities
An office with a Douglas fir frame and curved bracing.
“In our 40 years of business, the office and the shop were never in the same location,” Miller said. “We discussed the efficiencies that would be gained if everyone was in one place.
“So, we drove around the countryside looking for available property after selling our family farm. When we didn’t find anything suitable, we looked at property that we already owned. It was centrally located, with everyone living within three miles of the new site.”
Breaking ground at the end of 2022, OakBridge built a new showroom and woodshop.
“One of our struggles in the past was that we never had a showroom that allowed customers to experience what a timber frame home would look and feel like,” Miller said. “We always had to schedule a home visit with a past client.
“As we designed the new building, the question was, ‘How can we incorporate different timber frame styles into the office structure?’ We decided to place a timber frame in each office, the conference room, and the lobby. This gives customers many opportunities to experience the timber frame look and feel, along with different styles and wood species.”
A view from the loft overlooking the lobby. The frame is White Oak.
Coordinated Construction
Miller said the general contractor for the new location was Wooster Buildings.
“The owner is a trusted friend of many years, and we knew he could turnkey the project,” he said. “That allowed us to work with one point of contact throughout the build.
“The challenge was coordinating the frame raising, interior walls, and SIP installation. We met with the contractor and subcontractors and planned each step. It was beautiful to watch everyone work together. In under three days, eight timber frames were raised, and the SIP panels were installed.”
The shop observation room.
A Customer-Centered Experience
A hand hewn, White Oak, king post truss in one of the offices.
According to Miller, the new facility allows clients to fully experience OakBridge’s craftsmanship.
“From the many different colors, styles, and species to the craftsmen cutting the frames, customers can see every step of the process,” he said. “Our loft has an enclosed overlook of the shop floor, where clients can watch the craftsmen at work from a bird’s-eye view.
“When they enter the lobby, they are greeted with a cathedral timber frame with a 26-foot ceiling, hammer-beam trusses, and acorns carved by my father, Andy.”
The lobby also features a windmill fan and large chandelier. Visitors can take the Oak timber staircase to the second-floor loft overlooking the space.
“Customers are wowed by the experience,” Miller said. “It’s great to see their excitement build as they walk from room to room. They always light up when they see the frame they want for their home.”
Strengthening Operations
Stepping inside the front door customers are met with an expansive White Oak frame with the peak reaching 26’ in height.
The new facility has also improved internal operations.
“The new location has taken a lot of the guesswork out of the design process,” Miller said. “We no longer have to hope clients understand what their home will look and feel like—they’ve already experienced it.”
When asked about OakBridge’s continued success, Miller pointed to its customized approach.
“Where we differ from competitors is the custom-fit experience we provide,” he said. “Every home is tailored to the customer. Our attention to detail is one reason we stay so busy.
“My father served our company from 1986 to 2024. Following his passing, we remain grateful for his many years of craftsmanship and his invaluable mentorship of the third and fourth generations.”
Faith and Family
Miller also emphasized the company’s spiritual foundation.
“Tradition lies not only in our time-proven craftsmanship, but also in the way we live out our Christian faith,” he said. “Servanthood is a core principle. Love for others is born from the love our Creator has shown us. We see His touch in every detail of nature.”
A family-owned and operated business, OakBridge employs multiple generations. Key employees include Miller’s five sons, two daughters, a brother, a nephew, cousins, and friends.
“My four oldest sons—James, Andrew, Joel and Matthew—are partners now,” Miller said. “My youngest son, John Mark is working in the business, and my daughters Naomi and Hannah handle office and accounting duties.”
Continuing Traditions
For projects within three hours of their location, OakBridge hosts a traditional frame-raising feast.
“In Amish culture, barn raisings always included a meal,” Miller said. “My oldest daughter, Leah, makes all the pies—cherry, apple, grape, pecan, pumpkin, and custard. (Usually, two or three based on the season)”
Miller said his grandson is already eager to join the business.
“Leah’s oldest son is 13 and excited about becoming the fourth generation.”
The new OakBridge Timber Framing office located in Loudonville, OH. – photo courtesy of Tin Roof Studios
Looking Ahead
With timber frames in 30 states, Miller maintains contact with many past customers.
“Our mission is to build dreams that bring families together and enrich lives,” he said, reflecting the company motto: Where quality is first, quality lasts.
OakBridge Timber Framing Ltd. is a member of the Timber Framers Guild, Timber Frame Business Council, the Building Industry Association of North Central Ohio, and the Better Business Bureau.
“Homes are custom designed for each customer, either from an original concept or a wish list,” added Miller.
For more information, visit oakbridgetimberframing.com.
Sales office with a White Oak frame.
