Pavilions
Free-standing timber pavilions sized for State College backyards, hillside lots, and tailgate-ready properties — built for shaded summer dinners and fall game-day gatherings alike.
Timber Frame Pavilions, Pergolas & Porches for the State College, PA Area
Heirloom-quality timber structures handcrafted for State College homes — built in our Central Pennsylvania shop and raised on your property by the same craftsmen who have served Happy Valley for 20+ years.
the Nittany Valley and Central Pennsylvania
From the ridges above Happy Valley to the wooded lots of Boalsburg and Lemont, State College homeowners want outdoor structures that hold their own against Penn State’s stone-and-timber tradition. A timber frame pavilion or pergola turns a backyard into a four-season gathering space — and unlike a kit-built shelter, ours are designed to outlast the family that commissions them.
Crickside Timber Craft has been cutting joinery and raising frames across Central PA since 2004. Every State College-area project starts with a site visit, gets drawn to suit your home and lot, and is hand-cut in our shop before we deliver and raise it on-site. The result is a structure that fits the architecture of the Nittany Valley — farmhouse, Craftsman, lodge, or modern mountain — without the cookie-cutter look.
Services in State College
Pergolas
Open-roof timber pergolas that frame a Boalsburg garden or a Lemont patio with the kind of shadow play that only real beams can throw.
Timber Frame Homes
Full timber frame homes and additions raised across the Centre County area — traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery paired with a tight, modern building envelope.
Horse Barns
Working horse barns and run-in shelters built for the equestrian properties of Centre, Huntingdon, and Mifflin counties — beautiful enough to face the road, tough enough to last generations.
Excavation
Site prep, footings, and drainage handled in-house so your State College-area pavilion, barn, or home sits on ground that's been done right the first time — even on the valley's tricky limestone and clay.
Communities We Serve
Centre County and the surrounding Nittany Valley
State College · Boalsburg · Lemont · Pine Grove Mills · Port Matilda · Bellefonte · Pleasant Gap · Millheim · Penns Valley · Centre Hall
What Our Clients Say
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a timber frame pavilion or pergola in the State College area?
Most municipalities in Centre County require a building permit for permanent structures over a certain footprint. College Township, Ferguson Township, and Patton Township each have their own zoning requirements, and setback rules vary by lot. We provide stamped drawings and walk you through the local township process so nothing holds up your raise date.
How long does a State College-area project take from quote to raising?
Lead times in the Centre County market typically run 8–16 weeks from signed proposal to on-site raising, depending on size and complexity. Outdoor living projects book out faster than most homeowners expect — if you have a target date in mind, the earlier you reach out, the better your options.
Which wood species hold up best in Centre County's climate?
Central Pennsylvania's wet springs, humid summers, and hard winters call for species that handle moisture movement well and resist decay over time. For timber frame structures, we work primarily with Eastern hemlock and Douglas fir — both well-suited to the region's seasonal swings. For exterior applications, white pine board and batten is our standard siding option. Cedar and cypress are available on request if you have a preference, though they're not stocked. You can explore our full materials selection before your consultation, or we're happy to walk through the options with you directly.
Do you work on equestrian properties in Centre County?
Yes — horse barns and run-in shelters are a significant part of what we build across Centre, Huntingdon, and Mifflin counties. The ridge-and-valley country surrounding State College has a strong equestrian community, and we design working barns that are built to last and presentable enough to face the road. Every barn project starts with a site visit so we can account for drainage, access, and how the structure will sit on your property.
Do you build on-site at State College-area properties, or deliver pre-assembled?
Both. Smaller pavilions and pergolas are often pre-cut in our shop and raised in a day on your State College property. Larger timber frame homes and barns are cut in the shop, trucked in, and raised on-site by our crew.
How long does an open-roof timber pergola last?
Timber pergolas without roof protection typically show significant weathering and structural decay within 8–12 years, depending on species, finish maintenance, and sun exposure. If you want the open pergola aesthetic with longer-term durability, we can design the same style with a clear polycarbonate roof panel — you keep the look while the structure stays protected. It's worth discussing during your consultation.
How far is your shop from State College?
Our shop is in Loysville, PA — about an hour from State College via Route 322. That's close enough for us to do a site visit before finalizing your plans and to handle the raise efficiently without a mobilization premium.
What kind of warranty and maintenance should I expect?
Our timber frames are built to outlive us. We back our work with a written warranty on craftsmanship and walk every client through a simple maintenance schedule — typically a re-coat of finish every 3–5 years depending on sun exposure.