Custom Timber Lookout Tower Framing and Construction

Posted May 30, 2026

Built by Jonathan Matthew

01 · ABOUT THIS PROJECT

Built by

Jonathan Matthew

We led the carpentry and field operations for this custom heavy timber lookout tower build. Construction began with fabricating the structural tower bents and heavy cross-bracing on site before hoisting each section onto concrete pier footings using a mobile crane. The two-tier observation cab was framed, sheathed, sided, and fitted with windows at ground level before installation atop the tower deck. The finished build includes an expansive observation platform, structural timber framing, and a multi-flight galvanized steel staircase with safety mesh railings.

SCOPE AND TRADES ON THIS BUILD

CARPENTER

Site supervision and field operations leadership

02 · PHOTOS

Enclosed wooden lookout cab framed and sheathed with OSB on ground-level support beams.

Heavy timber lookout tower framing erected on site surrounded by evergreen trees.

Underside view of elevated wooden platform and metal mesh staircase on timber tower.

Multi-story timber frame tower with exterior metal switchback stairs and upper deck.

Mobile crane hoisting heavy timber tower column into place during structural framing.

Stud framing for the lookout tower cabin constructed on a heavy timber deck frame.

Ground-level framing assembly for the lookout tower room with floor platform beams.

Carpenters assembling and fastening heavy timber tower truss sections on sawhorses.

Crew securing diagonal cross-braces onto a heavy wood tower bent assembly on the ground.

Framing crew bolting diagonal timber bracing together on support stands outdoors.

Construction workers building timber framing bents on ground supports in wooded setting.

Mobile crane lifting framed timber uprights into position against blue sky.

Boom lift parked beside the partially erected heavy timber tower frame.

Four-post heavy timber tower structure standing assembled in a forest clearing.

Wood stud wall framing for the lookout cab built atop a heavy timber base platform.

Overview of cab platform and wall framing under construction in a forest job site.

Two-tier wooden cab structure sheathed with OSB before being hoisted onto tower.

Sided and windowed lookout cabin on ground platform next to telehandler and tower base.

Tall crane boom extending over evergreen forest canopy during heavy lift operations.

Fully assembled timber lookout tower with top viewing cabin rising above forest trees.

View looking down galvanized steel grating stairs with black wire mesh safety railings.

Steep exterior steel grate staircase with metal safety mesh railings on lookout tower.

Tall timber tower frame showing metal stairs leading to the elevated observation deck.

Looking up at the heavy wood sub-decking and structural cross-bracing of the tower.

Created: May 30, 2026

03 · DISCUSSION

Reliable Repairs carpentryJun 1, 2026

Wow that’s a cool project!

Jonathan MatthewMay 30, 2026

Thanks this was during Covid we built on ground had everything done besides the metal on roof and picked up an and swung up with crane. House piece is 14x14 with 8’ Deck all around. Took some thought to make sure everything was attached before lift. Only had me and one other guy at time plus the boss so made sense to Simon ground. It’s 30’ to the deck