Materials & architectural styles
The character of a build comes from two decisions: the timber it's made of and the architecture it wears. Explore both, then combine them in the Dream Builder.
Architectural styles
Heritage Timber
Warm, honest Midwest craftsmanship with heavy exposed timber and hand-detailed joinery.
- Roof
- Steep gabled shingle
- Railings
- Vertical timber pickets
- Finish
- Natural cedar, warm oil finish
Prairie Lodge
Low, horizontal lines and broad eaves inspired by prairie architecture and lodge retreats.
- Roof
- Low-pitch overhanging
- Railings
- Horizontal rails
- Finish
- Weathered cedar, stone-gray accents
Woodland Storybook
Playful, imaginative silhouettes with curved details and secret nooks — a storybook come to life.
- Roof
- Curved / whimsical gable
- Railings
- Shaped balusters
- Finish
- Mossy green, cedar, aged brass
Modern Canopy
Clean lines, cable railings, and a light structural frame that lets the trees do the talking.
- Roof
- Flat / shed
- Railings
- Cable / minimal steel
- Finish
- Thermally modified wood, charcoal steel
Lakeside Camp
Relaxed summer-camp character with board-and-batten walls and a screened retreat feel.
- Roof
- Standing-seam gable
- Railings
- Board-and-batten panels
- Finish
- Soft green, natural cedar
Architectural Minimal
A restrained, gallery-like structure where proportion and material are the only ornament. Minimal does not mean inexpensive — the detailing and materials are exacting.
- Roof
- Monopitch
- Railings
- Frameless glass / cable
- Finish
- Natural + soft white
Primary materials
Pressure-Treated Structural Lumber
BaselineUniform, paint-ready, with premium cladding options
- Maintenance
- Lower initial cost; periodic finish maintenance
- Best for
- Value-focused structural framing with premium visible surfaces
Northern White Cedar
ModerateLight, fine-grained, natural knots
- Maintenance
- Naturally rot-resistant; ages to soft silver if left unfinished
- Best for
- Classic wooden-playground character
Western Red Cedar
HigherRich, warm red-brown tones with straight grain
- Maintenance
- Naturally durable; finish preserves color
- Best for
- Signature heirloom appearance
Thermally Modified Wood
HigherDeep, even caramel tones, modern character
- Maintenance
- Enhanced dimensional stability; low maintenance
- Best for
- Modern styles and demanding climates
Mixed Timber with White-Oak Accents
HighestCedar structure with white-oak or black-locust accent details
- Maintenance
- Accent species chosen for durability at wear points
- Best for
- Bespoke, detail-forward builds
Final material selection depends on engineering, climate, availability, maintenance preferences, and local building requirements. We confirm the right species and grade during design and site review.