rolland, there are quite a few independent designers out there (me included) and a few others on this forum.

the timber framers guild is a wonderful resource as well.

and jon noted quite a few of the issues with timber frame design in general. lots of options, lots of variables, and when you get into open pavilions, you complicate matters with uplift and wind loading, more so that with the basics of roof load and sizing.

your pricing sample doesn't really tell the whole story. stick trusses will blow over just as easily or more so than timber trusses. you haven't really addressed how these will be attached to the ground - sitting on posts / piers? sitting on walls? what holds the walls together? are they sheathed with plywood and siding? with windows and doors?

you can find local mills. try looking on the forestry forum, or contacting a member here named jim rogers. lots of sources for larger than 6x materials. length might be a limiting factor too.

in the end, you need to decide what is more important - money and time, balanced on the use and look of the structure. what is important, and where do you want to spend your money and time....?

I was talking to a designer this morning and he suggested 3 timber frame trusses with rafters inbetween creating a 24x30' pavillion. That would give me the nice vaulted ceiling look I want and probably be more economical.

You're right I did not address what the walls would cost, my example was just comparing trusses, not the whole structure.

The problem with figuring out how much money or time I want to spend, is there is NO easy way to figgure out how much it would cost me to do myself. After a few days of poking around the internet I found two places 2 hrs away that would sell me timber only and it will probably be a few more days before I get pricing.
Carter Lumber quoted me about $85 each for 8"x8"x10' lumber.

When I first started this project I naievly thought I could download a sample plan, callup a lumber store and get a ball park idea of what it could cost me in materials in a day or two. Afterall I have seen this type of structure at every state park I have visited for my entire life. It is such a common structure, however just because it is common doesn't mean it's easy to make!

Currently I am waiting for my book to arrive to get the sample 14 plans.

Perhaps I should start a new thread of where to buy lumber that seems to be the biggest hurdle for me.

also found this place with designs/plans for sale online But at $575 I was hoping to spend less
http://www.timberframe-houseplans.com/shop-prints/Cooper-Shop-Prints.shtml

Thats a deal.

I charge $250-$500-$800 for a schematic model (depending on size, complexity, etc) - I include enough info to get some quotes on, including a prelim timber list, all 3d in SketchUp. Output delivered is 2d JPG images or PDFs.

I do some preliminary sizing and some consideration for location, snow, wind, etc. so we can get in the ball park. Final engineering would come under a full build package.

A full build package can then run anywhere from another $1000 to $4500 (and more) depending on what you need - PE stamp on the design for permit, stick drawings, joinery details for every piece, foundation and footer / pier design / etc.

In the end, unless you have experience doing this, or local resources, you do get what you pay for.

Lots of friendly folks in the TFG that are willing to help, up to a point.

I wonder if those plans are adjusted for your area / codes / engineering requirements if needed? A lot of online plan services all state that you need to have a local professional review the plans - especially engineering....

Yes it is a good deal. I know it takes a lot of time to make drawings, but considering that I originally thought something this commmon and simple could be downloaded for free..... it is more than I hoped to spend.

My local buildings and codes dept have put up with my crappy hand drawings for solar energy systems, 16x40 sheds, 1000 sq foot additiions, etc. I'm guessing they will not require me to get PE stamped drawings. Thought they did require me to get a overkill grading survey done stamped and everything just to clear 1 acre of land.

Here is a 3d model to one of the plans in the 14 frames book:

http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/details?mid=61e0f99f90ba04d3ca7d9a9cd1666d04&prevstart=0

The author of this model used it as an example for teaching how to use SketchUp to design timber frames.

When you get your book you will have a better idea about the size and scope of this pavilion.

thank you. this will be fun to play with.

there are more timber frame examples on the warehouse. just poke around a bit.

note that i wouldn't build any of them without contacting their owner's first. same thing goes for the 14 frames book.

Rolland the Thompson Gunner,

Sorry you have a great name that reminds me of Zevon.

My two cents:

It sounds like you are trying to span 30' at a gable and then have two bays at 12'. Without getting into the structural of 6 X 6 not being big enough for the task I would suggest just a couple of design ideas.

1. If you build a pavilion with a form of a gable that is 30 feet wide and 20' long it will be a small window when your shelter is actually shaded underneath regardless of orientation. It would not be fun to have the sun shining on you in a shelter most of the day.

2. Be aware that a slab of concrete can be overwhelming for some tastes. Please look into crush and run for your flooring as a possibility. It has much more character and is not nearly as "sterile and cold". You would just most likely need some banding to hold in the smaller aggregates once you get to finish level.

And don't forget, "That when you pay for quality you only cry once"

Cheers.