LOUDONVILLE — A family tradition continues to march on despite challenges for Johnny Miller who owns his family timber framing business near Loudonville. Oakbridge Timber Framing follows the special customized practice of timber framing using traditional joint and posts, differing from the bracketing type construction often used in building many homes today.
Miller had worked for American Timber Framers before starting his own business in 1988 with partner Levi Hostetler. “That sparked my interest. I really enjoy this type of work,” said Miller. He bought out Hostetler’s share of the business in 1993 and has been sole owner since.
Miller utilizes the luxury of his hard-working Amish family members in his business near Loudonville. Working in the shop are his father, Andrew Miller, as well as his sons, James and Andrew. Doing the estimating and the book work (and 100 other things, according to Miller) is his daughter, Leah. A second shop is located near Newcastle, operated by Miller’s brothers, Aaron and Neal, and Neal’s son, Nathan. A business office is located at Howard. A large storage area of timber is included at the Loudonville site.
“This is the home base,” said Miller, who also employs a cousin, Joni, as office manager. “This is where we do all the production.”
Using mostly oak in their construction and sometimes Douglas Fir, Oakbridge Timber Framing has constructed homes in 23 states, many of them being in the western and southeastern states.
“The architect will go with me on site to design the custom home,” said Miller. “It is crucial to know the site beforehand. We start with a wish list of things they want to see, so we know what we can and cannot do.
