Why Summit Homes Builds Its Own Framing

Did you know Summit Homes builds it's own framing?

At Summit Homes, we believe in building smarter, stronger, and more efficiently. That’s why we manufacture our own framing and choose to use J-Frame LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) from Juken—because when it comes to the structure of your home, cutting corners simply isn’t an option.

In this article, we’ll walk you through why we build our own framing, why we invest in J-Frame LVL instead of traditional SG8 timber, and how our approach speeds up construction while ensuring your home stands strong for generations.

Why We Build Our Own Framing

Unlike many other home builders who rely on third-party suppliers for framing, Summit Homes takes control of the process. We manufacture our own framing in our dedicated factory, providing us better quality control and ensuring that every frame meets our exacting standards.

The Benefits of In-House Framing Production

• Consistent Quality – We oversee the entire process, ensuring each frame is built precisely to our design and engineering specifications.


• Precision and Accuracy – Our factory environment allows us to manufacture framing to exact measurements, reducing errors and adjustments needed on-site.


• Reduced Delays – We’re not waiting on external suppliers or weather-dependent timber yards—we control our production schedule.


• Faster On-Site Construction – Pre-built frames mean we can install them quickly and efficiently, cutting down build times and keeping projects on track.

By keeping framing production in-house, we eliminate inefficiencies, ensure quality, and most importantly, deliver homes on time and to the highest standard.

Why We Build with J-Frame LVL from Juken

Framing is the backbone of any home, and not all timber is created equal. While many builders use SG8 timber, at Summit Homes, we choose J-Frame LVL from Juken, a premium engineered wood product that offers superior strength, stability, and durability.

What is LVL?

LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) is a high-performance engineered timber product created by bonding multiple layers of thin wood veneers together under heat and pressure. This manufacturing process results in a structurally consistent material that is significantly stronger and more reliable than traditional solid timber. Because LVL is engineered rather than cut from a single piece of wood, it maintains a high level of uniformity, reducing natural imperfections and weaknesses found in standard timber framing.

One of the key advantages of LVL is its exceptional stability. Unlike traditional SG8 timber, which can warp, twist, or bend over time, LVL remains straight and true, ensuring the structural integrity of your home for years to come. It is also highly moisture-resistant, meaning it is far less prone to shrinking or expanding due to changes in humidity, making it an excellent choice for long-term durability in New Zealand’s varied climate.

Why J-Frame LVL?

J-Frame LVL is a high-performance framing timber specifically designed for residential construction in New Zealand. It is:

• Straight and Reliable – Unlike SG8 timber, which can twist and warp, J-Frame LVL remains straight and true, making it easier to install and ensuring a perfect fit.


• Structurally Superior – Its engineered composition results in a stronger framing system, improving the overall durability of the home.


• Treated for Protection – J-Frame LVL is treated against decay and insects, making it ideal for New Zealand’s climate.

Yes, J-Frame LVL costs more than SG8 timber, but the benefits far outweigh the price difference. A stronger, straighter frame means fewer repairs, fewer delays, and a better-built home.

How This Speeds Up Construction

By combining our in-house framing production with the superior J-Frame LVL timer, we streamline the entire build process:

• Pre-cut and Pre-assembled framing arrives on-site ready to install, reducing build time.


• Precision and accuracy mean fewer adjustments and faster installation.


• Less warping, bending, or shrinking results in fewer delays and reworks.

This approach means we can deliver high-quality homes faster, with greater efficiency, and without compromising on structural integrity.

Summit Homes – Building It Right

At Summit Homes, we believe in building it the right way, not the easy way. It's why it was a simple choice to invest in manufacturing our own framing, and why it's worth the investment in J-Frame LVL When you choose to build with Summit Homes, you can have confidence that your home will be built to last.

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