An ageing industry gets a much-needed shakeup as builder-turned-manufacturer, Zac Naumcevski, takes engineered timber into the mainstream.

Once a traditional timber framing operation run by Elanore and Peter for over 30 years, Dark Red Frame and Truss has undergone a complete transformation under new ownership. In 2023, Zac Naumcevski, a builder by trade, purchased the business with a clear goal: to modernise an industry that has long resisted change.

“I have worked on countless sites where natural timber twisted, bowed, or became unusable within weeks,” said Zac. “It is economical, but it is so difficult to work with—especially when exposed to the elements.”

Like many builders, Zac began requesting Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) framing about five years ago to improve job site consistency.

But the cost of LVL was a major barrier.

“The prices were unrealistic. It just was not accessible,” he said.

This all changed when Zac took over Dark Red Frame and Truss. He approached LVL suppliers with a bold idea: manufacture LVL frames and trusses in-house, at a more realistic price point. Two suppliers came on board, and the business hasn’t looked back since.

In less than two years, Dark Red Frame and Truss has become Australia’s only full LVL frame and truss manufacturer. The company now operates two plants—one in Oberon and another in Bathurst, NSW—and has fully exited the softwood framing market.

“We are now running our own race, especially in the LVL truss space,” Zac said. “There is no competition because the rest of the industry has been too slow to move.”

For too long Zac believes the timber framing sector has been held back by outdated mindsets. Most business owners in the space are in their 70s and resistant to innovation, he says, preferring to do things the way they have always been done.

“But builders today need better,” he said. “Framing is faster and straighter with LVL. There is less waste, less time spent straightening frames, and far fewer callbacks.”

While LVL framing may add $1,000–$1,500 to the upfront cost of a home build, Zac argues the long-term savings are greater.

“When you factor in three or four guys on site trying to fix twisted frames, you are already behind,” he said. “We help customers understand the real cost of softwood.”

LVL, an engineered timber product, is manufactured under controlled conditions, which means perfectly straight, knot-free material that performs better under load and over time. For high-end builders using techniques like shadow lining, and having true and square frames is critical.

“Once people see how much easier their build is with LVL, they don’t go back,” he added.

While Zac does expect competitors to eventually move into the space, he welcomes the challenge.
“Competition is healthy. It pushes us all forward,” he said. “But the industry has not responded yet, even with the success we’re seeing.

We have got state-of-the-art equipment, streamlined production, and top-tier supplier support.”