In post and beam timber work, some notching is done to assure structural integrity of the frame, and the timbers must be held together with hardware. This differs from the mortise and tenon wood joinery of traditional timber framing.
A GRK Fastener looks like a long screw at first glance, but it is specially designed to join timbers together tightly with less torque than is needed for a lag bolt.
A post and beam structure will give the look and feel of a timber structure in a much shorter time frame, as bolts are used instead of wood joinery. This carport in Castlegar provides a great covered parking area as well as adding character to the house.