top of page
Housewrights,
Woodwrights,
Masons, and such...
A sample of pictures showcasing the historic building trades I use in vintage new construction as well as restorations.
Mortise and Tenon
A 2 inch Framing Chisel is the tool of choice for cutting large mortises into massive post and beams which receives the opposing Tenon. Once joined, they will stand for hundreds if not thousands of years.
Framing the Floor
Floor joists inlet into recessed mortises tie the sills together.
Gable end Rafter beams
The rafter assembly on the gable end also contains the door post for the loft door.
Rafter Assembly Detail
Close up view of rafters with collar ties.
The Timber Frame, side view
A side view of the timber frame under construction.
Timber Frame, end view
A timber frame under construction showing the detail from the gable end view.
Purlins
Laying the purlins with the help of my youngest son Ethan.
Finished in Wood
A detail showing the real wood siding as well as wooden shingles.
The Carpenter Shop
Nearing completion, an 18th century Carpenter's Shop.
"Bull strong, Horse high, and Hog tight"
Authentic "Horse Rail" fencing built for the National Park Service.
"Like Framing a picture."
Such was the description of a friend when seeing vast amounts of authentic fencing being built around the old Gordon House on the Natchez Trace Parkway.
More Authentic Fencing
Hundreds of yards of authentic "Snake Rail" fencing build for the National Park Service during the Bicentineal of the War of 1812 commemorative events.
Building a Mortise & Tenon Door
Dry fitting a door before final assembly. The door is an exact replica being hand built for the Tennesse State Parks, Port Royal State Park, Montgomery County.
A New Door!
After decades of being inaccessible, the rear entry to the Old General Store and Masonic Lodge at Port Royal is once again open for business!
A New Threshold
Suffering severe tornado damage in the 1870's and again in the 1920's, the entire entry way had to be rebuilt to accommodate the new door.
Barn Renovation
This 100 year old tobacco barn was heavily damaged by storm winds in 2020 which made it a perfect candidate for residing.
Armsdale Farms ca. 1806
Another view during the residing project a massive 100 year old tobacco barn. The Farm dates from 1806 with the barn being one of the "new" structure dating from World War I.
Chimney Repair
Arresting structural decay of a 209 year old home.
Surgical Masonry
Removing and replacing individual 200 year old bricks that were "blown out" due to improper previous repair attempts and modern mortars.
Saving a Museum
This entire gable end in the attic of a 153 year old building was heavily compromised structurally. Using the original bricks and authentic Lyme Mortar, the wall was saved and ready to go for another 150 years.
Big Mistake!
Here is a perfect example of an antique brick structure being heavily damaged by the use of modern Portland Cement based mortars. Numerous historic structures have been severely compromised by attempted repairs using modern masonry techniques.
Hopewell ARP Church ca. 1858
This graceful old church has seen much in its 165 years the including Civil War. After so much use by faithful congregations over the years, the doors were literally coming apart and in need of replacement.
165 Years of Service
The original doors have seen worshipers, mourners, soldiers, and wounded men pass over their thresholds. Now they simply have fallen apart. Their replacements must honor them with as close a match as possible.
Doors in the Making
Taking down the thickness of an outer Stile with a 150 year old Jack Plane still serving its master.
The New Sentinels
The initial install on the new hand made replacement doors for Hopewell ARP. True to the originals, functionality was gained while historical integrity preserved. That's the goal every time.
bottom of page