The art of Carpentry, the fight for preservation.
No later than 50 years ago, craftsmanship, better known as “finishing” in today’s industry jargon, started to decay. Today stain grade fir is often replaced with MDF, and hardwood floors replaced with laminate. Gone are the days of hand cut roofs with bastard hips, cladding with scalopped shingles and wainscoting with the signature intricacies of master tradesmen.
The question remains… is it the decline in “know-how” that preceeded the dwindling demand, or is it the lack of demand lending itself to the decay in available talent. Anyway you slice it, the costs associated with properly dove-tailed cabinet drawers, clear cedar v-notch soffits and detailed cornices are reflected in longevity
Traditionally, houses weren’t knocked down every 50 years for the sake of building mega structures that have the sole of an insurance office and the character of a gas station; houses were passed on from generation to generation ensuring that they would not only stand the test of time but would also maintain character as a result.
It’s never too late to reconsider the bulldozer vs the restoration and renovation of an old character home. Heritage protection is gaining momentum both in residential and commercial structures so we can, in part, pay hommage to our cultural identity.
Do your part to ensure the history tied to the architect’s timeless designs and the tradesmen’s resistance to compromise doesn’t end up hauled away in a pile of rubble only to be replaced with bi-fold doors and vinyl tile.
History can be a living design.