Reviving the Porch Flooring

The curve just south of the front steps.

 

With its framing rebuilt, Justin is happy to test its strength.

 

Ta-da!

 

This work is being done by Justin in the mornings. So, when I arrive in the afternoons, it is like pixies are doing the work!

The decking appears to be original, as improbable as this seems. Justin thinks it is yellow pine. He is going to see if such wood can be ordered. He suggests pressure-washing the deck when the work is completed, and sealing it (with a stain additive).

Justin is waiving his fee (for now) as he also shoes horses (!) and recently returned from a lucrative gig. “I can wait a few months to be paid.”

Awwww. I’m lucky to have such people in my life.

 

 

15 Comments

  1. Judy Gutierrez on April 20, 2020 at 9:49 pm

    Justin is one talented guy, and also seems to be one swell guy too!

  2. Michele Engholm on April 20, 2020 at 10:02 pm

    It sounds like you have a true friend in Justin.

  3. Colin Boss on April 20, 2020 at 10:30 pm

    Morning Ross, in the midst of these strange times, it’s great to see all the little bits you and your crew of good friends are managing to get done. It all looks wonderful, and the spring sunshine must be helping immensely. Stay healthy in the midst of all of this. Colin

  4. john feuchtenberger on April 20, 2020 at 10:46 pm

    “…The smith, a mighty man is he,
    With large and sinewy hands;
    And the muscles of his brawny arms
    Are strong as iron bands. ”

    “The Village Blacksmith”—Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Schoolchildren, from before the time the Cross House was built up through the ’50’s memorized this poem.

    • john feuchtenberger on April 20, 2020 at 10:48 pm

      I know Justin’s a farrier rather than a smith–still!

      • Leigh on April 21, 2020 at 1:48 am

        Hurray for Justin! When a craftsman tests the strength of his handiwork himself, it shows how well the porch was done. Thank you Justin for waiving the fees.

  5. Sandra Lee on April 20, 2020 at 10:53 pm

    Justin is a treasure!

    You are blessed to have such lovely people in your life!

    I am so thankful you keep us posted!

    • Dan Goodall-Williams on April 21, 2020 at 2:45 am

      What a great carpenter! Bit by bit the house is really coming together.

  6. Brendan Denehy on April 21, 2020 at 6:42 am

    My parent’s house had a large porch with wood floor which was untreated for years. When I was in my 20’s I decided it needed some help and my father had my use a 50/50 mixture of linseed oil and turpentine (the turpentine ‘thinned’ the linseed oil), and that helped. Twenty years later my husband and I inherited the house and fixed it up to rent. I took a floor sander and was able to salvage much of the floor which had gotten very weatherworn; then another treatment of the linseed oil/turpentine mixture. I’ve treated it twice since, the last time I realized that I needed to thin it to 25/75.

  7. Doug Walker on April 21, 2020 at 9:35 am

    I agree. I have used the linseed oil turpentine mix on siding and windows as I repair my house. I was told by some one ( can’t remember who) that all the window frames and sills for my house were soaked in tubs of that mixture for weeks before they were installed. My sills are still in pretty good shape 118 years later. I would sand lightly to remove the dead decayed surface wood and apply several coats .Let each coat soak in several hours. Eventually it will stop soaking in and stay on the surface. When it does this, wipe off the excess and you are finished. It will take a while to dry out.

  8. Victor Cooper on April 21, 2020 at 3:03 pm

    Justin is hot. Nice tight body.

    Sorry, that is all I have for now.

    Oh yes, the porch looks great. Finish it out and it will look great.

  9. Linda A. on April 21, 2020 at 4:24 pm

    I love handy people like Justin and I love learning about new tips from you all like the linseed/turpentine trick! But, I love when there is a new blog from Ross the most!

  10. Terri on April 21, 2020 at 7:38 pm

    I totally agree Linda! Seeing that porch with The Amazing Justin is like soup for the soul! The porch is going to be beautiful soon! I can’t wait to see it!

  11. tura wolfe on April 22, 2020 at 9:57 am

    TWO COOL CATS, ROSS AND JUSTIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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