Yellow Cedar Pergola

Bringing back raw logs from an up-island sawmill, I got to work accurately laying out the mortise and tenons to create a set of timber-framed arches for a garden pergola. A chainsaw, broad hatchet, pull saw, wide slick and chalkline were my tools. With the poles firmly planted into the ground, a laser guided the holes for tensioned stainless steel cables overhead. A fence, gate and built-in bench complement the structure. I hope to return in a few years and admire and pick a few kiwis off this pergola...

Victoria heritage porch restauration

The owner of a 1907 house here in Victoria, BC, approached me to renovate their enclosed porch. My response was to suggest a transformative approach – removing the enclosure entirely to reveal the original open porch and the original woodwork. After demolishing the existing mishmash of cobbled together old windows and aluminum storm door, I asked the owners to pause and appreciate the newfound openness of the original porch. To my delight, it took them only two days to decide on the complete restoration of the porch to its former glory.

The restoration involved milling new matching mouldings and trim, turning new column capitals and bases, and reconstructing the solid balustrade. The result is a porch that not only recaptures its historical charm but stands as a testament to the timeless beauty of a thoughtful historic restoration.

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A few of the progress photos:

Before:

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