Repairing Damaged Floors at James Madison's Montpelier

Carpenter Keith Forry repairs a patch of flooring in Mr. Madison's room that had suffered insect damage. The repair, called a dutchman, is made from the same wood was the original floors (heart pine) and closely matches the grain pattern of the original board. Video by architectural historian Maggie Wilson

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Madison
• restoration
• Montpelier
• floors
• dutchman
• carpentry
• preservation

[DinoDoesStuff]

Great job. The most exciting thing is that in another hundred years time somebody will look at that repair and say, "Wow. I wonder who did that?" It must be very satisfying to be embedded in the future history of the mansion. I live near a roman castle and whenever I walk around it I wonder what the conversation would have been between the builders as they laid each course of flint and what their lunch would have been etc. I'm sure this will provoke the same sort of thoughts in the future!

[intotheunknown78]

Awesome job!!!!

[nosajjim77]

great job, hope they dont throw a rug over it.

[GaltaRand]

Superb work. I have to replace three red oak patches this morning before my hardwood refinisher comes to sand and restore the surface of the whole floor. I was a little daunted before. This helped a lot. Thank you.

[pfizzbones]

Great job at an historic site! Well done!

[petepsy]

My wood working skills are negligent, but I have to do a dutchman repair on a window sill. This video has really helped out. Thanks a lot, it's a great vid, and the workmanship wonderful to see.

[brownsuger1972]

thats some excellent craftmanship

[kneeeesden]

Great Craftsmanship. Right tools for the Right job!!

[Rocksterrr]

Good job old timer.  Nice plane too. Rust is a problem here so I appreciate tools that are rust resistant.