S1E11 From Hand-Hewn Planks to Modern Floors: What Endures
New Episodes
•
20m
Brent Hull examines flooring as one of the most quietly influential elements in a home’s character, especially when building new houses rooted in traditional design. From hand-hewn planks to early machine-milled boards, the episode traces how materials like Eastern white pine reflect regional history and craftsmanship. Brent explains how shifts in milling and sourcing have changed the physical qualities of wood over time—and why understanding those differences matters. By comparing historic approaches with modern flooring innovations, the episode makes the case for selecting materials that balance durability, maintenance, and authenticity while avoiding trends that quickly date a house.
Up Next in New Episodes
-
Exploring Classical Architecture: Ins...
Brent Hall shares insights from his trip to Ireland, focusing on classical architecture. He highlights the organization of spaces at Glen Castle and discusses the golden rectangle and Fibonacci sequence in design. Examples like the nautilus shell illustrate the beauty of proportions. Hall emphasi...
-
What's in a New Door?
Explore the evolution of doors over the last century, highlighting concerns about modern flimsy constructions. Traditional joinery techniques are compared to the prevalence of cheaper MDF doors that compromise quality. An analysis reveals a reliance on glue instead of craftsmanship. The discussio...
-
S1E8 Insulating the Foundation
Foundation construction begins with determining the height based on the water table and ensuring proper elevation. Significant volumes of concrete walls are placed, with anchor bolts installed every 32 inches for added stability. A brick shelf is included for aesthetic continuity and effective dr...