I think Judith is correct. Finger jointed stock uses all the wood after cutting out the knots. Also, short sections do not warp as much as long ones so there is less deformation. This material is typically from very fast growing trees and is highly susceptible to rot though.

 

 

----- Original Message -----

From: [log in to unmask]">Met History

To: [log in to unmask]">[log in to unmask]

Sent: Monday, May 09, 2005 3:04 PM

Subject: [BP] built-up wood trim question...

 

 

A homeowner at 114 East 101st Street, an 1882 rowhouse, has embarked on a "restoration" campaign of some innocence - this is a modest, working class block, completely ferae naturae as pertains to preservation.   Among other improvements, the owner has stripped the wooden door surround of globs of paint, and polyurethaned it. 

 

The door surround is of modest profile, and must be of the 1960's-1970's.  The stripping has revealed that the trim was made up of entirely separate parts - there are irregular joints in the wood every 12-36 inches or so.   It appears the owner is completely unaware of anything beyond the fact that he or she has exposed "the natural wood" - even though the wood was meant to be painted.

 

The joints I interpret to indicate that the stock was "cheap", and this was an economy move.

 

1.    Am I right?

2.    Why would stock be made up like this?  Like, how is it saving money?

3.    Is there a term for this?

 

Christopher Gray