Tag: Carpentry

Home Improvement

We moved into our house 25 years ago and we were younger then! I have always liked our house. Lately I realized having a hand railing at the front door would be a nice touch for us and for our guests. There are a couple of steps to navigate so having something to hold on to would be helpful.

For 25 years there was no railing by the front door.

So, several days before the 8″ October snowfall, we went off to the big box store to buy a railing and hardware. 

The railing before it was painted.

My husband went to work. First, the railing was measured and cut to size. Then some circular extensions were needed to be cut out so the hardware spacing was “up to code” as to how far the railing came out from the wall. Next the oak wood was primed, then painted, then put up with extra long screws. 

The finished railing.

It turned out well. It’s a great addition, and improvement, to our house.  

My Father’s Handiwork

Built in 1972

My dad was a carpenter by trade. His father, came over from Norway at the age of 17, and took up carpentry then passed the skills onto his son. My dad built several houses, including the one I grew up in.

For my parents 25th wedding anniversary my dad made my mother a beautiful corner cupboard. He passed away a couple years later. In 1982 my mom moved out of her house to a new townhouse and she moved the corner cupboard too. I told her that I would love to have corner cupboard someday.

Over twenty years later when she moved from her townhouse into a senior living apartment she told me I could take the corner cupboard since she really didn’t have room for it, and she said she would love to see it in my house. We had the perfect corner for it and have enjoyed the cupboard for many years. I’m happy to have it.

Built in the 50’s

My dad also made a cradle for me to play with when I was a little girl. It was white with pink hearts. It was stored away for several years and at one point I painted it dark brown (and I don’t have any idea why!) Now that I have a two-and-a- half-year old grand-daughter and another grand-daughter on the way I decided it was time to restore the cradle to it’s original state. I bought primer to cover the dark brown, my husband filled in the nicks with wood filler, sanded it down, put on a coat of primer, then painted it white with pink hearts. I love it!