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Modern Colonial > Episode 21: Wood Floor Finishing

Touring the Hancock Land Company Sustainable Forestry Operation

Project: Modern Colonial, Episode 21, Part 2

Flooring specialist Howard Brickman joins Bob to sand old growth white oak floors and demonstrate his techniques for achieving a smooth, even finish. He uses a variety of sanders and buffers before finally applying several coats of Tung Oil. At the sister project, Brickman tackles the pine floor in the master bedroom. Offsite, Bob tours the Hancock Land Company's sustainable forestry operation in Casco, ME, with noted environmentalist Patrick Moore and learns how they balance their harvesting operation in order to keep the forests healthy.

Part 1: Sanding Wood Floors
Part 2: Touring the Hancock Land Company Sustainable Forestry Operation: Bob visits Casco, ME to learn more about the Hancock Land Company's sustainable forestry operation. Patrick Moore from Greenspirit Enterprises joins Bob to explain how the forests of New England have benefited from this process.

In the last 100 years, Maine's landscape has changed dramatically. Previously, much of the land had been continuously cleared for farmland. After the Civil War, many farmers who had left for the war decided to resettle on more fertile soil in the Midwest, so the farms of Maine and New England were simply abandoned. As a result, many of the forests grew back naturally. Currently, the forests are similar to what they were a century ago, with 25% more trees.
Part 3: Finishing a Wood Floor

This project focuses on the construction of a Colonial-style home built with both history and the future in mind. While the 4-bedroom, 4-bath home will have a traditional exterior and interior detailing, the plan will suit the needs of a modern family, including easy-maintenance fireplaces, a great room, master suite, sun room, 3-car garage, and a large walk-out basement with plenty of room for recreation and indoor/outdoor living.

Also from Modern Colonial

Episode 3 - Shingles and Windows
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Description:
The roof structure begins to take shape in this episode, which focuses on the asphalt shingle installation. The crew takes us through the steps of the shingling process, from the flashing and underlayment, to the precise layout of each course.<br> <br> On the ground, Ryley and framing contractor Kevin Parquette are installing windows. Also, Bob explores the home designs of the firm of noted 20th-century architect Royal Barry Wills, an avid proponent of preserving historical accuracy and proportion in designing elegant, sensible houses for modern living.
Episode 4 - Radiant Heating System and Ductwork
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Description:
A new radiant heating system is being installed in the basement in this episode. Bob and Erling Andersen discuss the features of the "Boiler Room in a Box", a new compact, energy-efficient way to heat your home. Upstairs, Bob gets a look at how HVAC ductwork is assembled and run through the attic to an air handler. Finally, Bob takes a tour of a historic doctor's office in the scaled-down colonial Julia Wood House in Falmouth, MA.
Episode 5 - Gas Fireplaces and Cedar Shingles
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Description:
A Heat-N-Glo gas fireplace unit is being installed in this episode, one of several throughout the house. Bob tours the showroom to see the different models available and understand how they work, then meets the crew from The Ironhouse in Hyannis, MA, back on site to help set up a unit in the project house.<br> <br> Around back, Eastern White Cedar sidewall shingles are ready to be installed. Keith Ball from Maibec is on site to talk with Bob about the correct installation technique. Finally, Bob takes a trip to Canada to see how they're milled.
Episode 8 - Garage Door and Generator Installation
Episode 9 - Wood Floor Installation
Episode 10 - Interior Wall Panels and Flooring
Episode 11 - Interior Door Installation and Plan Modifications
Episode 12 - Interior Woodwork
Episode 13 - Exterior Landscaping
Episode 14 - Mechanical Systems and Basement Refinishing
Episode 15 - Mechanical Systems and Interior Finishing
Episode 16 - Kitchen Cabinetry and Countertops
Episode 17 - Bedroom Amenities
Episode 18 - Interior Decorating Tour
Episode 19 - Workshops and Woodworking
Episode 20 - Classic Interiors and Cabinet Install
Episode 22 - Interior Craftwork
Episode 23 - Interior Design Projects
Episode 24 - More Interior Design Projects
Episode 25 - Appliance Installation and Furniture Making

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