Handrail details for a classic period Deck House #DeckHouse

The photographs below give a glimpse of handrail details for a classic period Deck House worked out by the Third Floor Corporation carpentry crew over the course of a series of restorations and reconstructions of these archetypal mid-century houses and their signature raised decks. The overall design is by Benjamin Fiering.

The lead carpenter on the Pepper Pond Deck House restoration featured is Eli Weiner. Materials choices, colors and aspects of the design featured in these photographs were in developed in concert with artist and homeowner Barbara Eyler.

In this project the tapered stanchions (verticals) are of white oak. These were made onsite using a taper jig as part of prototyping this project. Similar stanchions of Mahogany are available by order from Deck/Acorn Company in Acton MA.

The infill baluster panels are made of cold steel flat bar and 1/2″ rod. They are shop primed grey and then oiled with Penetrol.

The cap rails are made of reclaimed Mahogany decking from other projects.

The lower horizontal rails are white oak.

All photography on this page by Ben Fiering, reproduction by permission only.

Cutting out the Failed Wooden Girder Harrison NY

Harrison, NY May 23, 2017

Below are a few photographs of our crew, having cribbed up beneath the old wooden girder featured in our prior articles Center Beam Replacement 19th Century Post and Beam House Harrison NY, and Structural Preparations Harrison NY We are ready here to cut and remove the failed girder. Ben is featured cutting out the beam with a chain saw. Israel and Gerald are featured prepping the cribbing before the cut.

Below Shows the girder removed with the old joists notched.
Beam Out

Photos are by Ben Fiering and Gerald Moore, Reproduction only by permission of Third Floor Corporation and Doctor Structure Incorporated #thirdfloor

Business of the Week: Third Floor Corporation

This article was published this week it is copied in full to our blog.

By : Brendan Mitchell, 12-12-2016
Ben “Doctor Structure” Fiering, the master builder at Third Floor Corporation, knows better than most that good things take time.“We try to be mindful of the time, but…” says Ben, before trailing off. He chooses his next words carefully.

“The things we build are going to last forever.”

After five minutes of speaking with Ben, it’s clear that he’s passionate about the construction and restoration work his company does every day. He’s not shy about admitting that high quality work is their number one priority.

Ben started Third Floor Corporation in 1993, but he’s been in the industry since the early eighties, when he started working construction while studying social history at college. His passion for building things had been kindled even earlier than that by his father, Norman Fiering, a skilled carpentry hobbyist.

Remodeling by Third Floor Corporation
A recent project completed by Third Floor Corporation. Architecture by David Wallance.

Third Floor Corporation was started in Manhattan, and their first project was converting old warehouse space in to a three-unit live/work space for artists. Today, they are a full-service construction and general contracting company serving private residential clients in New York’s Hudson Valley.

“I live in one of the most beautiful places in the world,” Ben says of the Valley. In his spare time, Ben enjoys exploring the area’s abundance of nature, photography, playing guitar, and studying the history of art, craft, and architecture.

Ben
Ben “Doctor Structure” Fiering at work. 

From the way Ben talks about his line of work, it’s clear that Third Floor Corporation are not your average construction company. They specialize in structural repair, and the restoration of both classic and modern architecture.

“[We have] an intimate understanding of the challenges involved in the restoration of antique buildings,” Ben says, when describing what separates his company from others. He speaks with pride and admiration when talking about his staff, the trademark of a business owner that treats his employees with respect.

With over thirty years in the workforce, though, Ben is the first to admit he’s faced some challenges.

“Maintaining a stable workflow depending on changes in the economy is a challenge.”

While 2017 is sure to hold some challenges of its own, Ben does not seem fazed. Perhaps it’s because building things is more than a job, for Ben; it’s a passion he inherited from his father.

“I grew up doing this work… I’ve always enjoyed making things.”

If you’re interested in discussing a project with Ben from Third Floor Corporation you can reach him on (914) 263 6148 or at ben@thirdfloorllc.com. You can also follow Ben on Twitter as @Dr_Structure

Looking for something else? Submit a free request on EZBZ for what you need and where you need it, and we’ll get you quotes from providers in your area. Try it out today at myezbz.com.

https://www.myezbz.com/blog/home-renovation/business-of-the-week-third-floor-corporation/134/