Homeowner Dave Arvold’s carvings were inspired by old Norwegian stave churches. He used routers, gouges, and chisels to carve scenes from Norse history and intricate vine, leaf, and basket weave patterns into the posts that support his house. He offers up flowers to the street side of the house while Scandinavian legend unfolds on the inside.
Now in it’s 5th edition, Rob Thallon’s book for builders has been a go-to resource for decades. This book features clear graphics that will help you understand how nearly all American houses are — or should be — built.
If you want to plan, design, or remodel based on the vast tradition of American architectural styles you first have to understand their history, geography, architectural significance, and relationship to one another. This book can help with that.
A plate level allows to you plumb walls accurately because it registers off the plates without touching potentially warped or twisted studs. This one can reach the plates on 12-ft. tall walls.
A Speed Square or rafter square can help you cut rafters, measure angles, and accurately guide your saw for straight and angled cuts. It's a must have.
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Before construction began, homeowner Dave Arvold customized the 1-ft. x 2 ft. posts that support the house with carvings, both inside and out.
On the street side of the house, a trileaf pattern of flowers based on medieval Swedish metalwork top the posts, which are made of four 6 x 12s laminated together.
The posts are revealed on the inside as well, some painted, and others left unfinished. The painted post along the left side of the photo has a delicate basket weave pattern carved into its top, as shown in the next photo.
Interlocking diamonds create a subtle woven effect on this painted post top.
In the office/library, this carving depicts a scene from the Legend of Sigurd, and the sword he forged to slay the dragon.
Like the Sigurd carvings, the serpentine vine patterns were patterned after those found in medieval Norwegian stave church. This one is from the Urnes Stave Church. Located on the Lustra fjord northwest of Sogndal, the Urnes Church was built from 1100 to 1150 AD.
Another post in the sitting room reflects patterns from the Urnes Church. Behind it, notches in the ceiling let the windows extend a foot higher, extending the view and gathering all the more daylight.
A window in the office/library bookcase provides a bit of cross daylighting and a view in a surprising place.
Learn how to measure, cut, and build window casing made of cellular PVC, solid wood, poly-ash boards, or any common molding material. Plus, get tips for a clean and solid installation.
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