FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Wooden Fan Design over Front Door

ktkamm | Posted in Construction Techniques on April 28, 2008 09:25am

I have a 200+ yr old cape and part of my summer projects involves redoing the front doorway. Over the years, water damage has led to rot, etc. I will be replacing the wooden fan design over the door and would appreciate any guidance towards articles/books that may address the construction process.

Thanks in advance for any help/guidance.

Kieran

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. rlrefalo | Apr 29, 2008 12:40am | #1

    The only advice I can give you is to carefully deconstruct the existing fan and copy the details as closely as you can. Keep an eye on water shedding details and maybe improve on them. Try to get some old growth white pine or cypress to construct it of. How about posting some pics?

    Rich

    1. ktkamm | Apr 29, 2008 12:45am | #2

      Thanks Rich,

      I have taken some photos in anticipation of the deconstruction and will post them later.

       

      Kieran

    2. frammer52 | Apr 29, 2008 01:17am | #4

      They make that in a form of foam, can't remember the name right now.

      looks good and paints well also.

    3. ktkamm | Apr 29, 2008 01:34am | #6

      Here are some pictures

      1. MikeSmith | Apr 29, 2008 03:45pm | #10

        kieran.... i'd make the rising sun out of 5/4  Azek

        the outside moulding would be Azek or  pvc

         

        the rays would be primed cedar clapboards,  all backprimed and edge primed

        cut the rays with a shooter board  ( make one  or use an EZ-Guide )

        the whole thing can be built on a sheet of plywood after you have a templateMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

  2. Piffin | Apr 29, 2008 01:16am | #3

    We have discussed this here before. Also Fypon makes one or two of them in molded polyurethene.

     

     

    Welcome to the
    Taunton University of
    Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
     where ...
    Excellence is its own reward!

    1. ktkamm | Apr 29, 2008 01:30am | #5

      Do you have any suggestions as to which  specific topic I should search under?

       

      Thanks

  3. rlrefalo | Apr 29, 2008 02:28am | #7

    ktkamm, thinking a little more about this, if there is any historic signifigance to your home, it might be advisable to disturb it as little as possible. I know that  is always the aim of preservationists. Have you considered epoxy consolidants and fillers? They work well for repairing rotted wood.

    1. ktkamm | Apr 29, 2008 02:35am | #8

      If I do redo it, I would only do it in wood the way it currently is. I am a bit concerned about what lies behind the fan. The posts, trim, etc around the door definitely need to be replaced. I am first starting by replacing the cornice molding and trim boards on the front of the house and if time permits, do the door.

      Thanks for the suggestions/help

       

      Kieran

      1. User avater
        JDRHI | Apr 29, 2008 04:07pm | #11

        I'm with Jeff on this.

        That fan design does not look as though it were the original detail.

        It looks completely out of proportion.

        You might be able to incorporate it within a larger header detail, but even then, I'm not sure it will look right.

        Any shots of the entire house front? Using the window trim details might help inspire a more aesthetically pleasing surround.

        J. D. Reynolds

        Home Improvements

        Pp, Qq

         

         

         

  4. User avater
    Jeff_Clarke | Apr 29, 2008 03:24pm | #9

    Kieran -

    Given the fact that your house is 200 + years old, I suspect that the fan is not the original design at all, but rather that the original architrave over the door surround rotted away years ago.

    The fan simply does not look historically appropriate above the pilasters.

    I suggest that you (1)  see if there are any historic photos of the entry available,  (2)  see if there are 'shadow marks' of the original architrave and, failing both, (3) compare to other nearby houses of similar vintage with their original surrounds.

    Fypon is not appropriate here.

    See attached photo

     

    Jeff



    Edited 4/29/2008 8:27 am ET by Jeff_Clarke

    1. Piffin | Apr 29, 2008 05:18pm | #12

      as I was mentioning Fypon I was short of time so I didn't say it, but I was thinking that it might be hard to find one with the right proportions for the house.But you are totally right after seeing the pictures! That fan is disproportionate and totally wrong for the house. Even the detailing it bears is not concurrent with the pillasters. It had to be something somebody added as a 'good idea' in the past genration. 

       

      Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

      1. User avater
        Jeff_Clarke | Apr 29, 2008 05:44pm | #13

        Probably between 1900 and 1940 - 'rising sun' motifs weren't too popular during and after WWII.

        This is most obvious in the last photo with the flag .... and the dog ... and the photographer ;o)

        While there certainly is such a thing as a Federal fan this one is all wrong.

         

        Jeff

         

        Edited 4/29/2008 10:47 am ET by Jeff_Clarke

        1. ktkamm | Apr 29, 2008 07:58pm | #14

          Thanks to all who have replied.

           

          I like the fan motif and would like to replicate it in one fashion or another. I would be open to any suggestions as to pictures of a more appropriate design that would incorporate it.

           

          Kieran

          1. Piffin | Apr 29, 2008 09:15pm | #15

            One problem is that the fan and the transom are competing for attention. a bold entablature/sill separating the two would help.
            Next - the lines formed by the pilasters are wide apart - say 8-9" as you draw those vertically, but they intersect a trim detail around the fan that is only about 2" wide. So reconstruct with that trim wide enough to align with the imaginary lines tracing the pilasters vertically. Give some stepped detail to that curved trim to create shadow lines. The fan will still be there, but smaller within the overall, but in balance 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          2. ktkamm | Apr 29, 2008 09:37pm | #16

            Thanks for the advice Piffin. For a non builder type, that will take me awhile to digest and process. If you were a flatlander and I had the money available, I would have you come over and do it for me! Unfortunately with college bills and the current Maine economy, my ability to pay someone else is limited.

             

            Thanks again.

             

            Kieran

          3. rlrefalo | May 04, 2008 02:55am | #17

            Kieran, I have to agree with the others. IMO the composition is mis-matched and unrefined. If you have access to a good library there is a wonderful series of studies of early homes and buildings known as The White Pine Monographs. Originally published beginning in 1915, they have excellent photographs and measured drawings. They might be worth a look before committing to any changes.

            Rich

          4. ktkamm | May 04, 2008 04:41am | #18

            Thanks Rich. I wlll see if I can get my hands on those books.

            Kieran

             

          5. User avater
            Jeff_Clarke | May 05, 2008 08:13am | #19

            You could also check your local historical society for older photos, look at similar houses nearby (there are regional differences in trim styles) and do a test demo to see if there is a 'shadow' of the original layout.

             

            Jeff

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Podcast Episode 692: Introduction to Trade Work, Embodied Carbon, and Envelope Improvements

Listeners write in about fostering trade work and proposed changes to Canadian code and ask questions about roof and wall insulation for an old house.

Featured Video

SawStop's Portable Tablesaw is Bigger and Better Than Before

The 10-in. Jobsite Saw PRO has a wider table, a new dust-control port, and a more versatile fence, along with the same reliable safety mechanism included in all SawStop tablesaws.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 692: Introduction to Trade Work, Embodied Carbon, and Envelope Improvements
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Embodied Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the Building Codes
  • Old Boots Learn New Tricks
  • Install Denim Insulation Like a Pro

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data