Reconstructing the Portico & Colonnade Decks

Based on physical evidence, such as holes in the masonry where the joists were originally installed, as well as existing colonnade framing, the restoration carpenters were able to restore and reconstruct the Portico and Colonnade decks.

A deteriorated section of a joist is removed from the Colonnade’s floor framing. A new piece of wood was used to replace the decayed joist and the joist was re-installed.	Carpenters working on the restoration install a massive new joist for the Portico deck. The new beam is made out of heart pine, the same material that President Madison used to frame the original Portico deck in circa 1797.
Carpenters preparing the Colonnade deck for flooring.	Painting the Portico deck. The new decking for the Portico and Colonnade is also made from heart pine. Heart pine is not only the wood type Madison used for his decking, but also a relatively rot resistant material.