Thoreau’s Cabin Series, Part 3: 19th-Century Windows & Doors – Construction & Repair
4 Days: Monday - Friday, August 11th-15th, 2025, 8 AM - 5 PM
Tuition: $1,250.00
Ages: 16 & Up
Instructor: Nathanael Ulfers
Instructional Delivery Method(s): In person
Prerequisites: None
Program Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Program Description:
Step back in time and learn the art of window and door construction in this immersive 5-day course. As part of the Thoreau’s Cabin Series, this class will guide students through the transformation of rough sawn boards into simple, historically accurate window sash and doors, while also exploring the repair and restoration of old sash and glazing techniques.
Thoreau’s original cabin was built largely from reclaimed materials, and in that same spirit, this course will emphasize sash repair and reuse, teaching students appropriate historical and modern restoration methods. The class will also cover installing sash, exploring both traditional 19th-century techniques and alternative approaches suited for modern construction.
To complete the project, students will build a sash window for themselves and will work as a group to build a door for the cabin.
All tools and wood are supplied, but students may bring their own hand tools if they wish.
Learning Objectives:
Learn the fundamentals of sash construction and repair, preserving historic wooden windows.
Master glazing techniques, ensuring durability and longevity.
Gain hands-on experience using molding planes to shape sash parts and casings.
Construct and install a simple board door and jamb, following traditional 19th-century methods.
Understand historical window and door installation, with insights into modern adaptations.
By the end of this course, students will have built and installed historically accurate sash and doors, gained essential restoration skills, and deepened their understanding of traditional woodworking techniques used in 19th-century construction.
Attendance Requirements: Students must attend all days
Location: Sam Beauford Woodshop, 1375 N. Main St, Building 41, Adrian, Michigan 49221
Class Size: Maximum 10 students
Click Here to view our Refund, Cancellation, and Complaint Resolution Policies
If you have any questions about this class, please contact the Administrative Office at (517) 759-3070 or email sambeaufordwoodshop@gmail.com.
This course is offered through partnership with Roof Jumper Timber Frames.
AIA Advance Learner Preparation: None
AIA Approved Learning Units & Type: TBD
AIA CES Program Approval Expiration Date: TBD
Official AIA CES Provider Statement: Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number 10009739. All registered AIA CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs. Any questions or concerns about this provider or this learning program may be sent to AIA CES (cessupport@aia.org or (800) AIA 3837, Option 3). This learning program is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product. AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.