Thoreau’s Cabin Series, Part 4: Riving, Shingling, and Siding
6 Days: Monday - Saturday, October 20th - 25th, 2025, 8 AM - 5 PM
Tuition: $1,250.00
Ages: 16 & Up
Instructor:
Instructional Delivery Method(s): In person
Prerequisites: None
Program Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Program Description:
The final phase of building Thoreau’s Cabin is ensuring its protection from the elements, and this 6-day immersive course will teach students how to split (rive) wood using traditional hand tools to create the materials needed for roofing, siding, and interior lath work.
The key focus of this course is riving—the art of splitting wood along the grain to create durable, weatherproof building materials. Beginning with cedar logs in the round, students will learn to select clear sections, then bucking them to length using a two-man crosscut saw. From there, students will use a froe and club to rive out shakes, refining them with a hatchet and drawknife to create historically accurate wooden roofing materials.
Beyond roofing, students will also produce and install accordion lath, a traditional split-wood lattice used to support lime plaster on interior walls. Throughout the course, students will gain a deep understanding of wood grain, learning to read and manipulate it for optimal splitting, all while practicing the patience and precision required to work with natural materials.
On Day 6, students will install the materials they have created, completing the roofing, siding, and lath work for Thoreau’s Cabin using only hand tools and traditional methods.
All tools and wood are supplied, though students are welcome to bring their own hand tools.
Learning Objectives:
Master the fundamentals of riving, learning how to split wood efficiently along the grain.
Learn how to select the best wood for shingles and lath, ensuring longevity and durability.
Develop hands-on experience using the froe, club, drawknife, and hatchet to create building materials.
Split and shape shakes for roofing, then install them to create a traditional shake roof.
Learn to install board siding using historically accurate techniques.
Produce and install accordion lath to prepare interior walls for lime plaster.
Master the art of patience and precision, understanding how to work with natural wood grain rather than against it.
By the end of this 6-day course, students will have successfully completed the roofing, siding, and lath work of Thoreau’s Cabin, bringing the entire structure to life using historic craftsmanship and hand tool skills.
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
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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.