We sealed up the gaps in our floorboards with #Oakum last year. It's holding up just fine! I also used it on some old windows at work and it's easy to install, then remove, then install again!

Filling Floor Gaps With Oakum: Update 2-1/2 Years Later

March 18, 2024

"Two and a half years ago, I filled the gaps in our original wood floors with oakum. You can read more about that process here [link below].

"This is a niche solution to a common problem with homes built in the 1700s and 1800s with original wood floors and gaps between those floorboards. Our house was built in the 1780s and later added onto in the 1800s.

"It’s time for an update on how that oakum has held up!

"First of all, what is oakum?

"Historically speaking, oakum is a combination of natural fibers like #hemp or #jute and tar or oil that was used to caulk wooden ships to make them watertight.

"Oakum was often repurposed from old ship rigging. '#PickingOakum' was a terrible job where someone had to unwind the #rope fibers so they could be repurposed into #caulking.

"Oakum is still used today for several uses related to plumbing, wooden ship caulking, log home caulking, etc. Today, oakum is manufactured in a factory.

"Brown oakum is made from natural fibers (could be a combination of jute, hemp, and/or burlap), oil, and often bentonite.

"White oakum is made from jute, #Bentonite, and water.

"Bentonite is a clay that expands when it encounters water."

Read more:
https://aprettyhappyhome.com/2024/03/18/filling-floor-gaps-with-oakum/

How the author did it:
https://aprettyhappyhome.com/2021/05/10/fill-floor-gaps-with-oakum/

#SolarPunkSunday #NaturalMaterials #SyntheticAlternatives #Insulation #FloorGaps #DIY

An inspiring story about working with #Oakum!

My #Carpentry101 crash course, and the wonders of oakum

by Kathleen McQuillan, September 26, 2024

"With the season about to shift to autumn, my mind has been focused on the final steps to restore the exterior of my log house. A project I thought would take one summer is now rounding out the end of its third. And this summer, which I thought would surely be the last, will likely leave some important steps left for next year. My inner voice repeatedly chants, 'Perseverance, dear girl. Perseverance!'

"When I began this journey into the unknown, I decided to leave work on the east wall of the house for last because, in my preliminary assessment, it looked like it would require the most time and attention. Our bitter Minnesota winters and scorching summer heat had definitely taken a toll. Dense forest surrounds my place and is closest on the east side, creating persistent shade and humidity, and poor air circulation, that together contribute to more rotting and insects. Saving the worst until last was a big, big mistake. I learned too late. Never save the hardest stuff for the end. I know that now because, in my current state of project fatigue, facing that east wall is a bit like facing El Capitan.

"I thought I was so smart back in May when I jumped on that string of nice days we had and scraped, scrubbed, and sanded five decades of detritus from that east wall just to ready it for the first coat of penetrating stain that would protect the logs from rot and bugs for many years to come. No one could have predicted that June would produce some of the heaviest rains in centuries, followed by weeks of what meteorologists called 'pop-up showers' that showed up on a nearly daily basis until mid-July.

"It would take many weeks before the now saturated logs would dry thoroughly enough to stain. My frustration with the weather spawned waves of anxiety. Our summers are short, and time was a-wastin’! I knew I’d have to review the priorities on my to-do list and recalibrate the timetable. What I needed to identify was an indoor project until the weather decided to cooperate.

"I found myself completely shifting gears from exterior log work to something indoors. The lightbulb went on. I could start upgrading my 1980s experiment with #solar power. The equipment I’d installed way back then still functioned, but I knew it was losing its zip and was shockingly obsolete. This could be my opportunity. I resumed researching where I’d left off last winter. I determined how much power I would need and how much I could invest in new equipment. I also realized that I would need to construct an area suitable to assure my system could be kept warm in the winter. I decided to design an insulated 'closet' in my three-season addition.

"For that month of sequestration, I created a personalized Intro to Carpentry 101 crash course. Thanks to the generous array of battery-powered saws, drills, bits and blades that my sons had gifted to me at Christmas two years ago and some great YouTube videos I found, I was able to complete my first solo construction project. And now I have power! That rainy weather I’d so lamented had in fact allowed me the experience of learning to read a tape measure right down to the '16ths', and everything else involved. My next #DIY challenge will be wiring my own house.

"Finally, the weather began to cooperate. The logs were drying. But before I could start staining, I would need to insulate and seal the spaces between the logs. In times past, log builders would often turn to whatever materials were on hand whether #moss and #straw, shredded newspaper, or scraps of cotton and #woolen clothing. Today, the 'make-do' materials of our ancestors have been replaced by manufactured products such as fiberglass batts, spray foam, and 'elastometric' caulks, all of which I considered, until I discovered oakum.

"Oakum is made from multiple twisted strands of #jute and #hemp soaked in #PineTar and #bentonite, a compound derived from #VolcanicAsh. It is easily manipulated to fit the varied spaces between the logs and accommodate variations from their knots and other unique features. It acts as a natural deterrent to insects and can swell or shrink with changes in humidity, enhancing its sealing capabilities. It’s been around for centuries with one of its first uses in shipbuilding when skilled maritime craftsmen would salvage worn ropes from ships’ rigging to repurpose as filler for cracks and leaks in their 16th- and 17th-century wooden sailing ships. Later it was used to build the massive networks of pipes that transport drinking and wastewater underneath our major cities. It’s still used for many modern-day plumbing repairs.

"Working with oakum has taken some getting used to. Like so many aspects of my restoration project, it’s been another trial-and-error process, learning what it can and cannot do, requiring my patience and concentration in an almost meditative way. There is an art in how tightly to twist it, so it conforms and fills the nooks and crannies endemic to log buildings. I was able to purchase a vintage shipwright’s cast iron caulking tool that has proven to be perfect for the job. I sometimes muse the by-gone era when Maritimers masterfully employed the skills I’m just learning, ones that allowed for vast ocean crossings. I appreciate attempting a traditional practice that I hope will not be lost.

"I must confess. At times, I’ve questioned my sanity, as may have some of my friends. This endeavor to restore my cabin began in sheer ignorance, and has tested every part of my being — body, mind, and spirit. My biggest fear this year has been that I might 'age out' before it’s complete, something that would be a huge disappointment to me, and a burden left for somebody else.

"I owe my family, friends and community thanks for their patience and support. I’ve turned down many invitations to commit with my truth, 'If it’s a sunny day, I’ll need to work.' Next summer, I’d like things to be different. But this year has shown me, when it comes to time, or the weather, there are no guarantees. Our priorities will sometimes need discernment and adjustment. And everything we choose to do has the power to message something meaningful.

"In many a stressful moment, working with oakum has messaged me this. Take more time when you can. And appreciate the twists and turns."

Source:
https://www.timberjay.com/stories/my-carpentry-101-crash-course-and-the-wonders-of-oakum,22030

#SolarPunkSunday #DIY #BuildYourOwn #NaturalMaterials #LogCabins #Shelter #Building

A Design that Reflects the Owner’s Personality

This private residence exemplifies how interior architecture can transcend mere furniture arrangement or color selection, becoming instead an expression of the owner’s unique personality and refined taste. The design studio approached the project as a space that embodies the resident’s lifestyle rather than a simple place to live. #homedesign #naturalmaterials #tbilisiinteriors

https://archup.net/owner-personality-in-interior-design/

Laguna Cejar - Salar de Atacama, Chile. One of the things I so admired about the park facilities in the Atacama was the small buildings thoughtfully designed and built from local materials.

#salardeatacama #lagunacejar #arquitectura #desiertodeatacama #bioarquitectura #doors #chile #puertas #bioarchitecture #naturalbuilding #atacama #chiletravel #architecturelovers #atacamachile #ecologicaldesign #atacamadesert #chileturismo #materiauxdeconstruction #facade #bioconstruccion #naturalmaterials

Back to Nature (9 Photos)

https://streetartutopia.com/2025/11/03/back-to-nature-9-photos/

#NaturalMaterials
#STEAMActivities
#CraftedMemories

Sustainability starts at home—and in the kitchen. We love Fabuwood’s commitment to eco-friendly materials and responsible manufacturing. It’s one more way we’re designing for a healthier future, together.

#WaldronDesigns #SustainableDesign #PacificNorthwestDesign #OurPassionYourParadise
#PacificNorthwestDesign #SustainabilityIsBeautiful #DesignWithPurpose #NaturalMaterials

Contemporary Wooden Sculpture – Abstract Minimalist Wood Art | Handcrafted Modern Figurine

• Handmade Uniqueness – Each sculpture is one-of-a-kind
• Timeless Wood Elegance – Crafted from premium wood for lasting appeal
• Trending Now – Minimalist + natural = the top decor duo of 2025
• Versatile Accent – Fits effortlessly in homes, studios, or office spaces

https://www.warmlydesign.com/shop/wooden-sculpture/

#WarmlyDesign #WoodenSculpture #MinimalistArt #AbstractDecor #ModernInterior #NaturalMaterials #HandcraftedBeauty

Woven stick fence with vertical and horizontal branches, some with rough ends. Background shows blurred garden soil and plants.

#OutdoorLiving #Handcrafted #GardenStyle #GardenInspiration #SustainableDesign #OutdoorLife #NatureLovers #RusticDesign #EcoFriendly #NaturalMaterials

#Working with the #wild: #artist creates breathtaking #art using only #natural elements (20 pics) https://zorz.it/fEpJp | #SaumyaRatan #animals #artwork #HannahBullenRyner #NaturalMaterials #nature #creating #EphemeralCreations

Sustainable Living Starts at Home: Eco-Friendly Ideas for Your Balcony and Drawing Room

#TycoonWorld #sustainableliving #ecofriendlyhome #greenliving #homedecor #balconygarden #drawingroomideas #energyefficiency #upcycling #repurposing #naturalmaterials #rainwaterharvesting #compostbin #ecofriendlyappliances #terracottapots #naturalscents #sustainabledecor

https://tycoonworld.in/sustainable-living-starts-at-home-eco-friendly-ideas-for-your-balcony-and-drawing-room/

#Vancouver #YVR 👇

Unwind and #weave -> #InvasiveIvy removal and #BasketMaking. Combo of #environmental #volunteer #workparty & #learn some #weaving with #InvasiveSpecies 👍

Wed, Jul 9, 2025 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Renfrew Ravine Park | Meet at Renfrew Ravine Labyrinth.

"Join Still Moon for another round of basket weaving and stewardship at the Mid Ravine site! We’ve removed nearly 80% of the English ivy ground cover and are aiming to complete or come close to finishing it during this session. We'll spend the first hour and a half removing ivy and other invasive species, followed by an hour of relaxing basket weaving. Come lend a hand in caring for this special site—and take home a handmade basket! We'll return in the fall to plant a rich mix of native species."

This site has both flat and sloped areas, and is accessed by a flat path, there is something for everyone to do here! If you need help getting to the site, or have other questions about accessibility, please email connelly@stillmoonarts.ca.

Still Moon Arts Society mobilizes community and creates positive change through eco-arts and environmental stewardship programming, and produces the annual Renfrew Ravine Moon Festival. Still Moon is a registered charity whose mission is to inspire vibrant and connected communities by creating artistic experiences and nurturing a passion for nature.
https://stillmoonarts.ca/

Sign up:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/unwind-and-weave-ivy-removal-and-basket-making-tickets-1383149359969?

#Educational #NatureArt #LearnToWeave #NaturalMaterials #HandsOnLearning

#NewWestminster #Vancouver #YVR folks 👇

#InkMaking w/ natural resources #CreativeArt #workshop Faciliated by #InvasiveArt Initiative.

You will #learn how to process and #create #ink from natural resources, and then have the opportunity to make some art with the ink. All supplies provided.

Pay What You Can tickets.
To make this workshop accessible, we offer three ticket options. Please select one of the options that works best for you.

Saturday, August 16 · 11am - 12:30pm
712C 12th Street, New Westminster.

https://www.invasiveartinitiative.ca/

The Initiative works to engage community members throughout what is currently known as the Lower Mainland of BC, delivering a series of workshops on Invasive Species-based #art supplies and other useable materials in collaboration with non-for-profits and local volunteer groups.The traveling project was established in late 2021, aiming for ethical and reciprocal engagements within the often-destructive practices of invasive removal, offering use for the materiality of the plants that would otherwise go to waste.Promoting dialogues on "environment", colonization and human exceptionalism, the project works with organizations in offering demonstrations and talks on re-contextualizing social imaginations in relationship with so-called Invasive Species.

Sign up:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ink-making-w-natural-resources-faciliated-by-invasive-art-initiative-tickets-1432471654279?=

#InvasiveSpecies #NatureArt #NaturalInk #NaturalMaterials #HandsOnLearning

Shell Clock Natural Material Handmade Seashell Round Wall Watches Classical Design Timepiece

Perfect for coastal interiors, serene bedrooms, or vintage-inspired living rooms — it's a subtle statement piece that tells more than just time.

✨ Shop now: https://www.warmlylife.com/shop/shell-clock/

#WarmlyLife #ShellClock #CoastalDecor #HandmadeTimepiece #NaturalMaterials #EcoFriendlyDesign #VintageCharm #SeashellArt #InteriorStyling #QuietClock #RusticElegance #ClassicalClock #SustainableLiving

The Rustic Canyon Residence in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, marks a significant architectural collaboration between Assembledge+ and Jamie Bush + Co. This project pays homage to a historic Richard Neutra design from the early 20th century, blending the iconic modernist aesthetics with a renewed focus on natural materials and contemporary lifestyle needs. #home #HouseDesign #innovation #modern #NaturalMaterials

https://archup.net/rustic-canyon-residence-modern-cedar-home-revival/

Warm, calm, and quietly elegant — honey oak brings a natural softness to modern interiors.
The City Collection by Dantone Home pairs clean lines with this timeless wood tone for a look that feels both grounded and fresh. #InteriorInspiration #NaturalMaterials #dantonehome #dantonehome.com