Wood-Cornice
Restoration
by Larry Jones
A cornice adds architectural interest
to an old building. In fact, on many
commercial buildings and urban
rowhouses, the cornice is the only
notable detail.
Nobody likes to maintain cornices,
though, because they're so big and
out of reach. So inevitably the
cornice has to be restored. A good
restoration might involve design
modifications (as well as flashing,
woodworking repairs, and a paint
job-all of which we'll discuss) and
will last for decades.
Cornice Types
Wooden cornices have been built
in every size and shape, but there are
only three basic methods of attaching
them to buildings.
The parapet cornice is probably the
most common type, and is used on
both wood and masonry structures.
of being attached to the