Is It Rotten?

[@sueg2658]

Regarding the huge beams, I think perhaps they are made of Sequoia trees which grew in France in the 1800 and even earlier. They are naturally reddish and pest resistant and the old trees are humungous. You may want to check it out. Happy New year all. “Outside of the United States, the tallest giant sequoia in the world lives in the state forest of Ribeauvillé, France, a commune at the base of the Vosges Mountains. It was planted in 1856 and clocked in at approximately 190 feet when it was measured in 2014.”

[@roseharvey2664]

That is interesting, wouldn't have known that.

[@Clarinetboy82]

Sequoia would make sense. I just had no idea they existed in France!

[@monabale8263]

was thinking Bois Ipe.

[@ayeshadequeiroz4857]

I have often wished they’d plant a trio of Sequoia trees at the chateau.

[@lindabryant4292]

Redwood trees. That was my first thought as well, but I ruled it out because I didn't think they grew there. That would explain why they are in such good condition. Redwood has natural bug repellent and resists mold. I wonder if it would be woodworm resistant as well?

[@kgummee]

You all are such hard workers!! Love seeing an old behemoth of a building being brought back to life!!

[@donnawelborn-dicus8953]

I can't begin to express how much I enjoy watching your videos!! We would NEVER get to see the insides of buildings like yours here in middle Missouri USA. Always fascinating!! LOVE the bell installation videos!!

[@randovanlieshout6439]

Great to see you all this work, very interesting. Excuse my English but i am from Holland. It has been 40 years since i have had English class. Never mind , super to see you all the restauration, keep on the good work. Crack on, greetings Rando.

[@lisaglynn3121]

Now the wood can breathe! Looking good guys!

[@mradford10]

Wire brush revealed the beauty of the timber! It’s going to look amazing gents. Crack on as soon as you’re back in 2023 - can’t wait for the next video and see this room come to life.

[@Anthony-ot8vl]

Excited for this kitchen. I think wood and color will make it feel warm. This is a massive project. But whatever is done with the building, the kitchen matters most.

[@AndreatheDoria]

It’s possible it’s treated with linseed oil as it dried. It prevents a lot of bugs. My near 100 year old row house in NYC the first owner used to brush the joists with linseed his daughter who I bought the house from and it’s petrified the wood, luckily her dad was the very first owner in 1927. All my neighbors have had major termite damages to them. Not my house and there was termites here in this house in the kitchen they ate the sub floor! I adore the love and care your community gives these old strong beautiful buildings. Seeing the convent and the cells, reminds me of visiting our Franciscan Nun friends in their old convent in up state NY. I often spent the night there as a child it was creepily quiet after lights out at 7 or 8 pm! It was also a convalescent convent like this one and the elderly Sister used me to get Ice Cream. 😂

[@suecardilini5900]

All the beams so far look magnificent, well done boys. ⛪️

[@christopherforder8966]

It’s not very often you come across genuine individuals who get on very well, work hard and are passionate about preserving things from the past. The team Billy has and billy himself are very unique and only happens once in a lifetime.

[@waynemckune8416]

Sorry mates, but you need to hire me. The industry has what is known as"trac saws" specifically designed to cut through brick and concrete walls. Never remove what isn't in the way of new construction or design, unless Inspecting for rot, walls are good in old buildings, walls with walkthroughs are better. Old trim, baseboard, cabinets, doors are worth money in the market place, remove with (dignity) the build quality deserves the respect. Love the show, learning the slang, respect and appreciate what you guys do restoring old buildings. Koodos

[@irenelacour3486]

This is going to be a big a beautiful job. Thank you Sean for peeling off that cement to expose the beautiful wood overhead. Happy New Year to the Pethericks and all the men who are helping to renovate the convent and to Ryan. See you next Year

[@LadyIarConnacht]

It looks like it was originally plaster and lathe - while the big beam might have been visible, the little ones never were.

[@adwood201]

Could well be Douglas Fir which has more hardness than Chestnut in spite of being a softwood. For those who find this confusing please note that Balsa wood is actually a hardwood.

[@angelofjustice5081]

As an expert in renovation in france for over 25 years can say there is a simple solution to your beam sagging and eventually cracking ! Make two holes either side of each end of the beam and purchase two beams in oak 75mm to a 100mm thick and the needed height and the needed length to enter the walls either end. And then drill through with 20mm bit, place threaded rods and washers and bolts right through the 3 beams and place then at a meter to 2 meter intervals ! This will strengthen the main beam and prevent future movement and cracking. And hi from Angers ! Good luck 😉

[@kathy7718]

I love wood!! It will be beautiful when you can see all the beams!❤️ You are doing an amazing job at restoring this beautiful place!

[@boba5984]

Have you thought of using up and coming small one one band type people to do things for the convent. I mentioned a stained glass window above one of the doors - Petherick coats of arms maybe ? Bespoke tiles -kitchen, bathroom floor, bespoke wall papers, doors etc etc might help having work done on the convent onto their CV and help them up the ladder a bit. Blacksmithing work, benches for the garden, tables for the garden. fittings all over the place. Just a thought. There are many rooms and many themes which could show French culture, each one different.

[@3870TheDad]

There is a sub-species of oak that is known as red-oak, which could account for the red colouring you were noticing.

[@larrysmith937]

Pillars would not look bad, Victorian cast iron style would be appropriate

[@stagemgr99]

When you start to refinish maybe you could get a sandblaster with fine grit / baking soda to clean up the beams for refinishing. Would make the job easier to prep .

[@laurabenham7457]

I still thinks it is Oak! Just think Billy of the character, you will be putting back in this kitchen! OMG...It's a great find! Happy New Year to you and the Crew!

[@susanthompson569]

I could watch Sean demo the walls and ceiling for hours! Happy New Year to All! Thank you for taking us with you on this journey!

[@DarProbus]

Me too!! Sean don’t play LOL

[@judygillespie3242]

Sean is going to have sore arms working in that position sanding.

[@chalkncheeseneeds723]

It may be some form of compound used to 'prevent' fires. Like tar or something similar. Oak is the most common wood used but these buns were originally of wealthy private means so who knows what was used!

[@Becca2334]

You may be able to find the building plans and supplies bought in the early records of the original building plans and financial statements. If research is an option.🤔

[@lynnhurst7365]

Shawn please protect your ears from the noise. Loving your demolition project. You're right, safety first. Happy New Year to the crew and your lovely family

[@katschs3965]

Billy, Sean, and Rick, kudos on your work in the kitchen! This is a huge project, and I appreciate your dedication to doing the work properly and honoring the history of the building. Ryan, your videos are fabulous - intros, outros, music, angles of shots - the whole package is so very well done. You’ve got a potential documentary there. Cheers from NC, USA

[@frostyndus5339]

The change in the kitchen is already dramatic. Can't wait to see all the walls down, the ceiling stripped and back to original. You keep mentioning the beam has a 'red tint' to it. Pine (Douglas fir) isn't red though (at least here in the US). Could it be mahogany? Mahogany is reddish in color and more solid than pine. I can see beams like that made out of it before pine. Thoughts? Anyway... THANK YOU for the awesome videos and a very Happy New Year to you and your families!

[@SweetOne.]

This time next year you might be able to have the entire family at the kitchen table for dinner at the convent. I was a little disappointed that it wasn't the Chateau kitchen being restored first but I can see the benefit of doing this kitchen before the Chateau kitchen. Learn here, then tackle the Beast in the basement, which is definitely a summer job.

[@beiderbecke1927]

Having worked on some old houses here in America, Douglas fir was often used, and turns a rich reddish brown over time, leading some people to believe it's redwood.

[@laurenglass4514]

Great job in trying to safely investigate and rehabilitate the ceiling and the convent! Thank you for sharing

[@reladie]

HAPPY NEW YEAR BILLY AND FAMILY and awesome demolition Team. Thank you for a grand journey. Looking forward to the New Year at the Convent.

[@kencase2179]

Wishing all the Petherick's and Mo, Sean, Rick and Ryan a very Happy, Safe, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!

[@erikalars]

That ceiling is going to be so beautiful!! I can’t wait to see it when the kitchen is complete.

[@jamesvpryor]

Have a Happy New Year everyone. May tremendous blessings come your way in 2023. 🎉🎉🎉

[@judymossip7446]

People with power tools in a very historic building! What could be better? Happy New Year to all of the Pethericks and the Convent Team 🎉

[@lucyyoung5307]

It’s not easy to work over head, hard on the arms and shoulders. It hurts muscles you didn’t know you had, speaking from experience. Happy New Year! 💥🎉

[@wendykenney8145]

My family room has a beamed ceiling and the beams are made of cedar. It's a reddish color, very durable, insect resistant. and could have been used in the convent - it also has biblical connections. Whatever the wood, once they're cleaned up, those beams will be gorgeous.

[@charlesmcdermott6139]

There are so many possibilities for what looks as though it will be a grand hall!

[@blakehahn-atlantaga8510]

The ceiling is going to be beautiful! Cannot wait to see the room opened up! The beams are gorgeous!

[@kylieharrison3782]

You could use the pillars for plumbing, electrcity and gas though. All of which services are vital in modern kitchens. Pillars could be considered as other positive features not just negative.

[@shell1951]

Love your new , less dramatic music...and this ceiling project is exciting!

[@suzannemckenzie2873]

Pseudotsuga menziesii? Douglas fir? Hmmm. That is the ‘State’ tree of Oregon,USA, where I live. Very prevalent here. It is a soft wood. The old growth trees did have wonderful straight grain. That would be fun if it were Doug fir. Bless you all for your good work and in the new year.

[@EAP0804]

Happy New Year to all you delightful people. May every good fortune be yours in the coming new year!

[@keriwalker3861]

LOVED WATCHING THIS CONSTRUCTION AND TO SEE IT TRANSFORM. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. CAN NOT WAIT TO SEE YOUR NEXT VIDEO. KEEP ON CRAKIN!!!!

[@Hunebed1979]

I wish you all a happy and very great 2023

[@theghost6412]

Those beautiful long straight grains remind me of Oregon Wood. Used to have a really long 20 foot ladder made out of it. Note to self DO NOT try to speed drop down one of those ladders, the splinters are massive and horrendous.

[@fabrice8836]

Bonsoir Billy, merci infiniment d'aimer l'architecture française, de belles fêtes de fin d'année, respect.

[@carengaita585]

Just wishing all of you a Happy New Years ❤❤❤

[@julias-shed]

Enjoying seeing Sean and you work together 😀

[@rebekahvenn201]

Hiya all. Lovely to see you revealing the room. Lovely to see some of the original character. Happy New year to you all. Take care and stay safe.

[@kimrafferty7170]

Wishing you all a healthy and happy new year. Thank you for sharing your adventures at the convent and I look forward to seeing how it develops in 2023. Love to you all xxxx

[@debragonser745]

Happy New Year to all of you hard working fools! I know you guys know what your doing! Just scares me to see those big walls come down!

[@doriskovalcik442]

It seems as if there are so many possibilities for the convent to be used for that it would be impossible to choose. But, whatever you choose will be fantastic I’m sure. Happy New Year to all of you.

[@charleslayton9463]

I probably missed it, but what are you planning to use this large space for? Are you going to return it to a kitchen? If so, why make it so huge? If for food prep, I would have thought that the rooms behind the wall that's coming down would have been useful for dishwashing, storage, pantry, etc. A great room, and I love the fireplace!

[@evahendley2296]

Happy new year to all of you. And thank you for all your updates😘

[@irisbotter8836]

Good to see you so patiently breaking everything down and building it up again. Billy's video recordings and edits are my favorite. They have something 'dreamy' about them.

[@Clarinetboy82]

That room is going to look so lovely when you all are done restoring it. That beam is absolutely exquisite to look at!

[@silviarodriguez7245]

I can tell how excited you are Billy for this project . I can tell the passion you have for it. You have a great team next to you. I wish for so many great things and blessings for you Billy, Shawn, Rick, and all your families in 2023. I love your chanel and will be watching it during 2023 too! Have a wonderful New Year’s eve!!! Happy new year everyone!!! 🎉🎉🎉

[@sparkysgirl867]

It could be redwood, a lot of redwoods were brought over from America in the late 1800's early 1900's and there are many in stately gardens in Wales, they are beautiful and grow very tall.

[@puckgroeneweg115]

Happy New Year Billy and the family Petherick, Sean, Rick and Ryan. Wish you all a very successful 2023.❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@michaeldriebeekvanderven]

Onwards to another great year filled with fascinating Billy projects to follow and support 💪🏾 We can’t wait! Happy 2023! 🥂

[@robertdelaria3512]

Happy new year to the entire family and workers and everyone else merry Christmas and a happy new year🎉🎉🎉❤❤

[@Nlingenfel]

Happy New Year to all of you on The Pethericks, and Doing it Ourselves. Also love Gwendlines new SUV and your new backpack. The picture of your family on your desk is beautiful. And work safe (I was in charge of safety at a very dangerous plant, many, many years ago) and you are getting much better at working safe. lol

[@OriginalClaw]

Greetings from the USA!!! I have been binge watching your progress and have enjoyed it very much. Simply fantastic. Not to seem like a "Concern Troll", I just finished watching your vid from 7 months ago wear you were in a small closet that had some artwork and some very beautiful wallpaper. As someone that has done restoration work on many projects, I would like to draw your attention to something. Some old wallpaper, especially ones w/ deep greens and gilding may contain Arsenic. If you are aware of this, disregard my warning... if not, it may be something you would want to consider as you continue your work. Cheers! I look forward to your next vid!!!

[@lisazavala707]

The beams look like railroad ties in America which are- Many railroads purchase oak and mixed hardwood ties and some buy ties made of softwoods such as south- ern pine, red pine or Douglas-fir as well.

[@junechamberlin8]

Such a great group of guys! They all chip in perfectly. A great team you have there. I enjoy watching every episode ❤️

[@Vendelcrow1948]

Hi there !! Headlamps would ease work for all, since its quite dark in the nooks and crannies in the convent, and headlamps today are mostly led, and have different angles and adjustable beams.....The dude working on the beam, could use a light beam, haha... Fine videos and a relaxed mood among the gang too!! Happy New Year from Sweden

[@Sazwaz2009]

glad you didnt find any problems, cant wait to see it all demolished and open, so we can see all the wood opened up again. Hope you all have a great time off and Happy New year to you too 🎉🎊I hope 2023 bring you all blessings and happy times ♥

[@devisionhun]

Whatever the wood, look fantastic and what a relief that the one end at least is all solid. Let’s hope it’s the same all around! 🎉 It will look soooo good!

[@dotlaing1085]

Well done Sean…a lot of hard work there. Looking good so far. Happy New Year…to the team. XxDottie

[@DrMucker]

we have a red oak table and Larch could be red as well .. Happy New Year to all

[@wadehilt9121]

Look into Timber Frame Joinery. Perhaps there is a non post/beam option.

[@Swede-m7q]

Blown away by the size of those beams. You’re so fortunate they’re in great condition. Happy New Year to all. 🌺

[@jeanclaudelarose5008]

Happy New Year 2023 Billy and to your familly and your gang that are working with you. It is alway fun to see you guys. Have a good one.

[@nadineweiler7747]

Wishing you a very happy and heathy 2023 to all of you!!!! Looking forward to your journey in the New Year.

[@donnarice9965]

Happy New Year to you all!!! What an undertaking. Can't wait to see it all opened up!!!

[@jomcd2073]

Happy New Year to you all and l cannot wait to see the kitchen reveal itself in 2023:)

[@pamkullman8839]

Happy new Years! Surprised Papa Petherick isn’t there helping…seems like his type of speciality!

[@angelanarfason8350]

I think you made the right decision to remove the walls. The kitchen is going to look amazing!

[@Cuernavacachica02]

Can't wait to see it all down! Have you thought of mahogany? It's a beautiful reddish wood!

[@almadeckard8360]

I beam support recommended you may need a pillar or collum support. Put in some temporary support just to hold it up. There are ceiling jacks for this purpose. Later you can remove them if the two upper beams are found to be sound.

[@lieuwina]

Could it be cedar? Have a great celebration for the New year and may you have a happy, healthy, prosperous, blessed New Year2023. To you billy and family, and the whole wonderful crew. Till the New Year.

[@marielucier7982]

Happy New Year Billy, Sean, Rick, Ryan, and all your families who must be very proud of all of you. Glad the wood is in good condition. Looking forward to watching the progression. Cheers from across the big pond! 🎉🥂

[@donnadilbeck7021]

Happy New Year and Blessings to all !

[@deidrespencer5467]

Happy New Year everyone at The Pethericks! 🎉 The end of an incredible year for you, Billy. Looking forward to watching what evolves in 2023! May it all be positive & wonderful. 👌🙏💞

[@davidleatherbarrow2640]

Hi Billy and Shaun. Red Cedar perhaps. I would be inclined to seek out a timber cutter in the area or a fire wood producer. These blokes would have seen a huge amount of local timbers. Also other historical buildings in the area would have been built similarly. Perhaps the local Historical Society or Govt. agency, even the church themselves, they keep records going back centuries, might be able to locate the original building plans , with a materials list. Nice Work. Your vids are right up to date. Regards. David in Oz.

[@genelamamadesmatous9329]

Beams in this part of France are almost always in oak,no chesnut.

[@84parsons]

You guy's work so hard. And Reep such reward for it. That beam looks fantastic 👌 brilliant team you have Billy.

[@quesnelgirl]

To all the Pethericks, and all the people who make this such an amazing You Tube program : I pray that happiness be at your door. May it knock early, stay late and leave the gift of peace, love, joy and good health behind. Happy New Year!

[@marthaboswell9720]

An absolutely beautiful beam! Such beautiful wood should never be covered over.

[@christineh5790]

Your team plough through the work rain or shine Billy, an interruption like Christmas or New Year is a mere hiccup in the scheme of things!😅 I wish you all a very Happy New Year and look forward to hearing you say ‘crack on’ again in 2023. 👏👍

[@debrasaumur6592]

I love these short construction videos!

[@warrenvalentino5763]

Happy, Blessed, and Safe new year to all of you and your families too. :)

[@mattsennett]

Happy New Year to you and your family Billy. I find it so enjoyable watching your day to day activities and the long term development of both the convent and Chateau 👍🏻

[@elisabethhammond7615]

Billy the working island in the Biltmore estate (late 1800s) has a conduit pipe pot rack that could be engendered as support posts! It may be an inspiration!🎉 Happy New Years to y’all!

[@brandispry576]

Happy New Year Pethericks and crew!!! 🎉🎉 🌟 🌟

[@katharinatrub1338]

I'm so very glad to see you're all wearing Helmets! And... watching Sean working so high-up.. maybe he should to, wear a parachute. About the Beams though, kind of chuckling I am, imagine Nun's 'hanging up there at the ceiling' waxing a beam. Happy jump in to the New Year to-ya-All! greetings from Spain ; )

[@lizstevenson7801]

That beam looks a bit like our Australian 'Iron Bark' wood, very tough, strong and super difficult to cut. Happy New Year to you and your team Billy and all your families. 💕🇦🇺

[@paean109]

Happy New Year Everyone. Continued success in the year ahead. 🎉🎉🍾🥂

[@greylizard1040]

That beam is very impressive in size, too bad you cant get a cross section of it in order to put a date to the tree, possibly find out the location it came from and confirm the species. That would be pretty interesting. It would have had to have been made from a massive, very old tree. Don't mind me, I just think it's cool to imagine the tree it came from.

[@deannayoung5311]

Adore Sean very much 💝😁 He's such a very lovely man really He has so many talents Truly brilliant 👏👌and if I may say His Wife and family are absolutely beautiful...💐💕 Happy New Year's 😊🎉🎊🍾🥂🍷🍺🍹🎊🍸🍻🥃🎉 Every One.. And please Stay Safe and Well

[@Tuscanyflower68]

Happy New Year to all you wonderful, hardworking guys!!! I look forward to watching more videos next year…..2023!!! 😂