Joiner

A Joiner specializes in the finish work of a structure. We are often confused with Carpenters or Cabinetmakers as our work can swing between those two trades. A Carpenter does the heavy work building the structure of a building, and our work begins once a Carpenter completes theirs. This is called the “finish” of the house and includes raised-panel doors, windows, fireplace mantles, and even staircases. As you can imagine, this would be work found in the most elite Virginia homes where only 5% of the Virginia population would be considered gentry and could afford this work. We also will offer a variety of furniture, although it’s more utilitarian or functional than the fashion furniture made by the Cabinetmakers.

Making a living was easier here in Virginia than back in England, due to the shortage of skilled labor in the Colonies. In London, a joiner could expect to make between three and five shillings a day. A joiner in Virginia could expect to make about the same, but he also sees his pay to go a lot further. It’s estimated that your pay in the 18th century could go about 25% further.

The paint used in the 18th century is a mixture of pigments coming from natural sources like dirt, clay, and metal. Blue is the only man-made pigment. Linseed oil is the carrier. In the period, lead was mixed with paint to add durability, strength, and to help with the drying process. Chalk was used as a filler. At the Joinery, we use everything but lead due to safety issues. We mix our paints on a marble slab, grinding pigments and combining it with linseed oil, binders, and dryers. House painters have recipes to mix large batches of paint for painting the walls and woodwork in a house.