Barnwood Builders Season 15 Episode 3 If it Fits, It's Finnish
- TVG
- April 21, 2022
- 40 min
The show "Barnwood Builders" follows a team of skilled craftsmen who are on a mission to save and repurpose historic barns and log cabins across America. In season 15, episode 3 titled "If it Fits, It's Finnish," the team travels to Finland, Minnesota to work on a unique project.
The episode begins with a visit to the International Falls, where the team meets a couple who are looking to build a Finnish-style sauna on their property. The couple, who are of Finnish descent, want the sauna to be built using traditional Finnish methods and materials. The team is excited to take on the challenge and begins to gather information about Finnish sauna construction.
The Barnwood Builders team finds out that Finnish saunas are built using logs and stones instead of modern building materials. They also learn that a Finnish sauna is not just a place to bathe but is considered a sacred space for purification, relaxation, and socializing. The team sets out to find the perfect logs to use for the sauna construction.
After searching through the woods, they finally find a log that is perfect for the job. The team is ecstatic when they learn that the log is exactly the right size for the sauna. The team then travels to the closest quarry to gather large rocks that will be used to build the foundation of the sauna.
Once all the materials are gathered, the team starts working on the foundation. They carefully place the large stones one by one, making sure they are level and stable. After the foundation is complete, they start working on the walls of the sauna, using traditional Finnish log building techniques.
As the team works on the sauna walls, they face a few challenges. The logs are heavy and difficult to maneuver, and the team has to be careful not to damage them. They also have to make sure that the logs fit perfectly with each other and with the foundation. Despite the challenges, the team perseveres and eventually completes the walls of the sauna.
Next, the team sets out to build the roof of the sauna. They use large wooden planks as the roof structure and choose shingles made from birch bark, which is a traditional Finnish roofing material. Finally, the team adds finishing touches to the sauna, such as seating, lighting, and a wood-burning stove.
In the end, the team is thrilled with the finished product. The sauna fits perfectly on the couple's property and is a perfect representation of traditional Finnish sauna building techniques. The couple is overjoyed with their new sauna and can't wait to start using it.
This episode of "Barnwood Builders" showcases the team's dedication to preserving historic building techniques and materials. The team's willingness to learn new techniques and travel to different parts of the country in search of historic materials is inspiring. The episode also highlights the importance of preserving cultural traditions and practices, such as Finnish sauna building.