How to fix this architectural decorative element (San Francisco)?

W C

last year

last modified: last year

Dear all, please see these photos:

You can see that on the left side of the architectural decorative element, it has a big hole.

Here is a close-up

Here is the one with a hole close-up

This is the one on the right that's still in relative OK condition.

My questions:

1. What's the most economical way to get it repaired? Is this a possible DIY job?

2. Where can I find a replacement for such architectural decorative element? I believe it was made of wood.

3. Is it recommended to replace both with some non-wood elements (plastic?) that would still match with such architectural decorative details? Where can I buy such elements online?

Thanks so much for your help!

Featured Answer

mojavemaria

last year

You could just remove them both, there’s already a lot going on with the facade. Then it will echo the entry which doesn't have that extra detail. IMHO it looks like an odd choice with the rest of the house anyway.

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Comments (8)

Seabornman
last year
Go to Decorators Supply https://decoratorssupply.com/collections/corbels You can find something close and replace both, keeping the good one as mantel art.
W C thanked Seabornman
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millworkman
last year
Its rotted. Replace it (custom), by two of something off the shelf from a lumberyard or remove them both. Those pictures also show a lot of other areas with water damage that will be rotten in short order if not taken care of as well.
W C thanked millworkman
Sigrid
last year
If you were going to DIY it, you'd make a cast of the good one, clean out all the rot from the back one and fill it with epoxy. The part that's missing doesn't look complex, so you could sculpt it with epoxy.

How To Fix Rotted Wood With Epoxy - This Old House
W C thanked Sigrid
User
last year
last modified: last year
I think the acanthus Greek pieces may not be original to your house. Over the years, I see more...windows look Craftsman style, trim looks a bit chalet.

And, for some reason, there, no longer, is front steps.
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
last year
"1. What's the most economical way to get it repaired? Is this a possible DIY job?"

DIY is the most economical way to get it repaired, however that depends upon the value of your time, how skilled and experienced you are, and how many tools you have.

"2. Where can I find a replacement for such architectural decorative element? I believe it was made of wood."

You can't. The best fix is to copy, at least partially, the right side with a mold and make a casting to mount on the left.

"3. Is it recommended to replace both with some non-wood elements (plastic?) that would still match with such architectural decorative details? Where can I buy such elements online?"

It is always best to preserve as much original building fabric as possible. Your project begins at diagnosing the leak that caused the original failure. This may be a significant problem.
Olychick
last year
last modified: last year
San Francisco has a number of Architectural Salvage stores. I would start there and see what you can find. If not one exactly like it, maybe a pair so you could replace both.
ljwrar
12 months ago
Lorna Kollmeyer studios in SF probably has a plaster mould that could work. If not, she could probably direct you to the right place.

https://www.lornakollmeyer.com/

Another source in SF is Beronio Lumber.

https://www.beronio.com/