Project Highlight: Deer Camp. Catskills, NY.

Custom designed and built cabin using traditional linseed oil-based finishes.

Many of us dream of a sanctuary of some kind, be it in the woods, by the sea, in the mountains, or whichever type of landscape calls to us.

This project in the Catskill region of New York is a perfect example of such a place. It is not only a lovely, secluded personal retreat, it is also a space designed with human health in mind. Brian Moss, a New York based photographer, meticulously selected the natural material color palette, paints, stains, oils, and finishes for all the wood surfaces in the cabin.

Brian started dreaming about this project many years ago but really got things moving in 2022. The land was secured, the timing was right, and building could begin. Now it was time to think about how to make the vision of what such a place would look like, something he had pictured in his mind for so long, a reality. 

A primary feature of the cabin would be the wide, wrap-around porch that would run right into the interior living spaces, blurring the lines between inside and the great outdoors. Once the overall design was confirmed, the next step was making wood species, color, and finish decisions. After some deliberation and testing various combinations on sample boards with oils, stains, and paints from Earth and Flax, Brian narrowed in on final finish selections. There were a few other bumps along the road that held up the build process but even on the most frustrating days, he tried to keep that vision of a peaceful cabin retreat in the forefront of his mind.

He selected Thermory, a thermally modified 100% real wood product, for his flooring material. The continuous Thermory porch and interior floor was "primed" with a coat of the Viking Purified Linseed Oil tinted with the Ottosson Natural Umber Linseed Oil Paint to cut down on the natural red tones of the wood. Then 4 coats of the Le Tonkinois Linseed Oil Varnish No 1 were applied. The Gelomat Additive was included in the final coat for a matte finish overall and to cut down on the natural shine of the varnish.

This process effectively built up the surface protection and created a durable finish with basic maintenance requirements. If and when needed, Brian can clean, mop well, let dry fully, and apply another coat or two of varnish for maintenance to preserve the incredible wrap-around porch – a pivotal feature to the overall structure's design.

The rough-cut white pine siding was treated with a complementary custom Linseed Oil Stain. Brian was looking for some additional UV protection and some color uniformity without losing the beauty of the timber. The Linseed Oil Stain is a “light” mix of the Viking Purified Linseed Oil and the Ottosson Natural Umber Linseed Oil Paint. All the surfaces are some variation of this combination or what we call “Deer Camp Umber.” Brian was so surprised how little paint was needed for the stain, under 10% paint to Purified Linseed Oil, to get a wonderful effect on the rough-sawn boards. Such a treatment really allows the building to blend into the surrounding woodland effortlessly.

The porch ceiling is smooth-cut white pine bead board stained with the custom “Deer Camp Umber” Linseed Oil Stain and so were the porch posts, which are locally sourced, hand stripped white pine logs.

"It was quite the process but worth it," Brian said. "The cabin feels amazing, regardless of the time of day or weather."

Even in an image, the tranquility comes through; the cool morning air, a hot cup of coffee in hand, a good dog at our feet.

Continue to explore project details in the gallery below.

Thermory floor:

Tests are always helpful to confirm natural color of the wood before applying a finish. There will always be natural variation in wood species depending on location/origin, milling, drying, etc. factors.

Exterior:

Flooring install in-progress and a final finish interior/exterior view.

Interior:

Application of stain, in-process of stain drying, and varnishing.

Step 1 - Application of custom Linseed Oil Stain “Deer Camp Umber.”

Ratios were confirmed during testing phase. Final stain was a mix of Viking Purified Linseed Oil tinted with the Ottosson Natural Umber Linseed Oil Paint.

Step 2 - Relatively thin, even coat of Linseed Oil Stain was applied to clean, dry, bare wood.

Step 3 - Once fully dry to the tough, approximately 48 hours or so, a coat of Le Tonkinois Linseed Oil Varnish No 1 was applied. Manufacturer recommends at least 24 hrs between coats.

Step 4 - Four coats were applied total for this project to build-up the surface protection. The Gelomat Additive was included in the final coat for a matte finish overall and to cut down on the natural shine of the varnish.

Exterior: White Pine Siding

Step 1 - Application of custom Linseed Oil Stain.

Ratios were confirmed during testing phase. All surfaces, inside and out, are some variation of “Deer Camp Umber," a combination of mostly Purified Linseed Oil and a little Linseed Oil Paint to tint, which increases UV protection for the exterior, as well as offering the designed color and aesthetic.

A stain is often a 1 coat process, although additional coats can be applied carefully to darken if needed.

Small adjustments were made based on the variation in wood species to create a general uniformity in color overall on this project.

Interior:

Same staining process and steps as exterior surfaces.

Thank you Brian for sharing your project details so others can be inspired.

Email info@earthandflax.com with project or product questions.