Perched on the banks of the Delaware River in Bristol, Pennsylvania, the Grundy Museum stands as a testament to the Gilded Age. Originally purchased by the Grundy family in 1884, this Queen Anne-style Victorian mansion is more than just a building; it is a time capsule of American industry and domestic life.
When it came time to restore the home’s expansive, multi-story porches—a defining feature of the riverfront façade—the museum leadership faced a critical challenge: finding a material that could withstand the harsh riverfront elements without sacrificing the property's strict historical integrity.
Americana™ wood undergoes a chemical-free thermal modification process using only heat and steam. This process cooks the sugars out of the wood, effectively removing the food source for rot and insects while making the boards exceptionally dimensionally stable. The result is a natural hardwood product that resists warping, cupping, and decay, even in demanding outdoor applications. For the Grundy Museum, this meant they could install a natural wood porch floor that looked and felt appropriate for 1884, but with the performance profile of 2025.
The installed Americana™ porch flooring provides a seamless, era-appropriate aesthetic. As seen in the project video, the flooring features a classic solid finish—a staple of Victorian porch design. The project team applied Benjamin Moore Woodluxe® Water-Based Solid Stain, which bonds exceptionally well to thermally modified wood due to its low moisture content. From the herringbone detailing to the sweeping run of the veranda, the flooring provides a sturdy, authentic foundation for the museum’s black rocking chairs and visiting guests. It preserves the soul of the Grundy home while ensuring it remains a landmark for generations to come.