WRP SIGNATURE PROJECT
Hunt Club Structural Beam Restoration
This San Juan Capistrano wood beam restoration project at the Hunt Club addressed deteriorated exposed beams that were facing a replacement proposal reportedly exceeding $1 million because the work would have required roof removal and beam replacement. WRP reviewed the project, developed the restoration approach, trained the contractor’s crew, supplied the complete WRP Wood Restoration System, and provided ongoing technical guidance. The restoration was completed for under $100,000.
PROJECT SNAPSHOT
A High-Stakes Alternative to Complete Beam Replacement
Severe deterioration affected exposed structural and decorative beams throughout the property. WRP developed a targeted restoration approach that allowed the contractor to preserve sound original wood, rebuild the damaged areas, and avoid the extensive demolition associated with removing the roof and replacing the beams.
Location
Hunt Club, San Juan Capistrano, California
Project
Exterior structural and decorative beam restoration
Original Proposal
Reportedly more than $1 million for roof removal and beam replacement
WRP’s Role
Project review, restoration planning, crew training, materials, and technical guidance
Reported Outcome
Project completed for under $100,000
BEFORE RESTORATION
Advanced Wood Deterioration Across Critical Beam Areas
The project photographs document different damaged areas rather than direct before-and-after pairs. Together, they show severe moisture-related deterioration, open cavities, weakened wood fibers, and extensive material loss at exposed beam ends.
Widespread Beam Deterioration
Multiple exposed beam ends showed weathering, decay, and significant material loss across the property.
Advanced Beam-End Decay
Prolonged moisture exposure had deteriorated the beam ends beyond a surface-level repair.
Deteriorated Wood Fibers
The close-up condition revealed weakened and missing fibers that required removal before rebuilding.
Severe Localized Material Loss
This additional project view shows how deeply the exposed beam had deteriorated, leaving irregular cavities and too little sound surface for a simple cosmetic patch.
WRP ON-SITE CONTRACTOR TRAINING
San Juan Capistrano Wood Beam Restoration Process
WRP provided hands-on instruction for this San Juan Capistrano wood beam restoration, including evaluation, preparation, rebuilding, shaping, and final surface refinement.
On-Site Contractor Training
WRP reviewed the project with the crew and demonstrated the restoration approach and proper application methods.
Rebuilding Missing Wood
WRP Repair Dough was applied to rebuild missing beam sections and restore the original dimensions.
Shaping the Repair
The rebuilt material was shaped and profiled to recreate the original beam geometry.
Matching the Surface Texture
WRP Topping Compound refined the surface and recreated the texture needed for a seamless painted finish.
COMPLETED PROJECT
Restored Beams Integrated with the Original Architecture
After rebuilding, shaping, surface refinement, priming, and painting, the repaired areas blend into the property’s existing beam profiles while retaining the original architectural character.
Completed Structural Beam Restoration
The exposed beam system was restored, finished, and painted while retaining the original architectural design.
Restored Exposed Beam System
Multiple repaired beam ends were preserved in place, avoiding the extensive demolition associated with replacement.
Preserved Architectural Character
The completed repairs blend with the surrounding structure and maintain the property’s original appearance.
Rebuilt Beam Profile
Damaged sections were rebuilt and shaped to match the original beam dimensions before final coating.
Finished Repair Detail
The finished surface shows clean transitions between the restored area and the retained original wood.
Final Project Craftsmanship
The completed work demonstrates how targeted restoration can preserve existing timber elements.
PROJECT OUTCOME
A High-Value Alternative to Extensive Structural Replacement
The completed San Juan Capistrano wood beam restoration demonstrates how a properly evaluated repair can preserve existing structural wood, reduce demolition, and avoid the cost and disruption of full replacement when enough sound material remains. This preservation-first approach also aligns with guidance from the National Park Service Historic Preservation program.
Original Beams Preserved
Sound portions of the existing beams remained in place instead of being removed unnecessarily.
Roof Removal Avoided
The restoration strategy avoided the major demolition reportedly required by the replacement proposal.
Contractor Crew Trained
WRP provided practical, project-specific instruction so the crew could execute the repair system correctly.
Major Reported Cost Reduction
The project was reportedly completed for under $100,000 versus a replacement proposal exceeding $1 million.
RESTORE MORE. REPLACE LESS.
Planning a Complex Wood Restoration Project?
Start by sending WRP clear photographs of the damaged wood. We review the visible conditions and determine whether the project may be a good fit for the WRP Wood Restoration System or selective project assistance.