Wide photo showcasing Timber Trading LIFESPAN on an entire home in South Kingstown, RI.

East Matunuck

Featured on This Old House


For the 2017 This Old House Idea House in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, the project team sought an alternative to PVC for their coastal design vision. Introduced to LIFESPAN® Solid Select through a local lumber dealer, builder Sweener Builders and the This Old House crew embraced this premium real-wood solution across exterior applications. 

Location
South Kingstown, RI

Installer
Sweenor Builders

Architect
Union Studio Architecture & Community Design

Photography
Nat Rae

Product
LIFESPAN®

Species
Radiata Pine

FOR THIS OLD HOUSE, IT HAD TO BE WOOD.

this-old-house

Why LIFESPAN® 

The project team was initially unsure a suitable real-wood exterior solution even existed. Like many in the coastal market, they had defaulted defaulted to PVC but were looking for something warmer and more aesthetically pleasing. When introduced to LIFESPAN solid select, preservative treated clear Radiata Pine with factory-applied alkyd primer, they saw an opportunity to bring natural wood back into the design. The builder and This Old House crew embraced LIFESPAN® for its durability, stability, and authentic appearance, all of which aligned perfectly with the coastal cottage vision. 

Photo showcasing Timber Trading LIFESPAN around an entry door in South Kingstown, RI.

Project Impact 

LIFESPAN® replaced synthetic materials across the home’s fascia, soffits, porch ceilings, and exterior trim. The product’s superior stability and finish-ready surface allowed for minimal jobsite adjustment and excellent paint adhesion. The switch from PVC brought an added warmth and authenticity to the home’s exterior, qualities that aligned with the show’s focus on craftsmanship and materials that last. 

Wide photo showcasing Timber Trading LIFESPAN on an entire home in South Kingstown, RI.

Design Notes 

The project garnered national attention when This Old House host Kevin O’Connor expressed surprise at the use of real wood in a coastal build. Builder Jeff Sweenor explained how LIFESPANS preservative treated Radiata Pine offers long-term performance and aesthetic advantages. The installation showcased LIFESPAN's versatility, from trim and columns to porch ceilings and reaffirmed its viability as a premium solution for traditional and modern homes alike. 

Photo showcasing Timber Trading LIFESPAN on the interior of a home in South Kingstown, RI.

Photo showcasing Timber Trading LIFESPAN on the interior of a home in South Kingstown, RI.

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