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When Cameron McBride first started building
cupolas over seven years ago he was doing it more as a hobby
than a business. A self-employed carpenter at the time,
Cameron decided he wanted to do more shop work. After
building his first cupola the interest slowly grew over the
next few years, though he was still working at his carpentry
business. But the past fours years he has been working full
time at creating cupolas.
“I had no idea it would
turn into a full-time business,” says Cameron. However,
his carpentry background and training in drafting proved to
be the perfect mix.
“I enjoy meeting with
the customers and working out what they need, as well as
working with other contractors,” Cameron says, adding that
he also enjoys being self-employed.
Cameron is personally
involved in all aspects of the construction of his cupolas,
from design and assembly to finishing and roofing.
“The
most popular models are the octagon-shaped cupolas with the
copper roofing and either louvers or glass windows,” he
says. “They are visually interesting and will fit any roof
and house style,” he states. He has many other styles
available, and will also work
directly from a customer’s ideas, sketches or drawings.
The
roofs of the cupolas are covered with either sheet copper or
cedar shingles, and include a soldered copper cap. A
weathervane can be added at the time of construction or
later, as all McBride cupolas include a mounting block built
into the roof structure of the cupola to accept weathervanes
or finials. The bases of the cupolas are pre-cut to match
the roof pitch, for a quick and easy fit, and screen is used
on all venting cupolas to keep out insects and birds.
All McBride cupolas are
made from superior materials. Cameron uses select western
red cedar, applies two coats of quality primer, then uses
either a natural or stained finish, depending on the
customer’s choice.
Most of the cupolas are
purely decorative, with just a few having working vents.
“When I started a large one was about 36” square at the
base,” Cameron states. “That is a small one now. The
average size now is about 48” square with many over 60”
square. I had an order recently through the website from a
fellow in Maryland that wants two cupolas that are 96”
square each.”
To
view some samples and for more information on McBride
Cupolas go to www.mcbridecupolas.com.
Phone 705-765-3853 or e-mail camandor@muskoka.com.
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