What Is Quarter Sawn Oak?

Amish woodcrafters are known for their quality furniture and their woodworking skills.  They go to great lengths to create and produce well-made oak furniture that will last.  Among those lengths is the sawmilling of their own lumber. Trees are felled, …

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Is Sycamore a Hardwood Or A Softwood?

Is Sycamore a Hardwood Or A Softwood

Have you ever wondered about the true nature of sycamore wood? Is it a hardwood or a softwood, and what are its unique characteristics and uses? Discover why sycamore’s intriguing qualities matter to woodworkers. QUICK ANSWER: Sycamore is classified as …

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Is Ash A Hardwood Or A Softwood?

Is Ash A Hardwood Or A Softwood

Ever wondered if ash is a hardwood or a softwood? You’re about to find out, and trust me, it’s more fascinating than you think! We’re diving into the world of ash wood, exploring its unique qualities and why it’s a …

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Is Black Walnut a Hardwood Or A Softwood?

Black Walnut

We like walnuts. They’re in one of our favorite sweets – baklava. They’re also good to snack on, healthy and rich in protein, at 4.5 grams in a quarter cup. We keep a supply handy in the cupboard all the …

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Is Alder A Hardwood Or A Softwood?

Is Alder A Hardwood Or A Softwood

Ever wondered if alder is a hardwood or a softwood? From its surprising hardness level to its versatility in projects, I’m unpacking everything you need to know. QUICK ANSWER: Alder is a hardwood, known for its light brown color with …

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Can You Make Dovetail Joints With Plywood?

Dovetail

In a recent article on these pages, we asked the question:  How many corner joint methods are there?  We wrote about two of them in that piece, the box joint, and the dovetail joint.  But we only discussed the joinery …

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Is Mahogany A Hardwood Or A Softwood?

Is Mahogany A Hardwood Or A Softwood

Ever wondered what makes mahogany so special in the world of woodworking? From its classification as a hardwood to its unique properties that set it apart, you’ll discover why mahogany isn’t just wood but a symbol of quality and elegance …

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Is Aspen a Hardwood?

Is Aspen a Hardwood

If you get hit in the head with a piece of wood, you’re probably going to think it’s pretty hard.  The bump will last for a while, too.   But, just how hard was the piece of wood that you got …

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What Is Sande Plywood? How & When To Use It Explained

What Is Sande Plywood

Sande plywood, known for its durability and uniform appearance, is a standout material in woodworking. It’s especially valued for its moisture resistance, making it ideal for various construction and furniture projects. This article explores sande plywood’s properties, uses, and advantages …

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How Much Does Plywood Weigh?

How Much Does Plywood Weigh

Weight plays a part in woodworking, notwithstanding the fact we tend to think of woodworking as being length and width as we reach for our measuring tape or combination square on a workpiece. This is especially true of plywood in …

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Does Plywood Warp When It Gets Wet?

Does Plywood Warp When It Gets Wet

We’re not sure how many times we’ve written these words, but they are worth repeating:  water is the enemy of wood.  Today’s piece is about that very subject once again, this time as it relates to plywood. In the wild, …

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Do You Need Pressure Treated Wood If You Paint It?

Do I Need Pressure-Treated Wood If I Paint It

Choosing the right wood is important for any outdoor project. Pressure-treated wood is known for its sturdiness and longevity, making it popular for outdoor structures. On the other hand, many believe a solid coat of paint can give untreated wood …

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How to Finish & Treat Cedar for Outdoor Use

Does Cedar Need To Be Treated For Outdoor Use

Cedar is a classic choice for outdoor woodworking projects because of its natural resistance to decay and insects. But to get the most beauty and durability from cedar wood, it’s important to properly prep, apply the ideal wood finish, and …

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Is Pressure-Treated Wood Water Resistant?

Is Pressure-Treated Wood Water Resistant

So many of us use decks to extend living space to the outdoors, with a slider allowing easy movement from kitchen to them.  Patio furniture, and maybe a pergola, finish off that outdoor sitting space. A concrete pour, perhaps with …

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Is Pine a Hardwood Or A Softwood?

Is Pine a Hardwood Or A Softwood

We all know the words hard and soft, and we know what they mean, generally.  When it comes to wood, though, it is not quite so intuitive as we might think. Those of us who work with wood know that …

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