Green has become a popular color in the past decade for a number of reasons. The term “green” often refers to something that is environmentally friendly; green tea has risen in popularity, and Starbucks even offers a green tea chai …
I once had a teak bench in my garden. It was lovely, and over time it acquired the gray color it is known for after aging. I still treated it with a little oil, including teak oil, which actually does …
Ever wondered if spruce is a softwood or a hardwood? You’re not alone. I’ve seen many struggle with this question, especially when selecting the right wood for their projects. With its unique characteristics, Spruce often leaves us guessing about its …
I’ve often been asked about the best wood for making cutting boards. Through my experience and practice, I’ve found that white oak is a strong candidate. I’ve discovered that white oak’s natural antibacterial properties and water resistance make it stand …
I saw a sign in a woodworking shop once that read: “Life’s a birch,” and it made me smile. You may not have worked with solid birch wood before, in birch flooring, for instance, but you may have worked with …
Hull Barret, the character played by Michael Moriarty in the movie “Pale Rider,” was being beaten by a group of five bad guys. “Preacher,” played by Clint Eastwood, came to his aid and felled the five of them. He did …
Have you ever wondered if hemlock is a hardwood or a softwood, and why it matters for your projects? This isn’t just about identifying a type of wood; it’s about why this wood might be the perfect choice for your …
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, …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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, …