Wood comes in a variety of colors by name – redwoods, green wood, and even whitewood. Redwoods get their name because of the bark and heartwood, with their reddish-brown color. The color comes from a high tannin level in the …
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 …
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 …
The 2×4 is a foundational element in construction, framing everything from desks to homes. Its significance grew in the late 1940s with the transition to 2x4s, measuring 1.5” x 3.5”, the current US standard. QUICK ANSWER: Framing with 2x4s typically …
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 …
The black walnut tree, known for its rich wood and abundant nuts, has been a topic of interest for woodworkers, investors, and homeowners alike. QUICK ANSWER: Black walnut tree value varies based on size, age, and wood quality. Mature trees …
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 …
Choosing the right wood stain and finish for your mahogany exterior door is about more than looks; it protects the mahogany wood’s elegance from outdoor elements. This guide will walk you through selecting the perfect wood stain and finish to …
Wood’s natural beauty and durability make it a top choice for outdoor structures. However, its vulnerability to moisture-induced rot can pose challenges. QUICK ANSWER: To prevent wood from rotting in the ground, choose rot-resistant woods like Black Locust or Teak. …
How is plywood graded? Well, the answer is not how well the plywood did on the history exam. Yes, yes, we know, a bad joke. But the question actually has many, many layers (pun intended). There are grades of plywood, …
Amaranth, more commonly known as purple heart (sometimes written as one-word purpleheart), is a particularly beautiful wood among exotic woods. It grows natively in the countries between Mexico and Brazil. The characteristics that set it apart from other exotic woods …
Have you ever wondered if pecan, known for its delicious nuts, is a hardwood or softwood? Read below to understand pecan wood’s properties, uses, and why it’s a favored choice among woodworkers and me! QUICK ANSWER: Pecan is a hardwood, …
With over 1600 species of bamboo, some growing a meter per day, it’s no wonder this ‘grass’ has sparked our curiosity and debate. My journey through woodworking has shown me bamboo’s remarkable resilience and versatility, challenging traditional views of strength …
A warped sense of humor can be funny and fun, but warped wood isn’t. It will be either unusable or require a lot of effort to make it so. When it comes to lumber and its arch-enemy, water, warping is …
Are you questioning the strength of balsa wood? Despite its reputation as a lightweight and seemingly fragile material, balsa wood hides an unexpected robustness. From model-making to more intricate applications, understanding the true strength of balsa wood can open up …
You know the importance of choosing the right material for your projects as a woodworker. You’re likely wondering, “Is Acacia wood strong enough for my next project?” I’ve spent years working with various woods and understand the dilemma of selecting …
We’ve written of hard and soft woods in the past, and each has its best uses in a woodworking shop. Don’t conflate hard and soft as strong and weak, though. When used in the right projects, all woods have strengths …
Sometimes the answers to questions are pretty obvious in the asking. This might be one of them: “What is the difference between red oak and white oak?” That obvious answer is in the color, of course. But it’s a bit …