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 …
Almost all woods absorb moisture like a sponge. Of course, woods like teak and white oak are water resistant and will not warp, twist or crack. This is why they are good choices for outdoor furniture and in the case of white …
White oak is naturally durable and water resistant, making it a wise choice for outdoor furniture. This article provides a step-by-step guide for finishing and caring for white oak to withstand the elements. It covers proper surface preparation, an overview …
Is a hardwood a hard wood? That may seem like a silly question, but it is a fair one, and the answer depends on something called the Janka test. It also depends on the wood to which one is being …