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Confused by Lumber Sizes? Read this Dimensions Guide
Last Updated on June 22, 2026 by Sam Wood Worker Quick Answer: Lumber sizes are confusing because the name on the label is NOT the actual size of the wood. A 2×4 is really 1.5 inches by 3.5 inches. A 1×6 is really 0.75 inches by 5.5 inches. This happens because wood shrinks when it…
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The Best Deck Colors for Hot Climates (Stay Cool All Summer)
Last Updated on June 20, 2026 by Sam Wood Worker A few summers back, I stained a deck a deep espresso brown because it looked amazing in the photo on the can. Two weeks later, my dog wouldn’t even step on it at 2 in the afternoon. I touched the boards myself and pulled my…
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Best Woodworking Stores Near Me: Major US Cities Guide 2026
Last Updated on June 18, 2026 by Sam Wood Worker Quick Answer If you want the best woodworking store near you, look for a place with three things: real hardwood in stock (not just pine and plywood), staff who actually work with wood, and milling services like planing or resawing. In most major U.S. cities,…
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Sam has spent years working with wood — from furniture building to fine finishing. The Wood Carpenter was built to share real, practical woodworking knowledge you can actually use in your workshop.