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Top 7 Deck Building Tools You Need (Plus Mistakes to Avoid)
Last Updated on June 23, 2026 by Sam Wood Worker To build a deck, you need these core tools: a circular saw, power drill, mallet, measuring tape, speed square, orbital sander, wood chisels, and a level. You also need safety gear and the right fasteners. Miss even one of these and the job gets frustrating…
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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…
Meet Sam Wood Worker
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.