I think the first time I used a hardwax oil was for my own house. As were many others, I left mystified. Some said polyurethane was tougher. Others swore by traditional oil. Hardwax oil sounded like marketing talk. But having lived with…
It was really my first time dealing with genuine reclaimed barnwood. A client brought in some rough, weathered boards from a barn that was more than 150 years old. They desired a plain dining table. As soon as I laid my hand on…
One feeling that never gets old after years spent working with wood. Step into a 200-year-old timber-frame barn, and as you stare up at the massive hand-cut beams, history surrounds you. The wood bears the marks of old tools. The joints still…
It’s an experience familiar to anyone who has stood in the power tool aisle wondering whether to purchase a screw gun or just a drill. They look almost the same at first glance. Both spin bits. Both drive screws. Both claim to…
Sapele wood and Red Balau are two highly sought-after tropical hardwoods celebrated for their strength, gorgeous appearance, and lifespan. Both are used for building furniture and other home and outdoor projects. Sapele has a rich, mahogany-like appearance and beautiful finish, while Red Balau…
When most of us use polyurethane glue for the first time, there is one thing we remember. It foams. The glue expands itself, slowly crawling into gaps and hardening into something rock solid. That’s the moment you realize that this isn’t your average…
Gorilla Glue is known for repairing things other adhesives can’t. It has now become a household name for the DIYers, woodworkers, and builders to fixing broken chairs or outdoor repairs. But Gorilla Glue isn’t a single product. It’s a wide universe of adhesives…
The first time most people notice a silver maple, it is not because of its size. It is the movement. When the wind blows, the leaves flip and shimmer, showing green on one side and bright silver on the other.…
If you desire to give an old piece of wood furniture a soft, vintage look, milk paint is the right way to go. It gives this really nice, natural matte finish that looks aged in a beautiful way. Milk paint is…
Gel stains are a favorite among woodworkers, as they offer deep, even color and are easier to control than liquid stains. Unlike thin liquids, gel stains are thick and remain mostly on the surface of the wood. When it comes to furniture,…
