Scientific Name: Quercus macrocarpa | Family: Fagaceae | Lifespan: 200–400 years | USDA Zones: 3–8 Key Takeaways: Bur oak is a massive, long-lived North American native tree that tolerates drought, cold, poor soils, and urban stress better than most shade…
There are trees… and then there are live oaks. Stand under one, and you immediately feel the difference. The branches stretch wide like open arms. The shade feels cool and deep. The trunk looks ancient, even when the tree is…
If you are building a deck, fence, pergola or another garden structure such as a planter box or shed, selecting the right type of wood to use is crucial in preventing an early heartbreak — and wallet-break. A lot of outdoor…
 When I first heard the name monkeypod wood, I honestly smiled. The name sounds fun, but the wood is seriously beautiful and useful. Monkey pod wood is a type of tropical hard wood commonly used for furniture, ornaments and carving.…
When I first saw hackberry wood on a stack at a sawmill, I let it be. I was searching for ash, and hackberry just seemed unimportant. The seller pulled me up short: “You see that wood you just walked by? It’s pretty…
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…
