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…
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…
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…
Let me be honest with you about something. The first time I tried to sand a piece of furniture without a good orbital sander, I used a belt sander. That was a mistake. I gouged the surface, left deep scratches…
If you are looking for the best wood chisels in 2026, I am going to save you a lot of time and money today. I have used bad chisels. I know what it feels like when your chisel slides off…
Wood-destroying pests are responsible for billions of dollars in structural damage across North America every year — more than fires and floods combined. Yet most homeowners don’t notice a problem until the damage is already severe. Understanding what’s eating (or…
Species: Acer x freemanii | Parent Trees: Red Maple × Silver Maple | Mature Height: 40–60 feet | USDA Zones: 3–8 Key Takeaways: What Is Freeman Maple? Freeman maple is a deliberate hybrid cross between red maple (Acer rubrum) and…
Hevea Wood Most people hear “rubber tree” and think latex gloves. Nobody pictures a dining table or kitchen countertop. But that’s exactly what hevea wood is — and once you know about it, you’ll start spotting it everywhere. Hevea wood…
Species, figure, workability — and what you actually need to know before you buy Pick up a quartersawn board of lacewood and hold it to the light. It doesn’t just show grain — it shows something that looks like someone…
Wood Stains I work with wood for 12 years. Here is everything I know about stains. First — What is a wood stain? A wood stain goes on top of wood. It protects the wood from sun, rain, and damage.…
