Ash Wood Ash wood is a light-colored domestic hardwood from the Fraxinus genus — a family with over 18 North American species, led by white ash (Fraxinus americana) in commercial value and availability. It sits in the upper-middle range of…
Persimmon Wood Species and names When woodworkers talk about persimmon wood, they almost always mean American persimmon (Diospyros virginiana), the native species found from Connecticut down through Florida and west into Kansas and Texas. You’ll occasionally see it listed as…
Sassafras Wood Sassafras wood is one of the most underrated hardwoods in North America. It is light, naturally rot-resistant, easy to work with, and it looks beautiful. But most beginner woodworkers have never heard of it. This guide will tell…
If you have ever stood at a lumber yard trying to figure out whether to grab LVL plywood or standard sheet plywood for a structural build, you are not alone. Contractors debate it. DIY owners get confused by it. And…
Introduction When it comes to the hardest and most durable timbers in the world, Gidgee wood (Acacia cambagei) stands tall. Native to Australia, this dense hardwood has earned a reputation for its extreme hardness, unique beauty, and excellent durability. Woodworkers,…
Wood finishing oils are one of the best ways to protect, beautify and prolong the life of furniture, countertops or any wood piece throughout your home. The two preferred options are teak oil and tung oil. Both have distinct advantages,…
Poplar Wood If you walk into any woodworking shop and ask what wood beginners should start with, poplar comes up in almost every conversation. It is affordable, easy to find, simple to work with, and takes paint beautifully. Professional furniture…
Waterproofing Wood Wood is one of the most beautiful and useful materials in the world. But it has one big weakness. Water. Left unprotected, wood absorbs moisture, swells, warps, rots, and eventually falls apart. Whether you are building outdoor furniture,…
Maple Wood I remember walking through a furniture store with my father when I was about twelve years old. He stopped in front of a light colored wood cabinet and ran his hand across the surface. He said — feel…
Black Walnut Wood I still remember the first time I touched black walnut wood. I was in my uncle’s workshop and he was building a small table. I picked up a piece of the wood and thought — why is…
