African Blackwood is not just a hardwood. It is among the toughest, densest and most valuable woods in the world. For hundreds of years, artisans and musicians have relied on it because it is very durable and precise. Its scientific name is Dalbergia…
If you examine a board closely, you might see some round or oval, dark spots in the grain. These are called wood knots. They are not random flaws. Each knot narrates a small tale of how the tree grew, where its branches…
If you have ever sanded furniture, you probably know this feeling. One moment everything looks fine. The next moment, you see a light-colored patch. The veneer is gone, and the rough wood underneath is showing. Your heart sinks because you…
White caulk is one of those little home improvement wonders that makes a big difference, but it does so quietly. When it’s done properly, you hardly notice it. When it fails, it’s impossible to ignore. Gaps around tubs, sinks, windows, baseboards,…
While walking through a newly built neighborhood last year, when I saw something that caught my eye. Some houses had vinyl siding that was designed to look just like actual cedar wood. The texture, the grain, even the shadows felt natural.…
Brick siding offers a durable, classic appearance for your home that will never go out of style. From old family houses that were built decades back to uprooted new homes today, brick is a material that has been shown time…
When I made my first project from freshly cut wood, I felt proud. The joints were tight, everything looked straight and smooth. But some months in, things began to go wrong. Boards twisted, gapes were formed and the project was starting to fall…
A small repair can turn into a big headache if you use the wrong product. Many people think spackle and wood filler are the same because they both fill holes and cracks. They look similar in the container, spread with…
Sycamore trees are some of the largest and most noticeable trees in the United States. They often grow near rivers and streams, where they stand tall with thick trunks, peeling bark, and wide leafy crowns that move gently in the…
Latex paint is the most commonly and widely used to paint homes. It applies evenly and thinly, dries quickly, and is easy to wash with soap and water. Latex paint is also popular thanks to reduced odor, the ability to safely use it…
