Lumber Prices Expected to Rise in the Next Two Years
In any industry, prices are directly tied to the cost of needed materials. Construction is no different and, if lumber prices are any indicator, getting your construction work done today could save you money over waiting. Three of the most popular types of wood for homebuilding, the softwoods spruce, pine,...
Use Trim to Add Subtle Style to Your Home
Small changes in your trim can make a major difference in the look and feel of your home. Switching away from standard and traditional woods to something more exciting could be just what you need, especially since exotic hardwoods in Kansas City are an unusual visual treat. Here are...
Why Wood Finishes Are Good
Putting a finish on your wood is strictly optional. But putting a finish on your wood, you protect it’s surface and allows it to maintain its beauty for longer. It also protects it from harsh environment elements which can cause the wood to warp, dry out and crack or...
Tips for Choosing the Best Wood for Your Project
Maybe it’s a simple deck project or something more intricate like a piece of custom furniture. No matter what the project, always begin with the best pieces of wood. Here’s what to consider: Defects in wood aren’t always bad. Just make sure they are from nature and not caused...
A North Carolina Craftsman Combines Passions for Music & Woodworking
Recently published in the local North Carolina publication Hickory Daily Record, a Morganton woodworker shares his story of how he became an award winning player and craftsman of dulcimer instruments. Alan Darveaux was first introduced to the dulcimer while in a folk group at his Kentucky college, and it was love...
Wood of the Month: Aspen
Spring is in full bloom, and in honor of the season of new beginnings, we thought it would be appropriate to spotlight aspen wood. Rising with out of the ashes, aspen trees are known to thrive in locations where there have been fires. Because it is lightweight, strong and...
Dovetails: Machine-cut vs. Hand-cut
Created through a pin-and-tail interlocking system, dovetails are commonly known as the most beautiful joints in woodworking. Historically, dovetails were purely functional. But now, dovetails are used in modern woodworking projects primarily for aesthetic purposes. The ‘half-blind’ dovetail shown below is a popular decorative joint for drawers, but there are...
The True Art of Furniture Making
The art of furniture making has a long tradition in Kansas City as well as the rest of the country. A recent article we came across in a local publication of California called the North County Times beautiful represents the true art of furniture making and reminds us the...
Turn Hardwood Floors Upside Down for Stunning Ceilings
Give hardwood a whole new perspective in your home with ceiling detail that will add texture, warmth and visual interest to any interior space. If you’re looking for an unconventional way to use wood floors and wood paneling to enhance your home, consider an eye-catching wood ceiling. Take a look at...
Earthy Designs with Wood Flooring and Paneling
Let’s take a break from the workshop and look at some inspiring designs highlighting the natural beauty of wood. We checked Kansas City Home and Gardens to see what interior designs using lots of wooden elements have graced the pages of the magazine. One KCH&G article really stood out...