Understanding Specific Gravity of Lumber
Specific gravity is a term used in woodworking and construction that describes the density of wood compared to water. The specific gravity of wood varies greatly between species and helps to determine which type of wood is ideal. You should consider a species’ gravity before selecting wood for your next...
Be Careful With the Wood Scraps You Put in Your Fireplace
It would just make sense that whenever you have wood left over from home improvement projects, you store it for burning in the fireplace when the weather turns cooler. But depending on the type and age of wood, that might not be the best idea. Never burn painted or treated wood as harmful toxins can...
Tips for Building a Wood Dog House
Though plastic pre-made dog houses are easily found, there is something timelessly endearing about building your own dog house from scratch. The time and work you put into the house will leave you with something to be truly proud of, and give you a unique shelter for your dog. ...
How the Construction Industry Has Changed Recently
The construction industry is changing in what consumers are looking for; the green building movement is gaining momentum as people are exploring ways to use eco-friendly materials and alternatives to new builds. Many urban areas are using innovative ways to create homes and buildings suitable for new businesses by...
Cherry vs. Alder: Knowing What Wood is Right for You
Cherry and alder look very similar in their raw state, but depending on what working project you’ve got going, there’s likely one type of wood that will be better for you. Use this brief guide to figure out whether cherry or alder is right for you. Choose Your Grain...
How to Keep Your Wood Deck in Top Condition
A deck can be a challenge to maintain. Being outside makes it more vulnerable to pest problems and water damage. However, if you manage to keep your deck in top condition you greatly reduce your chances of expensive long-term damage. Here are just a few ways to help keep...
How to Tell if Your Deck Has Water Damage
When you install a deck, it is sealed to prevent water damage. However, over time, water can creep in through that sealant and damage your pristine deck. As the months and years roll by, make sure you keep your eyes open for these common signs of water damage so...
Plan for Shrinking and Expansion in Your Wood Projects
Everyone loves the look of real wood in the home. Many homeowners are interested in using wood in a home renovation project but do not realize that wood changes throughout the year. Depending upon the moisture level in your home, your wood project will shrink or expand and may...
Improvement in Construction Gives Positive Outlook on Lumber Industry
There is finally some good news for Kansas City lumber buyers. All indicators are pointing toward continued growth for the lumber industry as construction activity continues to increase slowly, but steadily. This is great news for our industry, which has seen logging levels drop to those that were comparable...
Keep Dust Levels Low in Your Wood Shop
Working with wood inherently comes with the concern of exposure to wood dust particles and the general nuisance of the accumulation of the dust as you work. This dust can easily cause a number of health problems if you do not use the proper methods to contain it. Plus,...