The ticket to a perfect deck is to get the best deck sealer. This product can protect your wood surface from damaging weather conditions, water, or any other chemicals. Because of this, it is best to seal your deck properly and preserve it for the long run. Table of Contents1 Defining a Deck…
A fun and affordable option to update your living room aesthetic is to spray paint your furniture. Spray painting furniture may seem a little overwhelming if you do not have any experience in doing it, but with a little knowledge of the fundamentals and a bit of practice, you will be able to tackle bringing…
Pressure-treated wood is a great material to use for furnishing and décor. This is thanks to the fact that pressure-treated wood can resist the onset of decay fungi and withstand the elements. If you have selected pressure-treated wood and you want to paint it there are certain elements you will have to consider before you…
In modern manufacturing and materials science, more and more research is done on developing materials and substances that can make our lives easier. One area of innovation with a surprisingly significantly impact on our lives involves adhesives. New types of glues with increasingly effective adhesive qualities have removed many limitations in the world of woodwork,…
It can be challenging to find a hardwood to use these days. There are so many options to choose from, all of which have their distinct advantages and disadvantages. When it comes to choosing a wood species for flooring some of the more popular choices are hardwoods like oak or pine, but for those looking…
There are loads of high-quality hardwood species to choose from these days, but most of them tend to look and feel very similar. Ordinarily, if you want a high-quality hardwood you could use for flooring or large furniture, you’d likely go with a wood like oak or walnut. This isn’t surprising considering how durable and…
We have all, at one time or another, wanted to change the color of an old piece of furniture. The majority of old pieces of furniture or good quality furniture have a sealing or topcoat of varnish on them. So, if you have decided to alter the color of your piece, you may wonder, “Can…
Whether you started wood-crafting when you were a kid or you’ve recently picked up a tool for the first time, at some point in your crafting journey, you’re going to realize that (if you haven’t already) you need a workbench. This realization means a lot. Firstly, it means that you’re probably on your way to…
Trees, like any other living thing, have evolved over millions of years to protect themselves and anything in their immediate environment that is essential for their survival. Their root systems are strong and vast, granting them a ridiculous amount of leverage and stability, much more than almost any other type of plant. This is why…
When you’re looking for a good quality wood for your next workpiece, there are loads to choose from. However, the better the quality of the wood, the more exclusive it is, and when something’s exclusive, it usually means that it’s pretty expensive too. Although, if you have the means and you’re looking for a really…
These days, there are various hobbies that you can choose from. You could try resin casting, fabric arts, or even painting. However, all of these hobbies require an array of specialized equipment that you could end up paying a pretty penny for. If you’re looking for a hobby that will allow you to be as…
When we talk about crafting, most of the time we discuss tools and materials that have innovated the industry or seem to be trending at the moment thanks to the influence of social media or the resurgence of a particular subject matter. In recent years, materials like resin and wood have been the subject of…
A drill press can be a very versatile tool, and if one has caught your interest you might have a few questions about them. The good news is that getting one will probably change the way you think about your craft and open your mind up to a new world of possibilities. The bad news?…
In life, there are few tools that give you the ability to take on the world, to make something from nothing, and push yourself to the limit of your creativity. This being said, these tools are often a bit expensive and are viewed by most of us as more of an investment than an impulse…
When starting a woodwork project, there are loads of wood species for you to choose from. America is fraught with hardwood species that are incredibly durable, versatile, and good-looking, and the lumber industry really is a booming one. This being said, it can be really challenging to make a definitive choice when it comes to…
The main use of polyurethane is to protect your surfaces whilst still making them look timelessly elegant. Polyurethane has been used over and over as it remains one of the best formulas especially the exterior polyurethane or the marine polyurethane types that can be used on all outdoor surfaces. We wish to reassure you that…
Wood is one of the most abundant natural resources on the face of the planet, despite factors like climate change and deforestation. It’s also one of the few resources we have that are virtually infinitely reusable, so it should come as no surprise that both we and our forefathers have been using wood for quite…
Back in the day, having wooden furnishings was a sign of poverty compared to those who could have all of their big, fancy furnishings made of masonry. Times have changed though, and these days, having solid wood furniture is sort of a status symbol, but beyond this, there are more reasons as to why you’d…
While there are many craft mediums out there for you to choose from, wood crafting is still one of the most popular and easiest to get into. Although, when most people think of wood-crafting their minds conjure up pictures of intricate cabinetry, desks, tables, chairs, and even installation art pieces. Wood crafting doesn’t have to…
Fences are a great way to ensure that you and your family are safe, to mark property lines, and make sure your dog doesn’t go about doing its business on your neighbor’s lawn. They can be made out of plenty of different materials too, and depending on what your budget, preference, and needs are you…
Many surveys have revealed that the kitchen is the best and most used room in your house. Your kitchen cabinets are some of the most important aspects of your kitchen, as they provide you with storage space as well as enhance the appearance of your kitchen as a whole. You can preserve and protect your wooden…
For anyone not in the woodworking or crafting trades, some tools might seem foreign considering that they are only used on larger jobs. A sander is a great tool to have around regardless of your skill level or how often you will need it. Sanders come in different shapes and sizes, they can be corded…
There are loads of wood species for us to choose from these days, thanks to how quickly we’re able to transport things from one end of the world to the other. But some local woods remain a favorite among DIY enthusiasts and professional woodworkers alike. One of these favorites is timber derived from the acacia…
Your family home has been looking a little shabby, so you decided to give it a new lick of paint. You have always been a fan of wooden houses, their rustic feel is ever so endearing and full of loving memories, and smells of varnish and polish. This tutorial is all about the best outdoor…
Wood is one of the most versatile substances on earth, we use it for loads of things including cooking, building our homes, making our furniture, and even in the trim in our vehicles. Unfortunately, wood is subject to degradation over time and as a result, needs to be replaced and/or refurbished from time to time….
While there are loads of ways for you to place pictures onto a workpiece, one of the most tried and true ways of doing so is to simply transfer a picture. This is especially true when your workpiece is made of wood as it tends to take to the transfer process a lot better than…
When it comes to large woodworking projects, there are loads of ways you can go about securing parts of your workpiece to one another but not all of them are conducive to every situation you’ll find yourself in. This is why it’s really important to ensure that you arm yourself with knowledge of joining mechanisms…
Whether you’re a professional wood crafter or a DIY weekend warrior, the chances are that you’ve come across a piece of wood that you couldn’t quite identify. Sure, there are loads of people out there that say they could identify any wood board simply by looking at it thanks to their years of experience, but…
Not all of us are professional woodworkers or have the tools needed to pull off a professional woodworking project. If you’re a fan of the woodwork and enjoy the odd weekend DIY project, then you likely enjoy small woodworking projects that you can complete in an afternoon or a weekend if you’re not too busy….
We live in a world that is largely capitalistic, and, as a result, there are a number of commodities that become expensive due to the rule of supply and demand. After all, if something isn’t abundant like diamonds, gold, or the newest PlayStation, people who really want these things are more often than not willing…
We’ve all seen the headline-grabbing articles telling us that kids are spending way too much time on their phones and/or playing those accursed video games, but in reality, most kids are pretty well-balanced little humans who have a lot more self-awareness than most of us give them credit for. This being said, there are loads…
Wood has been a fundamental part of human evolution even before we discovered how to set it on fire, and it has continued to house, feed and clothe us to varying degrees to this day. Different types of wood are used for different applications, and we’ve even created new kinds of wood by processing and…
Any woodworker needs a good compact router in their workshop. The best compact router can be used for all sorts of DIY projects to provide details, edges, profiles, and more. This is a necessary tool for carpentry because you just can’t finish certain projects without the help of a compact router. Finding the best compact…
These days, there are loads of materials for you to choose from when finishing your home. There are all-natural materials like woods and metals, and then there are completely synthetic materials that are often cheaper and more robust. One of these materials is wood veneer, which has been used in various industries to create affordable…
Doors are something we use so often but don’t really think about until we walk into them, or until someone accidentally closes one on our fingers. It’s also at least partially due to them not needing much tending to, at least not very often. This does beg the question though, what happens when a door…
While most of us appreciate our furniture in visual and everyday functional terms, we rarely consider how they were put together. There is actually a lot of time and effort that goes into the creation of all our furnishings, and the manner of their construction can be an instant clue to the quality of an…
Whether you’ve been doing some DIY painting jobs around the house, or you’re a professional artist, or your kids have been doing some school projects – no matter what form your painting takes, we are all concerned with accidental paint spills or splatters, especially on wooden surfaces like a table, desk, or furniture. Acrylic paint…
Wood is often exposed to decay, rot, divots, cracks, and holes – whether through an accident or general wear and tear. If you want to enjoy a long lifespan from your wood, then you will probably need to apply a wood filler at some stage. The best wood filler can be used to fix and…
DIY and maintenance can be a very big part of owning a home. If this is something that you are interested in, you will find that sanding is one of the most time consuming and exhausting jobs, especially if you are refurbishing furniture with a new topcoat or paint application. For this reason, you will…
Have your surfaces been subpar? We want to share the secret knowledge you need to raise the level. When it comes to woodworking, forgoing the sealer on your freshly treated wood is definitely going to be something you’ll regret later on. But this is not the end of the world, because if you are here…
Staining wood can be a challenging process, and when it doesn’t come out the way you envisioned it can be a bit frustrating and even a bit demoralizing. The good news is that if you want to lighten up your wood there are a few methods you can use. Lightening the stain of your wood…
One of the major problems we’re facing as a society at the moment is the fact that carbon emissions threaten not only our planet but our way of life in general. How do we move past the chemicals and devices that have shaped the way we live for the past five decades and start a…
If you did not already know what staining your wood can do for your woodworking project, then you will by the end of this tutorial! Staining, or re-staining your wood can bring out the natural colors of the wood, and help show off the beautiful grains that the different trees create, and it can level…
If you have recently tapped into some serious woodworking skills, you will have learned how applying a stain to the finished wooden item you created will raise the value and the longevity of your project. A good stain will bring out all the best parts of the wood, and it will enhance its natural appearance…
When most people think of something that’s 600 years old, thoughts of obsolete technology made of cast iron come to mind. This is not the case with everything though, and in the case of oak tree wood, you couldn’t hope to find a more personable wood to work with. Oak trees can range anywhere from…
Sealing acrylic paint when it has been applied to wood is essential for many reasons. Not only does a sealant achieve your desired finish, but, more importantly, it enhances the durability of your paint, protecting it against damage from the elements or everyday wear and tear. Continue reading for our recommendations on which sealants to…
Furnishings: Until we need them, we don’t really pay them much attention, that is, until it comes time to choose one for our homes. Whether it be a kitchen countertop, a set of shelves, or something as mundane as a bookcase, our choice in the wood often defines the workpiece itself. Two of the most…
These days synthetic paints tend to get all of the attention, but are they always the best choice when painting your wood? Back in the day these synthetics were not an option, and paints like oil and lead-based paints were all the rage, so how do these new kids on the block stack up against…
With the recognition of our effect on the environment, we have all made considerable changes to the way we live, the products we buy, and what we do with our waste. This realization has reshaped society and how we look at our everyday lives, down to the smallest of details. In the crafting industry, this…
Whether you find yourself looking at your grandmother’s old dresser or simply find yourself checking out some antique furniture, you have probably marveled at cherry wood at some point in your life. This wood is pretty much as American as you can get (aside from Redwood), but have you ever asked yourself what cherry wood…
As a DIY enthusiast, esteemed hobbyist, or just an every now and then crafter, you are likely to come across polyurethane at some point along the way. So, learning how to work with polyurethane and in particular, how to clean polyurethane, or how to remove polyurethane from wood, is a question that many have been…
When starting a project there are lots of wood types to choose from. It can be really frustrating trying to choose a wood that not only fits the feel of your imagined outcome but one that is durable and sturdy enough for the task at hand. In recent years, engineered woods have come a long…
Drywall: The sheetrock upon which the USA is built and the material provides the comfort and security we all need in our homes. Not only is it affordable and long-lasting, but it is less labor-intensive to erect compared to brick-and-mortar coverings. Working with drywall can be a challenge though, especially sanding it down after it…
A rite of passage for any craftsman is restoring a workpiece that’s appeal has faded over time. One of the most challenging parts of getting this done is removing the existing finish before you get to spruce the workpiece up, but how do you go about this? Removing paint that has started to separate from…
There are materials that carry with them a sense of status, a sense of nobility, simply by being present in one’s home. In the past, owning furniture was considered a hobby instead of a necessity. As time progressed and the commonality of middle-class families with disposable income grew, so did the need for decently priced…
The need to personalize and beautify our surroundings has been part of the human condition since we marked ourselves to signify which clans we belong to (a practice some people still practice to this day). We have come a long way since then, but we still love customizing our surroundings to reflect our personal styles…
When most people think of wooden furniture, they think of dark oak flooring in houses with high ceilings, and oak furniture to match – grandfather clock and all! In a recent turn of events, vintage chique has taken a twist, and now what is popular on-demand is that minimalist, natural feel with indoor plants and…
As technology has improved, we have found innovative ways to replace materials that were simply too expensive to manufacture or unsustainable in the long run. We have replaced expensive metal products with longer-lasting renewable plastic ones, we have discovered renewable sources of energy and we have even found ways to improve existing materials and use…
In 1968, the Redwood National Park was established in order to preserve and protect the redwood trees in the area. At the time, these trees were dwindling down, a staggering 90% of them having been lost to poor foresting practices and re-growth/plantation methods. Redwood is not only significant as indigenous plant life in the US…
Painting wood can be a tedious process to the uninitiated, not to mention that there are several other factors to consider besides whether you have the right paint for the job. When woods are treated either chemically or via heat treatment, certain things need to be done before they can be treated. One of the…
Are you looking for hardwood flooring at a fraction of the cost? How about adding a rustic cabin-in-the-woods type charm to that living room or man-cave? Sure, pallets may not have a consistent grain pattern and be free from knots, but they can offer durable and truly unique-looking wood flooring. With the correct guidance, DIY…
No workshop is complete without a good band saw, and this incredibly versatile piece of equipment has the potential to speed up your work process, replace other forms of equipment, and much more. We are going to be taking an in-depth look at some of the best band saws to help you find the best…
There are numerous reasons why people want to remove paint from a wooden surface in their homes. It may be an old wooden floor that shows lots of wear and tear, a beautiful antique piece of furniture covered in old varnish, or walls and doors that have multiple layers of different colors and types of…
Wood alternatives have been taking the world by storm for the last five decades and are showing no signs of slowing down. As technology progresses, we have seen an exponential increase in the number of artificial materials available which not only replace but supersede the construction materials of old. One of the materials that have…
Personalization is one of the most common forms of human expression. Our need to stand apart and forge a personal identity is deeply seeded in our most basic instincts, but painting plywood can have more benefits than simple aesthetic appeal. Let’s have a look at how to paint plywood, why painting plywood is beneficial, and…
When considering wood for a project, it can be challenging to choose which material is best suited for the job. These days, most American homes are constructed from engineered woods and similar “synthetic” materials, which are often stronger, lighter, and cheaper than their conventional counterparts. One of the most popular of these materials is plywood,…
If you think interior decorating can be a headache, reinforcing the exterior of your home can be downright brutal. Where usually you would choose where to place your furniture, or which color you’d like to paint your bedroom, your enemies when doing exterior renovations are wildlife, the elements, and adverse weather conditions. Houses are not…
Beautiful hardwood floors can get damaged by your everyday wear and tear. Anything from walking in heels to moving furniture around can be a problem, causing damages from light scratches to deeper gouges. Removing scratches from hardwood floors might only require some basic repairs, however, the method for hardwood floor scratch repairs is dependent on…
What is engineered wood? Engineered wood can sound like something someone cooked up in a lab while they were trying to solve the deforestation problem, but in reality, it is simply a combination of applying everything we know about the best woods available to us and combining them to create a tough, versatile, and long-lasting…
One of the most fundamental tools ever devised by man is undisputedly the saw. Having a saw in the bronze age or medieval times could mean the difference between living in squaller and having a highly profitable business. Giving the operator the ability to cut through metal, wood, animal pelt and even bone meant having…
What is a cord of wood? During those cold winter months, most of us want to curl up in an armchair and let the warmth of a fireplace come over us while we watch the snowfall. The only problem is that fires typically need wood to burn, and if you aren’t careful you could get…
Picture this: You just inherited that long-awaited dining room table and matching chairs from your grandmother who downsized her house. It is your dream table, the best fit for your home! But… the pieces are worn from all the years of use! Your first thought might be to sand it down and re-varnish it. However,…
Each one of us most likely has a permanent marker lying somewhere around the house. Whether you use the permanent marker, or your kids get hold of it, you might find yourself sitting with marks on your wood or other surfaces. Thankfully, there are a few methods that can help you to remove permanent marker…
You may have an outdoor space like a wooden deck or patio where you can enjoy the sun and entertain your family and friends. This space might need wooden tables and chairs or a bench, however, you need to take into consideration that wood patio furniture will be outside all the time. This does not…
Every one of us enjoys the feeling when we view the result of a hard day’s work, especially if it involves bringing life back into older pieces of furniture, or an unappreciated oak flooring. But we all hate that annoyance we feel if the job we did was not done properly and needs to be…
Polyurethane is the ultimate wood protector. It adds a defensive exterior layer to your wooden furniture or patio decking, thus protecting against any scratches or scrapes or liquid or chemical spills that might wear the wood down. You might like the look of stained wood for the accentuation of the grain in the wood. In…
Medium Density Fiberboard, or MDF, is a popular wooden product consisting of small wood fibers mixed with wax and resin. The mixture is compressed under high pressure and heat to form the final product, which results in a solid wood-like product that looks similar to natural wood. MDF is not the same as hardwood, however….
Attaching wood to glass does not have to be a horribly complicated task at all! If you have ever had the need to repair a window to a wooden frame, or perhaps set a mirror, you will want to have the correct tools and the right knowledge. The process is actually fairly simple provided you…
The process of distressing wood requires a little creativity, a certain sense of adventure, and a willingness to experiment. If you dive into a distressed wood project with this in mind, you are guaranteed to be extremely satisfied with the rustic, aged look you can achieve as well as the way your finished piece contributes…
For those of us that have the privilege of getting our hands dirty with woodworking, we would know all too well not only it rewards us with beauty and functional creations unlike any other but also its therapeutic value that breathes life into our soul. Whether you have completed your 1st birdhouse or resurrected your…
A patch or two of mold in the back of your closet may look harmless. Out of sight, out of mind, right? Household mold can not only ruin the surface of your wooden furniture and walls but can also negatively affect human health. Removing the appearance of mold from walls and furniture is one thing,…
If you are looking to add an artistic flair to your DIY projects, especially those made using wood. A quick doodle or detailed design will take your bookshelf, coffee table, or spice rack to the next level. Now, finding a way to create delicate lines and shapes using a paintbrush can be tricky. So, to…
If you are an avid crafter or enjoy home projects, you will probably have accidentally spilled some hot glue. Fortunately, it is always possible to remove the hot glue from a range of surfaces, you just need the know-how. Depending on the surface, be it wood, plastic, fabric, skin, or carpet, you will use a…
Which adhesive you should use can be a difficult decision to make as there are a variety of different glues available in the market. To select the correct adhesive, determine what type of surfaces are you using and your overall requirements. A lot of crafters want to know which is better than Gorilla Glue or…
Do you have an old piece of furniture that needs some wood paint and a little tender, loving care? The process of painting wood is not a five-minute job and can be hard work. Knowing what to do and avoiding any mistakes can make things easier. However, once you have completed your first project and…
The appeal of rustic-looking wood is something we are all familiar with. It is the lived-in, shabby chic look that most homeowners are trying to achieve. Usually, this weathered down look takes years to achieve as the wood is exposed to the elements and daily wear and tear. Unfortunately, we do not always have years…
What do you imagine when you think of white-washed wood? Maybe a farm setting in an old barn or the furniture in a vintage kitchen. White-washed wood offers a clean yet rustic and textured look to the wood. This is a great technique to enhance the wood grain and allows the beauty of the wood…
When revamping or altering wooden surfaces in the kitchen, we need to be a little extra cautious with regards to the products we use. Many paints or varnishes are toxic to ingest, and this becomes a factor when using these products on your kitchen surfaces. Using a food-grade varnish or finish on your wooden kitchen…
Your home is a place where your family, friends, and others live or come visit regularly. Wooden surfaces in your home are bound to experience some wear and tear, where scratches or small marks can become visible over time. So, do you have to strip down the wood surface and spend a lot of money…
Nothing lasts forever, including your wood deck. Decks will begin to show signs of wear and tear as years pass. People walk over the deck every day, and UV rays shine down and penetrate the stain, which could cause cracking. There is also mildew and other damages that can occur. Eventually, you will want to…
Times have changed. Gone are the days where you would buy hundreds of nails and bolts at the hardware store to attach metal to wood. In this day and age, thanks to science and chemistry, you do not have to worry about those problems anymore. Various companies and brands have specially formulated excellent adhesives to…
Wooden furniture is an elegant and beautiful addition to any home. However, it can be quickly marred and damaged by things like hot items being placed onto it. Wooden furniture is attractive and durable and can remain so if unused. There are wooden items you use extensively every day, however, and these are often prone…
The process of preparing a butcher block is interesting and beneficial to the overall look of your home. There are several methods for making a butcher block finish top layer or coat, such as using polyurethane or oil. You must pay a lot of attention to the type of wood, the nature of your project,…
Pine is one of the most popular and versatile woods out there. This is thanks to its affordability and attractive dark color that it gains over time. Whether you are using pine for flooring, furniture, or anything else, you will want to make sure that you protect it carefully. Finding the best stain for pine…
Wood is a widely versatile material from which art objects and furniture that you use on a daily basis are made. Aside from being the best product, wood has its own disadvantages. Wood ages and can rot when exposed to moisture. There are quite a number of ways in which you can stabilize your wood to…
Red cedar is a well-known wood species that is used for exterior pieces. It is naturally resistant to decay and red in color. It is very cheap, weathers well, and is highly universal. However, red cedar turns grey very quickly, and it is almost impossible to restore the wood to its original form. You can,…
Teak is widely regarded as one of the finest woods for outdoor use. This is because the wood has a very high amount of natural oils and rubber, which helps to protect the teak against water, rot, insects, and heavy outdoor use. Although the wood can withstand plenty of use, it will still require routine…
Most people, when thinking about acrylic paints, may imagine something connected to canvas art. However, can you use acrylic paint on wood? Yes! Acrylic paints can be used on many types of surfaces including metal, fabrics, leather, paper, or any surface that does not have a gloss finish or oily surface. Acrylic paint on wood…
You might think that wood painting is easy, and that there is no need to follow a strict set of rules. However, if you want an item you can be proud of after you have painted it, then there are certain steps you need to follow in order to give you that brilliant finish. Everything…
Are you in possession of a piece of furniture that is an antique or even an old family heirloom? Perhaps your piece has been stained or painted previously and is looking a little worse-for-wear, but it has a lot of sentimental value for you. If you do not want to get rid of it, what…
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