Plywood vs MDF vs Particleboard: Pros, Cons & Best Uses

Plywood vs MDF vs Particleboard — it’s one of the most common debates in woodworking and DIY projects. If you’ve ever stood in the lumber aisle trying to decide which sheet to grab, you’re not alone. I’ve used all three materials in cabinet builds, furniture projects, and shop setups — and they each have their … Read more

Categories DIY

Best Plywood for Cabinets (From My Workshop to Yours)

When I built my first set of kitchen cabinets, I had no idea there were so many types of plywood. I walked into the lumber yard thinking I’d grab “cabinet-grade” plywood and call it a day. But after dealing with warped panels, chipping veneers, and a cabinet box that wouldn’t stay square, I learned the … Read more

Best Wood Stains for Pine (Tested on Real Boards)

Infographic showing the best wood stains for pine with labeled pine samples: Varathane Dark Walnut, Minwax Special Walnut, Varathane Briarsmoke, and Varathane Weathered Oak

I’ll be honest—when I first tried staining pine, I thought it would be one of those easy wins. Grab a stain, swipe it on, wipe it off, and stand back to admire the grain. But what I actually ended up with looked like I dragged a wet sock through motor oil. That’s when I learned … Read more

Categories DIY