In order to have the coolest backyard in the neighborhood, at least as far as kids are concerned, there needs to be something more in it than just grass and trees. Granted, children can play with anything, even a cardboard box; but that doesnât mean they donât enjoy having the âright stuffâ to play with. … Read more
The style of building we do consists of beams and columns at its structural core. The ancient Romans, the same people who gave us arches, came up with the idea of using timbers as structural elements in construction. The first lattice truss bridges were built by the Romans using wood timbers with metal fasteners. Since then, the use of … Read more
Hemlock is one of the more prolific varieties of pine trees in the United States, making up some 60% of the virgin forests in the Pacific Northwest and up into western Canada. The species is generally divided into two subspecies, as eastern and western hemlock trees are slightly different, with western hemlock trees growing considerably … Read more
The idea of using wood paneling to cover the inside walls of homes has existed for millennia, with the earliest reference I know of being in the Bibleâs old Testament book of Haggai. While cheap paneling became popular for use in tract homes in the middle of the last century, throughout history it has been … Read more
Cocobolo is one of the more beautiful woods there is. Native to Central America, the wood of the cocobolo tree is one of the most variegated, with colors ranging from yellows, through oranges and reds to a wide range of browns. Streaks of black and purple can even appear in it. The sapwood tends to … Read more