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 Bible’s 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
Using wood in cooking is nothing new. We use wood to provide heat for cooking, as well as using wood inside the oven or over the fire at times. Wood skewers and their shorter cousin, the toothpick have long been used to hold food together; not just for horderves, but also in the oven and … Read more
Padauk is a beautiful wood with intense reddish hues. Cut from the tree bearing the same name, the wood starts a bright red, darkening to a reddish-brown, almost purple color over time. This color change can be slowed somewhat by the application of finishes that have been developed to protect the wood from ultraviolet rays. … Read more