Cedar Plywood: A Complete DIY & Builder’s Guide

Cedar-lined closet with warm reddish-brown plywood panels and hanging clothes.

If you’ve ever stepped into a cedar-lined closet or opened an old cedar chest, you know the scent. That fresh, woodsy smell isn’t just nostalgic—it’s practical. Cedar plywood has been trusted in American homes for centuries, thanks to its durability, insect resistance, and timeless beauty. Back in colonial New England, settlers relied on cedar for … Read more

Redwood: The Timeless Giant of Woodworking

Stack of milled redwood boards showing rich reddish-brown tones and straight grain

Redwood isn’t just a wood — it’s a symbol of natural beauty, longevity, and craftsmanship. From the towering coastal trees of California to the finely milled boards in your local lumber yard, redwood has a history and set of properties that make it stand out from almost every other building material. I’ve worked with redwood … Read more

Virola Plywood: Lightweight, Strong & Versatile for Woodworking

Virola Plywood

Virola is a newer type of wood used in plywood. Unlike most woods, it is commonly sold under its scientific name rather than a traditional common name. It is also known as Ucuuba, Sebo, Dalli, Cumala, Cajuea, and other regional names. Native to Brazil, the Virola tree is often seen as low-value because it naturally … Read more

Plywood vs. Hardboard: Which One Should You Choose?

hemlock plywood

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