“Make your deck stronger and safer. Fix the most common problems—missing lag screws, missing joist nails, rotting posts, weak joints, excessive wobble, missing flashing and weak railings.” Source: www.familyhandyman.com According to Consumer Reports, the best time of year to maintain your deck is between May and September of every year. That’s because the trees are […]
“Trees that are removed during forest restoration projects could find their way into car bumpers and fenders as part of a study led by Srikanth Pilla of Clemson University.” Source: newsstand.clemson.edu Not only is it fun to say, but it could be a way for U.S. car manufacturers to meet potential automotive recycling regulations in […]
By Mark Clement When I get called to inspect a deck for safety, maintenance, reconstruction or resurface, each one is a little different. However, I’m mainly focused on several key factors. Also, in my experience, the deck’s structure is usually in sound shape – the lumber being the strongest link in the chain. Let’s take […]
Michael Connolly, WIR Contributor My grandfather was a master carpenter. He loved working with cherry, walnut and pine. Measuring twice, cutting once – his workshop was a place of freedom and creativity. Beauty, strength, and function were bonded with dovetail joints and wood glue. He inspected each piece of wood, holding it up in the […]
“A shed ramp is one of those DIY projects that is super easy to put off because it’s not immediately important. But once it’s done, you might wonder why you didn’t do it.” Source: myfixituplife.com What was once a “so-so” entry to a storage shed is now a functional ramp into the little building. It […]
We had such a fun time working with Sarah from Ugly Duckling House. She had a goal of transforming her backyard from a big piece of blah into something truly amazing. We’re happy to share the journey with you. We especially love how she explains the whys and hows of using Ground Contact pressure treated […]
By Michael Connolly, WIR Contibutor Fact: According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), more than 2.4 million tons of e-waste were trashed in 2012. Wooden computer chips now exist! Really. Wood! Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, in collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Products Laboratory, have successfully made computer chips of wood, […]
“We all need holiday decoration ideas. And as much as I love stringing garland (I don’t) I’m more at home making stuff with tools.” Source: myfixituplife.com On Wood. It’s Real., we talk about how easy it can be to grab some boards and build something. When we asked Mark from My Fix It Up Life […]
When you think Southern Yellow Pine wood, you probably think outdoor projects. And there’s a reason for that. In fact, there are several. Southern Yellow Pine (SYP) is a top-performing building material that can stand up to the elements. It’s a strong, dense and stable wood that boasts a unique cellular structure that makes it […]
Bigger isn’t always better. At the request from many Wood. It’s Real. fans, we have re-designed our popular Porch Bed Swing, this time it’s 25% smaller. Imagine this: laying down on a porch bed swing in the warm breeze, head propped on a pillow, a glass of sweet tea forming cold droplets of condensation on your […]
With roots tracing back four generations and over 80 years, the story of Morgan Lumber reveals triumph through tragedy, environmental stewardship, economic opportunity, and industry pride. “I find it humorous and ironic that Morgan Lumber produces southern yellow pine lumber in Red Oak, Virginia,” says Ken Morgan. Mr. Morgan entered the lumber business with his […]
by Robert Wyatt, WIR Contributor Summer is starting and I’m two-thirds of the way through my fourth lifetime “DIY deck project.” Each time I tackle this undertaking I see things I’ve learned (from my mistakes) and things I certainly could do better. Above all I think I’ve learned 10 things that are on my list […]
It was time for Bob Clagett from the popular I Like to Make Stuff blog and YouTube channel to build a new outdoor storage bench. He grabbed a bunch of pressure treated Southern Yellow Pine boards, pulled out a few simple tools, and got to work. He was able to customize the build specifically for the space in […]
Having a raised garden bed at home is a great way to grow your own fruits, vegetables, and flowers. If you’re building your own raised garden bed this year, consider building with pressure-treated Southern Yellow Pine. Using pressure-treated lumber isn’t only a sturdy, environmentally friendly choice. It’s also a good way to support your local […]