Controlling Wood Movement

This month, our blog post covers a subject that is critical to anyone working with wood – the successful installation of millwork and doors, especially as it relates to moisture. This fact sheet should prove helpful. It’s text is below, but here is a PDF version for those who prefer it. Wood Versus Moisture Some of […]

Sierra Pacific Windows

Sierra Pacific Windows is a third-generation family-owned company with 70 years of experience. Starting as a sawmill in Oregon, Sierra Pacific Industries has grown into the top 4 lumber producers in the United States. Sierra Pacific owns 1.9 million acres of timberland and has made a special investment in their quality, which is offered to […]

Why does timber crack or check?

Cracks and checks give cedar so much of its character. They are a big part of what makes cedar completely unique and different from any other timber in the world! Cracks or checks occur when wood shrinks as it dries.  Wood shrinks roughly twice as much along the growth rings as it does across the rings and it […]

How to Get the Most out of a Home Show

  Home shows are an incredible resource for information on new products and building trends.  They offer a unique opportunity to speak with local building professionals and product vendors. Whether you are building new, remodeling or just getting ideas for future projects, attending a home show is a great way to start.   How much […]

Windows -When to Replace When to Repair

Part 2 Double Hung   Comparing the Cost   Most of the new double hung windows sold today use a jamb liner with spring resistance, but there are still a lot of counter weighted windows out there. When assessing repair costs versus replacement it is important to gather as much information as possible. Common Problems […]

New Partners & Officers at Congleton Lumber

112 Year Old Lexington Business Announces New Officers   LEXINGTON, August 7, 2017 — Congleton Lumber Company announced this week their new line-up of officers and partners. The locally owned family business has worked hand in hand with home owners, builders, and remodelers to build and beautify the Bluegrass since the company’s founding in 1905. […]

Windows – Replace or Repair

Part 1 – Identifying the Problem   From a broken window to a broken seal, a rotted sash to a rotted sill – knowing what to do can save you thousands.        Anatomy of a Window 3 Common Window Problems   Broken Glass/Seal These are two different problems with the same answer – glass […]

Which Cedar is Best for Your Project?

Which Cedar is best for your project?   Western Red, Aromatic & Inland These are the most prevalent cedar lumbers sold in the Mid-West and are often sold under the generic label of Cedar. I use the term lumbers instead of species, as none of these are True Cedars.  The word cedar is describing the […]

Outdoor Projects & Cedar: 5 things you should know

1. There is a ton of information on cedar that, while interesting, is unimportant to your building project.  Forget the fact that there are no true cedar species in North America or that Western Red Cedar and Inland Cedar are the same species grown in different areas, but rather focus on what cedars are available […]

When Can I Paint Treated Lumber

When Can I Paint Treated Lumber? The simple answer is when water soaks into the wood and no longer beads, but the real question is “how do I paint treated lumber?”  The problem is, treated lumber is saturated with copper azole or a similar chemical to make it resistant to insects and rot, leaving it […]