Historic Kentucky Home Gets Custom Ipe Rooftop Deck

We thought this blog post, from Mataverde Premium Decking and Siding Solutions, was worth sharing…  

Why Pergolas are great additions to your home!

Installing a pergola is a great way to bring your outdoor space into use. Pergolas comes with a lot of homework in terms of style, material, size, etc. which we will discuss. But first; here are some reasons why you should consider a pergola! Building a pergola in your yard enables you to enjoy all […]

Why Consider Cedar For Your Next Garden Bed

If you are looking to build a DIY garden bed, it’s important to consider the material it is made of. Wood comes in a variety of options, but there are particular species known to be rot and insect resistant—perfect for outdoor projects. Cedar, is not only naturally insect and rot resistant, but also more durable […]

The Difference Between Cedar Shingles & Cedar Shakes

Cedar is a popular building material due to its long life, durability, warm natural hues, and pleasant aroma. It’s used for roofing as well as siding, decks, furniture, interior walls, and etc. When used outdoors, cedar blends with surrounding landscapes. Over time, cedar loses its color and fades to a silvery gray but it can be restained […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]