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Contractor table saws are ideal for rough carpentry jobs, but the blades and fences typically aren’t precise enough t...

It’s possible to use just about any sander for hardwood floors, but some can involve a long, laborious, and uncomfort...

Wood makes up the structural support of many homes, so it’s important that the wood stays strong and healthy. But thi...

Perhaps the least-liked phase of a woodworking project is sanding, but today's power sanders make quick work of what ...

All-purpose bench vises—the heavy cast-iron sort your grandfather might have had mounted on a bench in his garage—are...

An outdoor bench can make a beautiful garden look even more picturesque. Outdoor benches evoke a feeling of relaxatio...

DeWalt power tools are mainstays for both pros and DIYers, and the brand name has become synonymous with high quality...

If you associate the name "Bostitch" with office and home staplers, you're not alone. But the company also manufactur...

“If the only tool you have is a hammer, it is tempting to treat everything as if it were a nail,” wrote Abraham Maslo...

Sooner or later, homesteaders and folks who regularly convert trees into usable (and valuable) lumber may wish to own...

With some love and a bit of elbow grease, wood furniture can have multiple lives. According to the Environmental Prot...

DeWalt has long been a top contender in the power tool industry, producing high-quality tools for pros and DIYers, so...

Woodworking can challenge your DIY skills and encourage creativity. However, sticking to the most basic tools can be ...

Whether or not particle board can be successfully painted is a question that crops up quite often, and usually it’s f...

Board-and-batten has traditionally been the stuff of barns and exterior cladding. Often rough-sawn and ready for the ...

Q: I am reviving an old oak floor, and polyurethane seems like an attractive, hard-wearing finish. However, I’m findi...

Heat stains are an enduring concern for both seasoned homeowners and those who have just made their first furniture p...

Woodworms are one of those common household pests that many have heard of, but most people know little about. In fact...

Q: It seems that a lot of people are having success stripping wood with oven cleaner. Is it really as quick and easy ...

Few tools strike as much intimidation into the hearts of beginner and advanced woodworkers alike as the common lathe....

Those who live in coastal regions in the Southern U. S. know all too well about the damage and destruction a hurrican...

Using a nail gun for fencing is faster and safer than using a hammer. Nails themselves needn’t be held with these too...

A belt sander is a relatively common power tool that is used to remove layers of wood, metal, plastic, or other targe...

Cabinet table saws, often just called cabinet saws, are the largest of the table saws, with huge power and tremendous...

Buying rough lumber can save a lot of money and offers the opportunity to find and use interesting varieties. However...

The Covid-19 pandemic affected countless industries worldwide, but the rising cost of lumber had to be one of the mos...

With building materials being a significant contributor to carbon emissions and sustainable solutions becoming more p...

Q: I just bought a home with a wood-burning stove, and I want to stock up on wood. I’ve noticed wood is sold by the c...

There are certain situations in finish carpentry and woodworking where a big finish or brad nail just won’t do. These...

Despite painstakingly perfect measurements and perfect cuts, there are times when wood just doesn’t cooperate. Whethe...

Most hardwood flooring endures a lot of wear and tear, not only from people walking on them, but also from kids and p...

Installing a raised garden bed is a great way to improve the appearance of the yard and take on a new hobby growing f...

Tree work can get messy. Whether you’re handling tree removal yourself or paying a tree service to tackle the job, th...

Paint is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to add color and style to any surface. Wood is a versatile crafting med...

Q: I’m having a barbecue with a group of friends this weekend, and I want to show off my new deck. However, I haven’t...

Husqvarna has been one of the top brands of chainsaws on the market for more than 60 years. While you can expect to f...

While some industries are beginning to rebound from the Covid-19 pandemic, the home improvement trade continues to st...

Choosing a new color for your deck—whether you paint or stain the existing wood or change the color of the decking bo...

When shopping for table saws for beginners, the primary focus must be safety. In many cases, this means not settling ...

When we are first learning how to fix and build things for ourselves, few of us have a fully stocked workshop up and ...

Whether repairing fine wooden furniture or filling nail holes in the wall, it’s likely that either wood putty or wood...

Q: A friend recently came for dinner with her new beau, a real estate agent, who remarked that if we ever want to sel...

Adirondack chairs feature high backs and wide arms with seats that slant towards the back. Their design makes them id...

While the base material is the same, pressure-treated wood is very different from typical wood products. From how it’...

Q: I have some old wooden furniture that I’d like to restore. I was going to repair the damage with wood glue because...

If you’re tackling woodworking projects using medium-density fiberboard (MDF), it doesn’t take long to realize the di...

Whether it’s putting up a shed, laying down hardwood flooring, or building a new dining room table, choosing the righ...

Hardwood floors add beauty and value to a home, but they’re expensive. Treat them like the investment they are. Wheth...

If you haven’t shopped for lumber recently, you’re in for a shock at how expensive a board is these days. According t...

It’s hard to beat the look of hardwood flooring. But, solid hardwood flooring can be expensive, and it’s not always t...

The right finish on wood not only brings out its natural warmth, but it also provides long-term protection. However, ...

Although particle board can be one of the more affordable materials to use for making furniture and even countertops,...

Cedar is a beautiful building material. While it can last a long time, even without stain or sealer, it can eventuall...

Hardwood floors lend an aura of classic elegance to a home, adding to its real estate value. However, the job of keep...

As any DIY woodworker or carpenter is likely to find, there are seemingly endless species of wood from which to choos...

Stains, scuff marks, and dirt can make hard flooring look dull and dingy. When a mop and bucket won’t cut it, conside...

The best compact circular saws have balance, output, and ergonomics that match the work being performed, whether it's...

Q: My wife and I just bought our first home, complete with wood-burning fireplace. We’re excited—but unsure exactly w...

Hardwood floor refinishing and sanding is unforgiving work. Make a mistake, and it will show. However, a refinished f...

It’s pretty tough to beat kicking back in front of a warm fire on a cold night. Whether you burn wood in a fireplace,...

Those living in wooded areas with plenty of hardwoods have the luxury of free firewood if they have the right tool fo...

If your deck is looking tired and worn down, a fresh coat of wood stain can improve its appearance and protect it fro...

When outdoor temps drop and sweaters come out of storage, there's nothing quite like the crackle of a real fire. Whet...

No, it’s not your imagination. You’re paying more for some home improvement building materials these days, and you have the pandemic to blame.

Beyond traditional mops, spin mops are designed to take the “ick” factor out of wet mopping, eliminating the chore of...

The beauty of wood gives it a timeless appeal, and talented artisans produce both traditional and contemporary design...

Over time, every home’s furniture, walls, and baseboards get nicks and cracks. But, wood fillers help hide the appear...

If you are interested in acquiring a new hands-on skill, you’d be hard-pressed to find something better than learning...

Hardwood floors are a coveted classic for their diverse graining and beautiful colors that add richness and dimension...

Power tool manufacturers have made several advances in their routers in recent years, adding variable-speed dials, er...

Whether shaving down a wood door that’s sticking or smoothing the surface of a wavy board, no tool works quite as wel...

If you’re looking to express yourself creatively in a new way—to add an extra touch to your projects or perhaps to st...

Advancements in battery technology have paved the way for a whole new crop of powerful cordless circular saws, some o...

While a good table saw makes large jobs easier and more accurate when it comes to cutting wood, a good blade is a thi...

A magnetic drill press, also known as a magnetic drill or mag drill, is a tool designed for drilling into metal. A st...

Metal hand tools with either a straight or beveled edge, chisels have been around for thousands of years, standing th...

Curling up next to a crackling wood fire can be comforting, but the experience doesn't come cheap. Depending on where...

Moisture meters can test the moisture content of many different materials, including drywall, paneling, and wood stud...

The hacksaw is a time-tested hand tool for cutting through metal materials such as pipes, studs, and rebar. The best ...

You may need to store the lumber you just bought for that new storage shed until you can get around to the project. O...

If you're updating hardwood floors or refinishing a piece of furniture, for the best results, you need to remove the ...

No workbench is complete without at least one rotary tool. These amazing devices are capable of drilling, sanding, cu...

Furniture polishes are substances you apply to wooden home accents and accessories ranging from chairs to dressers to...

A shed can be a great place to store yard tools and equipment, or it can serve as a useful area for completing projec...

Wood stain is a paint-like product comprised of colorant dissolved or suspended in a solvent or other medium. It’s us...

Enjoying the warm of a wood-burning fireplace is priceless to many, but buying firewood can be expensive. It can run ...

Hardwood flooring gets acclaim for its natural beauty, but it requires varying degrees of attention to maintain its g...

With its unique grain patterns and natural tones, thick and thin wood earns praise for being a beautiful building mat...

Whether you’re ready to build a new wood deck, furniture, or wood wall paneling—or aim to spruce up existing ones—you...

Q: My childhood dresser is beautiful but the wood stain looks faded. I’d love to update it with fresh paint and new h...

Hardwood floors add natural warmth to any room, but the traditional method of installing hardwood is time consuming a...

Yes, it's absolutely possible to control your mess without letting it control your life. Find out how you can streamline your chores and create more time for your...

Wood furniture is beautiful, but it’s not impervious to the wear and tear of everyday life. To retain their looks, ne...

Even if you have your heart set on a real wood floor, it's worth considering options that look, feel, and even outperform hardwood. The following content is ...

Wood floors bring warmth and richness to interiors, so it's no surprise that wood has a similar effect when it covers the upper reaches of a room. Wood adds textu...

Q: I only vacuum my floors when I notice them looking dingy. How often should you vacuum?A: Interior designers and hy...

It's hard to beat the natural beauty of wood flooring, but it’s not a traditional choice for a kitchen, due to the gr...

A cutting board acts at any given moment as a chopping block, food preparation surface, or serving station—sometimes ...

In nature, wood rot is a vital decomposition process, turning fallen logs into nutritious soil. But few things send h...

You finally decided on the perfect hardwood for your floors—whether that's a deep, rich walnut, a warm cherry wood, o...

Wood floors bring beauty and value to a home—as long as they are well-maintained. Natural wood is at constant risk of...

Has a relatively empty patio left you uninspired to head outdoors?When it comes to setting up the deck or balcony, yo...

Choosing wood for its natural beauty, depth, and glow over furniture that's made of manmade materials is an easy deci...

Sanding certainly isn’t the most fun part of a furniture or room makeover. Still, it's a vital step in the prep work ...

A lot of lifestyle adjustments need to be made when a baby comes along, and the house is no exception. In addition to...

Q: I’ve given in to my daughter’s request to paint her bedroom pink. Is primer required for a job like this and if so...

Hardwood floors add classic elegance to your home, but not when they’re dull, dinted, or dingy. The good news is that...

Q: I love the warm look of wood for outdoor furniture, but I’m not sure which of the many species will look and perfo...

Homeowners can’t seem to get enough of the shiplap look! The on-trend design that mimics historic shiplap—the horizon...

While it’s hard to match the natural beauty of solid wood, it’s an undeniably pricey option. Fortunately, for many pr...

Wood siding that consists of narrow vertical strips or battens installed over a flat base or board is known, logicall...

While some prefer to disguise the patina of their wood furniture with paint or contact paper, a growing number of hom...

With traditional wood stain, you have a choice to make: do you choose a light finish that lets the wood grain shine t...

Think about the beating your wood floors endure on a daily basis: high heels, pet nails, children’s toys, and shiftin...

Shellac is a versatile, non-toxic wood finish that enhances the natural grain while adding smoothness without the pla...

Q: A few wooden surfaces in my home interior could use painting. What’s the best paint for wood—water- or oil-based? ...

When it comes to elaborate flooring, parquet reigns supreme. Constructed from small pieces of hardwood fitted togethe...

Having an organized and functional kitchen can sometimes feel unattainable especially if you're working with limited ...

Trying to decide which polyurethane is right for your DIY project? Here are some points to consider. CM_BVNOTES-1744-...

Butcher block, which is made from individual wooden strips fused together into a sleek slab, is a timeless and trendy...

When it comes to choosing wood flooring, you’ve got loads of options. One of the decisions you’ll be making is whethe...

Prized for repelling sweater-munching moths, the woodsy aroma of cedar is finding new fans in eco-savvy homeowners lo...

One of the oldest flooring materials is still among the most desirable. Whether your style is classic, contemporary, ...

Q: I have never given much thought to cleaning my cherry wood floor, but I'm starting to notice how dingy it has beco...

When it’s time to finish a wood-based project, your options tend to seem at one end of the spectrum or the other: cho...

Whether your wooden fence is years old or newly installed, it can benefit from a single inexpensive addition: stain. ...

Wood floors add beauty and warmth to any home, but they do demand special care. Though there are plenty of commercial...

The ageless patina of wood grain makes it a popular material for home furnishings. Unfortunately, solid wood pieces—s...

No matter how quietly you traipse through your home late at night, a squeaky floor will always trip you up and announ...

Medium-Density Fiberboard, known simply as MDF, is common for both furniture and home construction these days. The in...

Shiplap has been popping up everywhere lately. The rough-sawn wooden planks arranged as horizontal panels can take an...

Some of the most gorgeous, long-lasting pieces of furniture, cabinetry, and trim work are crafted from wood, the worl...

Even if it’s not operational, a fireplace somehow still makes a space feel cozy—and ups its “architectural charm” fac...

When your heating system is cranking, dry indoor air can do a number on your wood furniture and, for that matter, any...

When debating whether to stain or paint an old piece of wood furniture, consider this third, often overlooked alterna...

Shipping pallets have all sorts of uses for do-it-yourselfers, but versatility isn't their only virtue. Additionally,...

Many homeowners strive for the lived-in look—the shabby chic, vintage-eclectic vibe touted by interior designers and ...

Hardwood flooring adds beauty to your home, and it's durable enough to last a lifetime (or more). But that's not to s...

Whatever your home’s style may be, flooring is quite literally its foundation, and often the first design element vis...

No matter their placement—on the mantel, beside the bathtub, or on the dining table—lit candles instantly create an a...

Everyone has a favorite seat, a comfortable corner of the living room perfect for lounging, reading, working, snackin...

Hardwood flooring offers rich, warm, timeless beauty, and can even favorably affect the resale value of your home. Wi...

Fireplace season has at long last arrived: Time to gather around the hearth, hunker down, and embrace the warmth of t...

You’ll be surprised at the gems you uncover once you strip the paint and lacquer off your attic, yard sale, or thrift...

The foundation of many furniture projects—like crafty wine racks, whimsical swing chairs, and elegant daybeds—relies ...

After searching with no avail for modern accent shelves, Girl Loves Glam blogger, McKenzie, decided to take matters i...

A weathered finish on a beloved table or chair chronicles the story of a bygone era. But while authentic antique piec...

An unsightly scratch in your new hardwood floors—or worse, the expensive mahogany table you splurged on in a recent d...

Pressure treating protects wood from the elements, helps prevent insect attacks, and minimizes the effects of aging. ...

As you go about your spring cleaning routine, take a few minutes to inspect the condition of your wood furniture and ...

Think wood flooring has to strain your remodeling budget? Think again! Though hardwood flooring typically costs a pre...

Wood, which naturally soaks up and retains water, makes an ideal environment for mold and mildew. If you're dealing w...

In remote Millinocket, ME, there are as many as 1 million cords of wood resting at the bottom of Quakish Lake. Since ...

Medium-density fiberboard, MDF for short, can be a cheaper, more stable alternative to plywood, if used in the right ...

Medium-density fiberboard—most often known by its initials, MDF—rivals the affordability and versatility of plywood a...

Trees are classified as either hardwood or softwood according to the structure of their seeds. And while almost all h...

If you're planning to cut plywood, here are a few points to keep in mind. Cutting plywood usually creates a splintere...

Mutual Adoration, the artist couple turned furniture makers, have a love for salvaged materials. Their work reflects a respect for their materials history, but wh...

Shipping pallets are easy to come by, often at no cost. And they're easily broken down into separate, simple wood boa...

More than a mere shine, polyurethane sealer protects and preserves the finish you've chosen for your furniture or flo...

Painting pressure-treated wood comes with some complications caused by the very treatment that allows the material to...

Anyone shopping for a new hardwood floor quickly discovers that there's no shortage of options on the market. Homeown...

While furnishings and accessories made of solid wood have been king for some time, plywood is experiencing a comeback. It does, after all, tick all the boxes—it's...

You probably know that bare, raw wood needs to be primed before it’s painted. For best results, though, there are a f...

Wood has proven a popular and durable flooring choice in homes for hundreds of years. Whether you're considering recycling, upcycling, or creating a high-end luxu...

A manmade material prized for its great versatility, plywood appears in elements of the home as varied as flooring, w...

Q: I have various scratches on my wood floors. Some add character, but some are just too big and need to go away. Wha...

Woodworking pro, Spike Carlsen, shares his pick for the top ten best woodworking woods, along with the characteristics, best uses and cost for each.

A butcher block table can help make your kitchen much more efficient. Built to take a beating, butcher block doubles...

Here are some steps to follow when preparing new wood for painting. First, countersink any finish nails. Then fill ...

Here's a way to save time and energy when repairing floorboards. Instead of drilling and chiseling damaged floorboar...

For a very unusual floor finish, you might want to try wood blocks. Lay out your floor the way you would any cerami...

Wooden fences are a terrific finishing touch. They give a home privacy and character. They surround and define your ...

Reclaimed wood floors give new life to old timbers. Made from lumber recycled from demolished buildings, heart pine,...

There are many wood species that can be used for outdoor decks, but not all offer the same benefits and maintenance r...

Sanding is often the unsung step of any project with wood. It can take a long time, and the results are subtle: Sandi...

Imagine bringing the quality and charm of eighteenth-century wood planks into your home today. With reclaimed wood, y...

Recently my wife and I moved into a co-op. It’s kind of like a condo but with a few additional restrictions about wha...

These days, everyone tries hard to subscribe to the 3R’s— Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Home design is all over that trend, and has its own 3R’s— Recycle, Repurpose, Re...

Weathered wood floors grayed from years of wear go so well with the ubiquitous reclaimed wood and industrial furnitur...

There are a lot of decisions to make when constructing a new home. Having a large production builder as our contracto...

Bob introduces homeowner Howard Brickman. Steve Ivas, an environmental engineer, describes the area wetlands, which must be accommodated. Innovative building tech...

The walls in the new addition are just about ready for paint. The new fireplace, trimmed with fieldstone, will make this new in-law suite very cozy. Interior door...

A big farmer's porch will run the whole width of the house. Bob discusses the boiler, which will heat the domestic hot water, radiant floor heating, and hydro-air...

Bob talks with Robert Rainey of PJ Overhead Door as the new and improved garage door panels and tracks are installed on the Norwell home.

Bob works with contractor Bob Ryley and carpenter Chris Clark installing new wood-shingle siding.

Bob helps carpenter Bob Ryley build a redwood deck. Carpenter Danny Ruffini installs a custom-made redwood-and-cedar fence on the perimeter.

Bob reviews plans for the kitchen remodeling and visits the second floor, where one of the bedrooms has been removed to accommodate his and her bathrooms. He help...

Bob tours a Georgia-Pacific lumber mill with Randi Bonanni, who outlines the harvesting and mill processes.

Bob reviews the progress of his western red cedar custom fence, designed to provide privacy and block the carport from the neighbors’ view.

Bob joins carpenter David Ives, who is installing the paneling in the master bedroom closet, and then checks in on artist Kim’s faux finishing work on the walls.

Bob meets with California Closets to review plans for his walk-in closet and checks out the careful herringbone floor installation in the library that is nearly c...

Bob quickly reviews the completed work in the kitchen, and then oversees the installation of a herringbone-patterned floor in the den, which will essentially func...

Inspired by designs found in the Isaac Bell historic house, paneling is installed on Bob’s entrance door to the living room. Bob looks at the completed tiled show...

Carpenters replace a rotted deck, and a rotted porch column is reconstructed with concrete.

Bob talks with Owens Corning experts about the basement finishing system and discusses staircase repairs.

Basement drainage systems are installed to control moisture and humidity and to eliminate rot and mildew.

Exterior stucco walls and wood trim are painted, and repaired shingles are stained.

Backyard landscaping has progressed with the completion of stone work, new plantings, weed control, and the installation of artificial grass.

Old gutters are replaced and external landscaping continues with the trimming of a tree, installing a front garden, and creating steps from recycled granite.

Bob discusses the installation of a plastic subfloor to prevent water damage and the selection of a basement dehumidifier.

An energy-efficient door is cut down in size to replace the small exterior door leading to the new basement mud room.

Bob talks with a fencing expert about installing a white-cedar fence in sloped areas at the Melrose house.

Damaged sill is replaced, the house is protected against insects and rot, and sliding doors with custom trim molding are installed.

Bob meets with Jack Ballantine to discuss and install Maple kitchen cabinets.

Cindy O'Reilly is on site with Bob to install the natural bamboo, sliding-panel shades.

Jesse Bartuesek joins Bob for the installation of Brazilian Walnut floors

Interior beams, walls, and ceilings have been sandblasted, exposing raw surfaces that will become an integral part of the interior design. Reggie Ray of Georgia-P...

Bob watches as flooring specialists put in red rosin paper as underlayment before installing Ash hardwood floors in the penthouse apartment.

Gam Danziger from Craftline Cabinets reviews the assembly of the contemporary Cherry kitchen cabinets being installed in the penthouse apartment.

Bob consults with the project's stone and tile specialist, who explains the process of attaching the Pietra Cardosa countertops to the Cherry Craftline island cab...

Bob puts in a Mahogany windowsill that's been precut with a cleat and bevel to make the installation easier. He also helps install Poplar floor molding and observ...

Bob watches the ongoing installation of the roof deck, which is being built woth a sustainable tropical hardwood decking called Ipe.

Bob surveys the interior decorating of the penthouse apartment, as well as the top-quality materials and appliances in the kitchen. Also, Bob learns about the dif...

Bob assists Princeton Custom Cabinetry as the crew crafts custom countertops on-site for the Miami Beach condo remodel.

Bob meets with Dave Boniello from Simplex Industries to discuss the custom modular kitchen being built and installed at the factory.

Bob surveys the modular home project in the Berkshire Hills of Western Massachusetts, paying special attention to the products used on the exterior of the house.

Bob meets with Joe Adams and Ralph McGrath in the media room of Elm Court. Adams and McGrath are installing a sound-attenuating grid-ceiling system from Owens-Cor...

Bob tours the Maibec American Classics mill in Quebec, Canada, where the cedar shingles for the center-entry Colonial house were manufactured. He also discusses t...

Dave Colette from Doorworks talks Bob through the installation of the garage doors.

Interior Designer Leslie Curtis takes Bob on a tour of the Lyman Estate in Waltham, MA.

Howard Brickman has begun sanding the old growth Eastern white pine floor in the bedroom of the modern Colonial.

Bob meets with flooring specialist Howard Brickman, who has completed the home's beautiful wood floors. The next challenge is to move heavy appliances across the ...

In a progress report, Ted Riley shows Bob the pre-primed red cedar siding , the heavy-duty metal Bilco bulkhead installation, and the Quechee home's standing seam...

Bob talks with Ron Holen from Georgia-Pacific as the finishing touches are completed on the redwood front porch deck. Bob also visits with farmers at Cedar Mounta...

Bob Ryley is on site to help carpenter Pat Cloutier construct tapered columns on the front porch.

Bob checks out Shaw's Chateau wood flooring, which contractor David LaFosse and his crew are about to install in the great room.

Bob meets Lance Olson of Louisana Pacific as LP's Smartside lap siding is installed on a Mashpee house.

Bob talks with general contractor Ted Riley about the fireplace construction.

Tom Sullivan of Bellawood is in one of the four Mashpee affordable homes where they have donated hardwood flooring for the living room, dining room, and kitchen o...

Thomas Bump of Fine Custom Cabinetry shows Bob the Maple and hardwood panel cabinets that were built specifically for the Brownstone kitchen.

Bob is outside the Manhattan Brownstone to show off the refurbished facade of the building and then goes inside to show us the completed living room of the floor-...

Bob experiences the Panasonic Replay TV with the show-stopper feature and he tours the master bedroom suite, admiring the space, scope, and the view.

Bob introduces Medford, MA, a city five miles north of Boston. Settled in 1630, Medford once flourished with industry, including the shipbuilding building. Today,...

Bob works with the general contractor Charlie Tomaszewski to move the Medford project home's original front door, so they will be able to frame up a new foyer.

Much of the space on the first floor has been opened up to give the house a 21st-century lifestyle feel. The framing of the new addition is ongoing, and the Kohle...

Bob Fulmer (from Harraseeket Restoration, Inc.) joins Bob on the roof of the breezeway to install a double-lock standing seam copper roof.

Bob discusses painting the exterior of the Victorian project house, which needed prep work before painting.

Fred Goode (from Brattle Works) joins Bob to view the trellis and lattice fencing, and Bob visits the Brattle Works workshop to see how the fencing is manufactured.

Bob observes as general contractor Charlie Tomaszewski finishes up the picture framing for the mahogany deck.

Workers replace the old barn doors with an oversized Ponderosa Pine door (from KML Industries in Canada).

Bob and Tim Colgan (from Kahrs) discuss the white oak flooring being installed in the bedroom.

Mark Van Sickle (from Merillat) installs the hardware on the cabinets destined for the kitchen in the Victorian restoration project house.

Bob visits the Simpson Plywood plant in Shelton, WA, where Jim Langenberg shows Bob how plywood, especially MDO, is made.

Bob visits Two Harbors, MN and tours the plant where Louisiana Pacific manufactures a line of exterior trim products.

Bob takes a helicopter tour of the major reforestation efforts underway on Mount St. Helens.

Bob talks with carpenter Bob Ryley and general contractor Kevin Kalman, as they lay down the subflooring.

Work has begun on the exterior finish. Contractors are installing the cedar trim, casing, and grounds, and continue on to begin installing the clapboard siding.

Bob gets up to speed on the progress made, before joining Kent Forsland (from Designer Doors) to discuss the new custom-made, cedar-faced garage doors, which have...

General contractor Kevin Kalman and carpenter Bob Ryley lay plywood to the soffit of the front porch ceiling.

Bob observes, and assists with, the installation of Cherry cabinets, a Northland refrigerator, and a wine storage system.

Carpenter Bob Ryley and contractor Grady Garrett install a reclaimed Yellow Pine hardwood floor.

Bob meets with preservationist Fred Ecker to go over the process of making repairs to the floors.

Bob Ryley installs replica baseboard molding inside a room of the Virginia governor's mansion, which is under restoration.

Bob looks at the old doors, then meets with local artist Elaine Havaland, who demonstrates a faux-finishing technique.

Bob and carpenter Bob Ryley review the interior construction, which must satisfy stringent fire codes.

Bob meets with Joel Scanlon, who installs legs on a butcher block top and explains how to care for the wood surface.

Bob highlights the long curved wall in the loft's hallway. The wall provides a great deal of storage, and serves as a divider between the private and public space...

Carpenter Bob Ryley installs plantation shutters against a bedroom wall.

Bob explains the engineering and construction of the truss system supporting the roof of the accessible home.

Carpenter Bob Ryley continues to fashion a wooden bracket for the exterior of the accessible home.

A Northern White Cedar picket fence is discussed and installed.

The first Elmwood project concerns remodeling a Gothic Carpenter-style home, built in 1871.

Bob Riley and Howard Brickman install a reclaimed hard pine floor. The orientation of the boards is explained, and the moisture content of the subfloor is checked...

Carpenter Bob Ryley works on the mahogany deck, while new kitchen appliances are installed and the lighting and cabinets undergo examination.

Joe Murphy installs a direct vent gas-driven fireplace, and Howard Brickman refinishes the hardwood floor.

The mahogany roof deck is complete, with the hot tub sturdily supported. Bob takes a final tour of the residence, the third Elmwood project house.

Porch restoration continues on the fifth Elmwood project house, with Forester Moulding and Lumber re-milling many porch elements.

The restoration of the front porch continues with workers putting the decking down and replacing the old columns. In addition, anti-termite control stations are p...

Homer Earl (from the Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau) explains what makes a quality shingle. The group takes a look at Sikkens Cetol shingle stain products, and Bo...

Landscaping work continues, as the new security system is installed and the reproduction railing is going into place on the front porch.

Bob points out that the side porch is nearly complete and remarks on the landscaping, before he meets homeowner Jim Verity on the completed front porch.

Front porch restoration continues with the roof being replaced and new red cedar shingles being applied on the porch wall. Bob demonstrates the shingle weaving pr...

Contractors put the finishing touches on the front porch by adding new Yellow Pine shutters and a coat of Sherwin Williams latex paint to the exterior.

Owners of the tenth Elmwood neighborhood project house, Peter Haraty and Brent Bachelder, want to create one large space on the attic level, a change requiring wa...

Homeowner Don DeSantis is transforming the attic level into an exercise space. The floor structure is being shored up in order to hold the wieght of excercise equ...

Bob recaps the entire Elmwood project. It was a community effort involving an array of houses, though great pains were made to adhere to the historic look of the ...

Bob takes a final tour of the home workout area, discussing the tub surround and the new exercise equipment.

Bob and contractor Ed Weller meet to demolish a block wall in order to open up the room for remodeling.

Bob confers with carpenter Cortney Lofton, as he lays the redwood decking for the back porch.

Bob and homeowner Gavin repair and refinish a 75-year-old oak floor. Because the new patch floor panels have a different thickness from the original, a belt sande...

Bob meets with the contractor to inspect the poured footings and discuss the pouring process. Next, Bob helps install the sill plate and explains the various type...

Bob reviews the framing for the new addition. Homeowner Linda points out the corner notches, which add architectural interest. And a large opening punctuates one ...

Bob assists the crew installing sidewall on the second floor of the addition.

Bob joins carpenter Bob Ryley, who is putting sidewall shingles onto the exterior of the new addition.

Bob visits the Georgia Pacific pressure-treated lumber plant in Sterling, GA to discover how pressure treated lumber is made to resist weather and rot.

Bob and carpenter Bob Ryley continue working on the backyard deck. Once they've finished theframing, they begin laying the deck boards.

Alongside restoration specialist Richard Marks at the Federal-style home in Charleston, Bob watches painter David Snyder scrape and sand old wood siding.

Bob chats with painter Rick Snyder in the dining room of the Federal-style home, while Rick experiments with color on intricate wood detail.

The wood has arrived for the perimeter benches, so Bob and contractor Bob Ryley begin constructing the architect-designed benches for the greenhouse. The wood is ...

Bob helps contractor Bob Ryley install 4x10 douglas fir floor joists, and also put in 2 x 6 spruce tongue-and-groove decking on the second floor.

Contractor Bob Ryley installs tongue-and-groove yellow pine flooring, as Gary D'Lessio (from Pergo) installs high-pressure laminate flooring.

Bob tours the Adamson Estate Museum, just down the beach from the project house, where he gets a look at authentic California-Spanish architecture.

Bob and interior decorator Robyn Peterson tour the master bedroom and bath. The 'antiqued' wood carpentry adds warmth to the bedroom, as does the use of unbleache...

Bob and contractor Bob Ryley install a butcher block countertop in the kitchen, and decorator Robyn Peterson shows Bob how to create a "crackle" finish.

Bob confers with Paul Pacella (from Maine Post and Beam of Cape Cod) about framing the barn. Eastern white pine is being used; this type of pine is a popular lumb...

Bob tours the Ralph A. Esty & Sons Lumber Corporation in Groveland, MA. Operations Manager Ken Monaco explains the process of aquiring and milling the lumber. The...

Bob travels to Canada for a tour of the Ainsworth oriented strand board (OSB) mill, one of the most modern OSB factories in the world.

Bob and contractor Bob Ryley create an overhang detail with eyebrow returns and cedar plywood siding.

Bob tours the American Plywood Association testing facilities with Tom Williamson, the Executive Vice President of Engineered Wood Systems. Tom explains the diffe...

Bob and contractor Bob Ryley install southern yellow pine plywood on the interior of the garage. On the exterior, Bob talks with Greg Binford about adding a stain...

Bob helps painting contractor Milo Moran roll solid stain over the yellow pine plywood walls on the boat storage side of the garage. Though not often applied insi...

Bob tours the lavish interior of Chateau-sur-Mer in Newport, RI. The entrance walls are painted canvas and the ceiling is adorned by a fresco. Hand-carved walnut ...

Having reviewed their work on preparing the site, Bob and contractor Bob Ryley begin laying the first-floor decking by using glue and nails to attach the plywood ...

Bob and Tom Moran (from Pella) discuss the anatomy of the doors chosen for the Martha's Vineyard Victorian project, and contractor Bob Ryley demonstrates the proc...

Bob reviews progress in the kitchen, which includes the installation of a pantry, and contractor Bob Ryley demonstrates how to build a door into a wood-paneled wa...

Bob takes a tour of the Georgia Pacific plywood plant near Savannah, GA to see how birch veneer plywood is made.

Contractor Larry Landers installs V-groove pine on the ceiling of the new front porch and demonstrates how to stagger and miter boards for an attractive, old-fash...

Flooring contractor Leo Boudreau shows Bob how to recycle hardwood flooring. First, the floor must be salvaged. A pry bar is used to lift and remove the wood, pie...

Due to flood plain regulations, the deck cannot be attached to the house-- it has to be free-floating. Bob helps the contractors set up the posts and joists, and ...

Bob visits Shepley Wood Products to discuss what to look for when ordering lumber.

Bob helps carpentry contractor Bob Ryley and his crew install a wooden window at the Cape Cod project house.

Bob goes over the electrical wiring with John Hickey. Also, cedar clapboards are put up on the exterior.

Carpentry contractor Bob Ryley demonstrates how to put up the pine interior paneling in the living room.

Bob visits Dave Parker in Vancouver, BC to see how Parallam beams are manufactured.

Bob joins Steve Armstrong, the project architect and engineer, to discuss the project. The challenge of building a home like this is marrying new methods of const...

Bob helps general contractor Tim Berky put a solid-core cherry-veneer door on its bronze butt hinges, and install matching door hardware.

General contractor Tim Berky trims out the windows with custom millwork created from a profile of the home's original trim. Bob looks at the four-panel cherry poc...

General contractor Tim Berky is installing Merillat cherry cabinets in the remodeled kitchen. Berky roughs in the base wall cabinet, shims it, and checks for leve...

General contractor Tim Berky is building the cedar deck railings, first by notching the edge board to receive posts, then by fitting one post into each notch. Onc...

Bob reviews the structure for the new deck. Paul Mackie (of the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association) joins to discuss the benefits of building with western red c...

General contractor Tim Berky installs the white oak, tongue-and-groove floor. Since the flooring will be nailed over the hyrdronic heat system, it is critical to ...