People email us asking what tools they need to start making wooden toys. The honest answer is "less than you think." My first ten toys were made with a $35 hand saw, a $40 cordless drill, and a $25 sander. Every workshop I've ever owned has eventually filled up with shiny single-purpose tools that get […]
Author Archives: Tom Hartley
The 10 Best Deck Stains of 2024 to Protect Your Deck All recommended products and services are independently evaluated by us. We may be compensated if you click on the links we provide. You can enjoy your backyard deck whether you are alone, relaxing with a book and a cold drink or with friends and family. Maintaining […]
11 Best Deck Cleaners of 2023 for Your Home Outdoor decks are a wonderful place to chill, host meals al fresco, and soak up nature. Constantly exposed to the elements, however, decks can also get grimy and dirty pretty quickly. Keeping your deck clean is essential in both extending the deck’s longevity and enjoying your time outdoors. Luckily, […]
5 Tips for Maintaining Your Deck for Years to Come Decks are designed to provide outdoor living areas that promote relaxation. While wood decks are beautiful and blend in with the surroundings, composites (a mixture of plastic and wood) are easy to maintain and durable. Constant exposure to the elements will damage your deck, and shorten its […]
2×8 Actual Size: Is 2×8 Lumber 2 Inches Deep & 8 Inches Wide? Do you have a DIY project or a home improvement plan that involves buying lumber? If you’re new to purchasing hardwood or softwood, you should know a few important things. The dimensions of the wood, such as 2×8 lumber size, are important. You […]
What is the Cheapest Hardwood Lumber to Buy? Hardwoods have long been the standard of excellence for cabinetmakers, furniture makers, and all woodworkers. Hardwood furniture and finishes are unique because they’re hard, stable and come in a variety of beautiful colors and grain patterns. Hardwood lumber isn’t cheap. Hardwood lumber is expensive, with prices easily exceeding $20 […]
What Is 2×6 Actual Size? Nominal Size And Actual Size For almost all DIY projects that involve lumber, the 2×6 size is commonly used in the frame construction for walls. This is the best choice because it provides more space between exterior and interior walls. This helps to retain more insulation, and reduces outside noise. […]
The Woodworking Symbol of Feet and Inches explained Making inaccurate measurements is one of the most common mistakes made by beginners in woodworking. This can lead to you buying too much or too little lumber, or cutting wood pieces that don’t add. These mistakes can be caused by not understanding the woodworking feet and inches symbols. In […]



