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Install Hardwood Flooring Like A Professional: Everything You Need To Know

Professional showing how to install hardwood flooring step-by-step.

Wood floors are popular with homeowners because of their elegant look, combined with how easy they are to clean and maintain. Plus, they can last for years with proper refinishing. But, the thought of a hardwood floor installation can be daunting, especially for a DIY novice. That’s where this helpful guide comes into play.

The fact is, you don’t have to be a professional contractor to install new wood floors! That’s right; click-lock isn’t the only DIY-friendly installation method. Start your DIY project by following along with these helpful tips (straight from the hardwood flooring source itself – Baird Brothers!), and with a little research and planning, you’ll be on your way to completing your flooring project in no time.

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Butcher Block Countertop & Other Wood Counters: Go Beyond the Kitchen

Plank wood countertop in an updated kitchen design.

It’s taken interior design by storm and we know we’ve mentioned it over and over: butcher block countertops look great as kitchen islands, full kitchen countertops and bathroom accents.

But, those beautiful wood countertops can be so much more than just a chopping block for food preparation. There are plenty of other creative uses out there, whether you’re looking to upgrade your home with more work space or just want a fun DIY project. Let’s dive into some inspiration!

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Top Species and Styles: Wood Fireplace Mantels

A man shopping for wood for a mantel.

Nothing ties a living space together like a fireplace mantel.

Using a real wood surround adds a unique focal point to your living room, but those handcrafted floating shelves can be showstoppers, too! (Live edge slabs are popular right now, but a box mantel – even with some corbel accents – is sure to stay on-trend for decades to come).

No matter what style you want, it all starts with picking the right wood and getting to work. Read more

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7 Best DIY Space-Saving Ideas

A small living room incorporating several space-saving ideas like wall-mounted shelving-units.

Homes are getting smaller and smaller, because cost per square foot has been on the rise. That means that space-saving storage ideas are increasingly popular for interior design, and thanks to social media, more people are tackling DIY projects than before.

Whether you’re considering space-saving projects for a tiny house or want to renovate a big home full of family knickknacks and necessities, storage is important. After all, living spaces are for living – not for wading through a bunch of stuff bought off Amazon.

If you’re looking to clear up your home’s square footage and love a good DIY project, then these space-saving ideas are perfect for you.

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Inspiring Design Ideas for Small Living Spaces

Interior of small lake house located in Baldwin, MI.

It’s no secret that it’s difficult to maximize the usable area of a small living space. Apartment sizes are shrinking and tiny homes are on the rise (especially with the increased cost of building and renovating).

If you live in a tiny space or have a small getaway property, it can feel like popular decorating ideas aren’t meant for you. But, even if your living area is on the smallest side of small, there are still plenty of ways to make the space feel big – AND save space, too.

Don’t believe us? Check out some of these great design ideas for properties with a tiny interior footprint. We guarantee they will change how your small space looks and feels!

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Carpentry 101: Miter Saw vs. Table Saw – What Power Tool Do You Need?

A sliding compound miter saw being used to make a cut.

There’s no way around it. You need to invest in some power tools if you’re planning a DIY renovation or project. But, when you’re not a professional woodworker, how do you even know what you need – especially when it comes to saws?

If you don’t have your own woodworking shop and are struggling to know whether you need a miter saw or table saw, let us help you out. Each one results in different types of cuts and, in many situations, one is better suited to a particular DIY woodworking task than the other.

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Know What’s What – An Insider Look at the Parts of Interior Doors

A picture of an interior door with the rail, stile, panels and mullion labeled.

A little bit of know-how can go a long way. If you’re a DIY enthusiast interested in doing your own door design, or just curious about the different parts of interior doors, we’ve got a treat for you.  Here we’ll break down all the different parts that make up your doors.

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Choosing the Best Hardwood for Cutting Boards

Maple cutting board with Baird Brothers logo.

If you enjoy spending time in the kitchen, one of the best tools you can have is a hardwood cutting board. 

Believe it or not, wood can have more sanitary benefits than plastic when preparing food. Let’s take a look at the best species of hardwood for cutting boards (also called chopping boards), taking into account their characteristics, food safety properties and maintenance. Read more

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10 Essential Woodworking Tools: From DIY Beginners to Experienced Craftsmen

A collection of essential woodworking tools.

Whether you’re a beginner woodworker or an experienced craftsman, the right tools make or break a woodworking project. Of course, every situation is different, but there are some basic hand tools and pieces of power equipment that every woodworker needs in their workspace or woodshop. 

Whether you’re building bookshelves, cabinets, or something completely new and unique, the essential woodworking tools listed below will get the job done and help you create some truly beautiful DIY projects.

[Free Plans] Stressed about organizing your tools? Download our FREE plans to create French cleat shelf storage unit!

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Wooden Step Stools: What You Need to Know Before You Start Your DIY Project

Wooden step stool.

Step stools are simple: they give you a boost in height when you need it most! Building your own step stool lets you customize every inch, making it a unique gift or an item that can be handed down through generations.

In fact, wooden step stools are great accessory items that can be designed to fit the existing pieces of furniture you already own! They’re easy to make and can be constructed out of different wood species — ranging from the most common to the most exotic.

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