A collection of wooden dowel rods.

Wood dowels have been a staple of woodworking and carpentry since the late 19th century, and they come in handy for many DIY projects. If you’re searching for an exceptional woodworking joint or an easy-to-make workpiece, then wooden dowels may be just the thing you need.

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A kitchen remodel with wood counters and wood cabinets.

If you’re thinking of redoing your kitchen countertops, picking the right countertop surface can be a challenge. Obviously, you want something that will last. You don’t want something that requires a ton of upkeep. And, hopefully, in the end, it won’t break the bank.

So, with all of that, have you ever considered wood plank or butcher block countertops? Using wood in your kitchen renovation can add a touch of timeless charm to the space – and these unique styles are definitely on-trend. But still, we’re sure you’re wondering, “Are wood countertops really a good choice?”

Our answer is short and sweet! They sure are!

Let’s take a quick look at the butcher block countertop pros and cons compared to other countertop materials, and you’ll see why so many restaurants and homeowners alike choose to use them in their kitchen design.

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Dowel rods in comparison to screws and dowel screws.

Dowel vs. screws, screws vs. dowels – if you’re planning a woodworking project, you might be asking yourself which one you should use. When it comes to modern joinery methods, screws are the go-to for manufacturers looking to churn out a high volume of product. But, just because screws are good for fast work, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the right fit for your DIY woodworking projects.

Dowels are often labeled as time-consuming or difficult for beginners to master – however, dowel joinery is worth the time and effort to learn. If it’s a strong joint you want, then it’s most likely dowels – not screws – that you need.

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Old home makeover on Renovation Hunters.

Older homes have charm and character that is next to impossible to capture in a new build. But, before diving head-first into the demo and remodeling of an old home, there are a few things to consider.

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Old home remodeled on Renovation Hunters near the Nebraska Sandhills.

In early 2022, Hal Shaffer and Chris Filardi gave general contractor Kevin Tarkovich a tour of a historic home in Hyannis, Nebraska. They intended to give new life to the property, as the first project on their new Outdoor Channel series, Renovation Hunters, but the term makeover was an understatement for this 19th-century home, to say the least.

Host Hal Shaffer reassured Kevin on the challenge of renovating the main street’s focal point saying, “You can take all the time you want, as long as it’s done in eight days!” So, they got to work on remodeling old homes for their show – starting in the Sandhills of Nebraska – with the help of numerous craftsmen and DIY-ers, along with some awesome brand partners (if we do say so ourselves).

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Home builder industry experts at the American Hardwood Advisor studio.

Podcasts are a great resource for all things woodworking, and there are a variety of shows aimed at woodworkers of all skill levels.

In this blog, we’ll count down the top 10 woodworker podcasts for our fellow woodworking enthusiasts, no matter if you’re a beginner, hobbyist or experienced craftsman. So, grab your hand tools, turn up your speakers and settle in for some of the best woodworking industry talk!

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Wide plank live sawn white oak flooring from Baird Brothers.

If you’re looking to refresh your home, it might be time to consider installing new wood floors. Fortunately, you don’t have to look too far for an on-trend, durable option; wide plank live sawn white oak flooring has taken the housing market by storm, and it’s easy to see why!

  1. Wide plank live sawn flooring is beautiful.
  2. White oak is timeless.
  3. The live sawn technique is environmentally friendly.
  4. Wide plank live sawn white oak flooring fits with numerous design styles.

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A variety of hardwood moulding elements.

The right moulding (or trim) can elevate the appearance and value of any space, from the smallest dining room to the largest master suite. Moulding styles come in a variety of profiles that can be installed by themselves or combined for a truly custom look. So when choosing the right trim style for a home, consider available materials, personal taste and budget.

Finalizing hardwood mouldings can be a tricky thing for some. Afterall, there are tons of options out there, and each one has its own look and feel. It’s important to make sure that you pick something that works with the home’s architectural style, as well as your personality as the homeowner.

Whether you’re interested in elaborate millwork with dentil moulding or want to add a simple base cap to your baseboard, this guide will break down the basics so that you know what’s out there when it comes to types of molding styles.

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Hunting cabin decor.

Hunting cabins are the perfect place to rest, relax and enjoy time with loved ones in between bonfires, fishing and hunting. When decorating a rustic cabin, there are many ways to style the interior, whether you like simple and minimal, traditional rustic or a modern farmhouse vibe. 

Here are seven simple rustic hunting cabin decor ideas that are guaranteed to transform any hunting cabin, lodge or lake house into a cozy space year-round.

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Transcript taken directly from the Build It With Baird Tips for Sanding & Finishing Wood episode.

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