, , ,

Actual vs. Nominal Lumber Dimensions: What’s the Difference? 

A board with a 1 x 4” nominal size and a ¾ x 3.5” nominal size with both measurements shown. 

Ok. You have your project plans ready to go and are taking the next big step – buying the dimensional lumber. But then, confusion sets in when you realize the product you’re looking for has two different names. Oh no!

It’s important to know that when it comes to the size of finish grade lumber, there’s a difference between what the board is called (its nominal size) and its actual size.

This, of course, can be a little confusing for beginner DIY woodworking enthusiasts – but it doesn’t have to be. Let’s take a look at the difference so you can get accurate and precise results whenever you’re working with dimensional lumber.

Read more

/by
, , , , , ,

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

/by
, , , ,

A Woodworker’s List: Best Solid Woods Used In Wood Furniture

A woodworking project made by an experienced woodworker.

DIY furniture making and woodworking projects are all the rage on social media platforms. And, while woodworking was once dominated by ultra-experienced craftsmen, in today’s world, more and more people are getting comfortable with the idea of putting their individual creativity to work. But, how do you know what types of wood are best for your project?

How-to videos are all over the internet – you can even find some on our Content Studio – and they’ve opened up a world of possibilities, whether you’re a woodworker with decades of experience or a homeowner looking to dabble in an interior upgrade.

Read more

/by
, ,

Using Real American Hardwood: A More Sustainable World

Men practicing sustainable forestry management.

Your environment matters – whether we’re talking about your living room, your neighborhood or the world. It’s important to be forward-thinking when making decisions about our own best interests, and that’s why green business practices matter to us!

Sustainability is a major focus at Baird Brothers. We’ve been using zero waste and environmentally sustainable practices for decades and will continue doing so for decades more. Our passion for sustainability is one of the many reasons we believe that wood products are important for the future of our forests, and we believe that the use of real American hardwood results in a greener world, not to mention a more relaxing home!

Read more

/by
, , , ,

An In-Depth Look at Tongue & Groove Hardwood Flooring

White oak tongue and groove flooring.

Hardwood flooring that features tongue and groove boards is today’s industry standard, and for good reason. Even though flooring fads come and go, the popularity of tongue and groove wood flooring is nothing new. In fact, it’s been used since the Industrial Revolution. (For you non-history buffs, that was between the late 1700’s and mid-1800’s.) There are a lot of perks that come with this type of flooring, which makes it one of the only contenders for your hardwood flooring home improvement.

Read more

/by
, , , ,

Mix Wood Tones Like an Expert Interior Designer

A dining room with matching warm wood undertones.

Thinking about mixing wood tones in your home but concerned that you’ll end up with a busy, miss-matchy look? Let us put your mind at ease!

Mixing tones of wood furniture and wood floors can create visual interest, leaving you with a stunning, professional-like home design. All you have to do is put a little thought into how the different wood tones interact with one another. Let’s take a look at the considerations you need to take into account before getting started.

Read more

/by
, , ,

The 8 Best Wood Types For Woodworking DIY Projects

A craftsman considering several wood types for woodworking.

It’s no secret that woodworking – even just as a hobby – comes with a lot of benefits. Not only do you end up with a beautiful DIY project (whether it be a handmade musical instrument, baseball bat or fine furniture), but it also leaves you feeling a zen-like calm.

No matter what the item might be, good DIY projects start with good building materials. And that means you have to be selective about what type of wood you’re using. It’s important to know how the different wood types stack up against each other when it comes to woodworking so that you can make the best choice for your project’s needs.

Read more

/by
, , , , , , , , , ,

Products Come to Life at Fixer-Upper in the Nebraska Sandhills

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).

Read more

/by
, , ,

Managing Hardwood Lumber Supply for Job Sites & Woodworking Projects

Baird Brothers products on the Renovation Hunters job site.

A job site manager’s responsibility is to ensure that the team has all the tools and building materials needed to get the project done. And as a contractor, hardwood flooring and lumber supply should be on the top of your list. Whether you’re remodeling a home or building from the ground up, fine hardwood products have a way of elevating any new space or project.

Read more

/by
,

Environmental Benefits of Forestry Lumber Management: A Conversation With Amy Shields

Amy Shields talking about the benefits of forestry lumber.

Note: this is a transcript from our recent AHA interview. If you would like to watch the full video, check out our content studio page. This interview is also available as a podcast episode – find it here.

Steve Stack:

Brought to you direct from Studio 3B at Baird Brothers Fine Hardwoods, American Hardwood Advisor is your source for trends, tips, and insights into how the building industry has evolved. 

Join me, Steve Stack, along with guest builders and industry leaders, as we talk shop and go in-depth on what it takes to be the best of the best. 

Dive into topics like architecture, industry trends, project plans, historical tools, tricks of the trade, and life lessons from more than six decades of experience in the hardwood lumber business.

Read more

/by