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

Living room decorated with one of today’s most popular architectural design styles.

Whether you’re doing a complete overhaul on your home or searching for some quick makeover design ideas, we have the latest (and greatest) suggestions to get you started.

Fresh out of the industry’s leading trade event – the International Builders Show – here are top 7 interior design trends to look for.

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A split image of white and red oak flooring with the words “The Difference Between Red Oak and White Oak Flooring Explained” above it.

There are a lot of hardwood flooring options out there, but certain species beat the rest when it comes to wood flooring applications.

White oak and red oak floors have been the standard for quite a while, but even though they both have oak in the name, they aren’t identical twins. There are some key differences, and if you’re considering red oak flooring or white oak flooring, those differences are important to know before you buy.

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A DIYer installing hardwood floors in his living room.

Looking for a way to elevate your home’s value? Or just looking to love your space a little more?

Installing hardwood floors offers good bang for your buck – as long as it’s done correctly. And, while it can be a fantastic DIY project, there are some universal elements to check (or at least know about) if you don’t want crooked, cupped or buckling flooring boards.

Here’s your list of must-dos when it comes to a proper flooring installation method so you’re left with the most beautiful wood floors you’ve ever seen.

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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.

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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.

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Natural stone flooring, ceramic floor tile, luxury vinyl tile, and solid hardwood flooring options.

If you’re a homeowner looking to elevate your home’s interior design, the best place to start is hiding right under your feet! The thought of deciding on a floor (whether you’re building new or planning a remodel) can be overwhelming. But, the good news is that balancing a luxurious look with low maintenance doesn’t have to be daunting. In fact, the best flooring for a lavish look can come in various forms – from real wood planks to porcelain tile.

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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.

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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.

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This Old House Modern Barnhouse in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Modern barn home designs don’t have to be plain — Baird Brothers Fine Hardwoods has products that help you bring a modern feel to this type of traditionally-styled house.

This Old House’s Modern Barnhouse Idea House, located near St. Paul in Afton, Minnesota, is a master class in designing with nature in mind while building for today’s style. This 2021 Idea House was the brainchild and dream home of Amy Matthews, and the plans she developed with D/O Architects Colin Oglesbay and Aaron McCauley-Aburto outlined a 3,800 square-foot barnhouse with an open floor plan and plenty of windows. The plans were brought to life by builder Chad Maack and his team at Hartman Homes.

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