Q: I live in northern coastal California, in the heart of the redwoods. We're currently remodeling a simple structure (in a highly visible town-square location) into an elaborately detailed storefront, in keeping with the surrounding 1880s architecture. While all the vintage storefronts (and their framing) are constructed of old-growth redwood, we would like to use modern alternatives — such as engineered products — that would be more environmentally responsible. Since the exterior will be painted, the panels, columns, and crown and detail moldings can be built with any product that will withstand our moist climate. Do you have any recommendations? More
A carpenter turned salvage contractor tells how he turns a profit keeping used... More
As competition between manufacturers of composite decking increases, and as the category itself grows and claims a larger share of the market, composites manufacturers are adding to their product lines with new coordinating accessories such as post caps and skirts and deck railings. Trex composite decking, Correct Building Products' CorrectDeck, Kadant Composites' GeoDeck, LP's WeatherBest Premium, and TimberTech composite decking are all available in dark colors that exhibit minimal weathering and fading. More
A wide variety of wood species are salvaged from old mills, barns, factories, and warehouses and recycled into baseboard, paneling, crown molding, wainscoting, and more to re-create historical styles or achieve contemporary profiles. More
For most flooring products, it's not hard to figure out where they've been -- from the factory to the dealer to the bed of your truck is pretty much a safe assumption. A number of companies offer products that can make a statement unlike any other, thanks to a unique lineage, years of wear, and character that surpasses anything you'd find in a shrink-wrapped box. AsiaRain recycled wood flooring is crafted from the tropical wood of old railroad ties in Southeast Asian countries. More
