| About wood repair
Wood has been humanity's basic building material throughout recorded history. It's versatile, easy to work with, and unlike money, it grows on trees.
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| Building with plywood
Plywood consists of several layers of wood glued together, and it offers an economical alternative to natural wood. It's normally available in four-by-eight foot sheets and is graded according to its use.
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| Finishing woodwork
The type of finish you apply to wood depends on what the wood will be subjected to and the effect you want to achieve. First, decide whether you want to stain the wood.
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| Hardwood vs. softwoods
As a general rule, softwoods are used for construction, while hardwoods are used for furniture, cabinetry, and floors. Pine, cedar, fir, and redwood are the most common softwoods, although cypress, hemlock, and spruce are sometimes used.
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| Installing paneling
A wood paneled room, or even an accent wall, can have an exciting effect on the ambiance of a room. If you plan to install paneling, don't plan on it replacing drywall.
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| Selecting lumber
Your choice of lumber depends on what you plan to use it for. The Department of Commerce has set specific standards for grading lumber. Most of the lumber you find in lumber yards will be softwood--probably pine, fir, cedar, or redwood.
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| Wood floor maintenance
Wood floors can have several different finishes. They can be installed first, then finished, or prefinished at the factory before installation. Polyurethane (pol-ee-YUR-uh-thane), either solvent- or water-based, is the most common finish, although penetrating oils and waxes are also used.
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