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As the days get longer and temperatures rise, May is the perfect time to start fresh outdoor projects. Whether you’re enhancing your backyard, boosting curb appeal, or finally tackling that DIY idea you’ve been saving, the right lumber can make all the difference. From functional builds to creative upgrades, here are some top lumber project ideas to kick off the season. 1. Build or Refresh Your Deck A deck is one of the most popular spring projects—and for good reason. It creates a versatile outdoor living space perfect for relaxing, entertaining, or dining. If you’re building new, consider pressure-treated lumber...

If you’re thinking of going into business as a contractor, it’s important to note that all states require contractors to be licensed. In addition, licensing laws are not universal across all 50 states. So, just because you’ve obtained a license in one state, doesn’t mean it would be legal to work as a contractor in another. Some states only require a license to work in specific fields such as plumbing, electrical, HVAC, or refrigeration. In these states, to be a general contractor doesn’t require a license. But, bear in mind that working in those above-mentioned fields without a license could...

To most individuals passing through rural areas, hay seems simple. Its dry, tough, and it feeds livestock. However there’s more to hay than meets the eye. Hay is one of those grasses where it is particularly hard to see the quality and composition. The best way to truly know the quality of hay you are using is to test it. Essentially, hay quality is affected by five major factors; stages of maturity, leafiness, color, foreign matter, and odor and condition. Out of all of these factors, the stages of maturity are the most important. The growth stage of the hay...

The biggest factor in determining the type and quality of wood that you’ll use for your next project is the project itself. That’s because certain varieties of wood are best suited for certain projects. For example, a hardwood with a closed grain such as maple would be an excellent choice for a butcher block, rather than soft porous wood such as pine. Most lumber can be described as either being either softwood or a hardwood. Generally, softwoods are much less expensive, so determining your needs can help you to decide which type of wood to buy. This, in turn can...