Articles
HOFT: An Alternative Fencing Option
When you think about a fence for your yard, many people picture a traditional style made of cedar or Douglas fir pickets and wooden posts. While this is a classic look, an alternative option is the HOFT system that combines metal posts with your choice of infill (either wooden or synthetic). HOFT Fencing The HOFT…
Read MoreCan Tongue and Groove Be Used for Decking?
While tongue and groove (T&G) is a versatile product, it isn’t the ideal decking material (unless used on a covered porch). The main reason we don’t recommend using T&G decking outside is because once installed, there are no gaps between boards. Without proper spacing between deck boards, water will collect and lead to moisture damage.…
Read MoreAdvantages of Using a Cedar Soffit Vent
Roof ventilation is not just about maintaining a comfortable temperature; it’s about safeguarding your home against moisture-related issues that can wreak havoc on your property. Proper ventilation significantly reduces moisture accumulation, which helps prevents mold, mildew, and wood rot. By preserving the integrity of your shingles and roof structure, proper ventilation extends the lifespan of…
Read More5 Benefits of a Cedar Deck
There are many wood deck material options to choose from, and several companies have produced PVC and composite options. But there are also a variety of wood options like pressure-treated, ipe, and other exotic hardwoods. However, cedar stands out as a timeless choice. From its natural rot-resistant properties to its ability to adapt to various…
Read MoreFilm-forming or Penetrating Stains — What is the Best Finish for Your Project?
There are countless finishes for wood projects, and it can be hard to make sense of the options. To pick the right product for your project, it’s helpful to understand the difference between the two main types of stain: film-forming and penetrating. Each carries unique advantages and considerations that we’ve outlined below. 1. Film-Forming Stains:…
Read MoreSanding Cedar Deck Boards: New Decks
Sanding cedar deck boards is a fundamental step in deck preparation. In addition to creating a smooth surface that feels good under bare feet, it’s important for proper stain absorption. Sanding opens the grains and removes any surface glazing that might remain from the milling process. We recommend using a random orbital sander to speed…
Read MoreSmooth vs. Rough: How Does Texture Affect Finishing?
Understanding how texture affects finishing is essential for achieving the desired aesthetic and intended results. So, let’s talk texture and delve into the way smooth vs. rough textures affect the finishing process. There are three things to consider when choosing the right texture: Smooth vs. Rough: Absorption Dynamics The wood’s texture plays a vital role…
Read MoreExplaining Cedar Grades
Deciphering cedar grades can be confusing. First, cedar can be graded using two different criteria: structure and appearance. Structural Grade Appearance Grade Used when strength and physical properties are the primary consideration. Generally, this grading only applies to timbers over 2” in width. Used when strength is not the primary consideration. Instead, cedar is visually…
Read More5 DIY Cedar Projects to Finish in a Weekend
Western red cedar is the ultimate building material because it’s naturally resistant to rot and decay, dimensionally stable, and is a sustainable resource. Many people choose cedar for large projects like decks and siding, but it’s also a great choice for smaller DIY projects. We’ve rounded up 5 DIY cedar projects from Real Cedar that…
Read MoreBest Lumber for Building a Pergola
Pergolas are a great backyard addition, and we field a lot of questions about the best lumber to use when building this type of outdoor structure. Our top two recommendations are always the same: western red cedar or Douglas fir. Western Red Cedar Pergolas Cedar is our number one choice for pergola lumber because we…
Read MorePergola Hardware
To build a pergola, you need two things: lumber and hardware. While people do have questions about the best wood for a pergola, the bigger roadblock is usually what kind of hardware to use. There are countless hardware options on the market, but we suggest one of two brands: Toja Grid brackets or the Outdoor…
Read MoreDeck Board Profiles Explained
There’s more to choosing decking than just picking the material. You also need to choose a deck board profile. There are three main profiles: solid, grooved, and tongue and groove. The type of profile impacts the performance and appearance of your deck, so it’s important to choose the right decking profile for your project. Solid…
Read More2024 Cedar Pricing and Availability
Cedar prices and availability have fluctuated over the last few years, but we’re expecting our stock to remain stable again for the 2024 building season. The building industry has continued to remain stable, which has allowed us to maintain most of the pricing for our 2024 stock. 2024 Cedar Pricing At The WoodSource, we aim to…
Read MoreRecreating Broken or Missing Handles
A frequent request in the CNC shop is whether we can replicate broken (or missing) handles. Usually, these requests come from people with antique or heritage items, like historical guns, treasured heirlooms, or other one-of-a-kind objects. We recently completed an antique gun handle replica for a customer. Here’s the process we went through to create…
Read MoreInterior Wood Panelling Options
Installing wood panelling is a popular way to upgrade a room and add warmth and character to a space. There are a variety of interior wood panelling options, and it’s important to choose the right product for your project. There are a few decisions to make when choosing wood panelling: Difference Between Siding and Panelling Siding…
Read More4 Types of Sawn Wood
When processing logs into planks and dimensional lumber, four main saw patterns can be used: It’s important to understand the difference in saw patterns because the way wood is cut affects its stability and appearance. Flat Sawn (Also called Plain Sawn) Log Cut Surface/Face Grain End Grain Flat sawn is the most common cut pattern…
Read MoreBuying Marine Plywood — What You Need to Know
Marine plywood is a specialty sheet good often used on boats and other outdoor applications. It differs from other plywood by the species of wood, number (and thickness) of layers, and the adhesive used in manufacturing. Marine Plywood Core Marine plywood is made up of many thin layers which reduces voids and large knots in…
Read MoreBest Wood for a Sauna
Saunas (both indoor and stand-alone outdoor buildings) are becoming increasingly popular in Canada. As more Ottawa homeowners design and build saunas, we field many calls asking for recommendations on the best wood to use. Our go-to suggestion is western red cedar, but if someone wants a different species, thermally modified wood is a unique option. …
Read MoreParts of a Staircase
Are you upgrading (or building) a staircase and overwhelmed by the parts and terminology? Below, we break down the two main parts of a staircase and explain each component in detail. Step System The step is comprised of four main components: Stringer: The structural part of the staircase. Tread: The walking surface of a staircase.…
Read MoreWood Texture Options: Rough Sawn, Skip-Dressed, Fresh Sawn, and Dressed
When purchasing lumbers and timbers, you’ll be confronted with wood texture (sometimes called finishing) options. Understanding the difference between rough sawn, fresh sawn, skip-dressed, and dressed lumber might seem overwhelming, but it’s actually very straightforward! Texture Roughness Rough Sawn High Fresh Sawn Medium Skip-dressed Low Dressed None Wood texture options What is rough sawn timber? Sometimes…
Read MorePrefinished Wood Siding Guide
If you’re looking to re-side your home with wood, you have two main options: unfinished wood siding or prefinished wood siding. Prefinished siding is popular because it comes with a factory finish, so you don’t need to worry about painting or staining after installation. It’s very easy to install and is warranted for up…
Read MoreHow to Match Gingerbread Trim
There are over 7,500 properties listed in Ottawa’s heritage register, with many of the homes in the Victorian or Carpenter Gothic style. While these homes are undoubtedly beautiful, a problem homeowners of these heritage buildings often face is how to match deteriorating (or missing) gingerbread trim. You could try to replicate the trim by hand…
Read MoreUnfinished Wood Siding Guide
When it comes to choosing wood siding, there are a lot of options. First and foremost, you have to decide if you want to install unfinished siding or go with prefinished siding. For this article, we’re focusing exclusively on unfinished options. Learn about prefinished options in our article: Prefinished Wood Siding Guide. There are three…
Read MoreCedar, Ipe or Red Batu Decking — Which is Best for You?
When it comes to the best wood for an Ottawa deck, there are three main options: Western Red cedar, Ipe, and Red Batu. Any of these woods would be an excellent choice for your deck, and often the decision comes down to personal preference and budget considerations. Cedar Western red cedar is the classic decking…
Read MoreWhy We Recommend CUTEK Extreme to Finish Decks
Are you looking to stain your wood decking? High-quality decking stains protect and maintain (or enhance!) the natural look of wood. But, with so many options available on the market, it can be difficult to decide which finish is best for your project. We’re here to help by highlighting the benefits of CUTEK wood oil…
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