Recent Blog Posts

Simpson Strong-Tie Shows You How to Build a Stronger Deck — in Eight Easy Videos

The year 2016 saw its share of momentous events, if you care to recall: Britain voted to leave the EU, Russia interfered in the US presidential election and North Korea conducted nuclear tests. At that time, the world was still in an economic expansion and Americans were still living their usual...

FENCING REGULATIONS: PERMITS & HEIGHT STIPULATIONS

For DIYers and inspired homeowners alike, embarking on a fencing project can be an exciting endeavor with high returns. After all, a fence can change the look and feel of an outdoor space while also serving as a perimeter of safety. But to make the saying “good fences make good neighbors” ring true...

Project Ideas for Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day is known as the kickoff of summer fun. Campgrounds, amusement parks and beaches all typically mark the long weekend as their season’s opening. If you find yourself staying home during Memorial Day weekend, there’s another thing the holiday weekend is known to kickoff which might be...

Spring Maintenance: What to Look for After the Snow Melts

A blanket of snow may be pretty to look at, but what is it covering up? The harsh winter weather takes a toll on the exterior of homes and yards, while much of the damage and debris is hidden until spring. Once the snow melts and the moderate temperatures are upon us again, it is a good time to...

DIY: Nominal Lumber Size Versus Actual Lumber Size

Every so often a homeowner tackling a new project will reach out to ask why their lumber doesn’t fit the connector. We sympathize. Lumber sizes can be confusing, especially when someone is first getting started with DIY woodworking. Nearly every single time this question comes up, it comes down to...

Home Trends 2021

With the coronavirus pandemic continuing well into 2021, our homes are the center stage of our lives not just for typical at home activities, but also for telecommute working, remote school learning, Zoom meetings, staycations, and desperately needed relaxation. Which home trends and projects can...

Housing Remains Economic Bright Spot, but Challenges Persist

WASHINGTON — As the country continues to rebound from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, housing has been a bright spot in the economic recovery. And while the home building industry is poised for another solid year in 2021, regulatory and supply-side challenges could harm housing affordability,...

The Future of Home Design – During and After COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed the way we live in a matter of months. With less time out in the world, we have realized the ways that our homes now need to change, too. Tiny apartments clustered around communal laundry mats and all-inclusive workout rooms must reassess safety in a...

In Depth: Trim & Moulding

Despite pandemic challenges, the market looks healthy for the decorative trim segment. If you want to understand the staying power of the moulding and trim industry, you’ll need to look far back in time. The ancient Greeks extensively used mouldings to adorn their temples such as the Parthenon, and...

Garage Makeover Projects

Every garage owner knows the luxury of their extra storage space— at least until it becomes full. They soon learn how quickly that luxury can become a burden. Garage clutter isn’t something that happens overnight. It builds slowly, right under your nose until before you know it, you begin to lose...

Home Trends

Does your home need an update? Are you looking to refresh and rejuvenate your space? Do you want to add more personal flair and distinction to really make your home a reflection of you? There are many exciting home trends that could be perfect to give your home the customization and character you...

Tips to Improve the Air Quality in Your Home

Many think air pollution is just an outdoor issue. The truth is, indoor air quality is just as important. Perhaps even more so, when you consider the amount of time spent indoors. Poor inside air quality is due to many factors such as a lack of ventilation, chemicals present in building materials...

Winter Home Improvement Tips to Help Save you Money and Energy

Just because every year there’s always talks about Global Warming, the warmest winter in years, and the sweaty hot summer we just had doesn’t mean winter is going to be some cake walk where no one slips, steps in the black slush, and wakes up in the middle of night to crank up the heat. When I look...

Get That Guestroom Spruced up For the Holidays

If you’re ever going to need a guest room, the Holidays would most likely be the time. As family and friends travel to be with each other during this time of year, what could be more welcoming than a thoughtfully prepared guest room? While many family members from afar would simply appreciate a...

Therma Tru Doors

Built-In Privacy Starts Here! Smooth-Star® doors with internal blinds featuring EnLiten™ flush-glazed designs deliver a simple, seamless look and long-lasting performance. Ideal for patio, side and back doors, the versatile, convenient design allows for optimal daylight and outdoor views or...

How to Install Titen Turbo Concrete and Masonry Screw Anchor

Rising lumber prices can stunt housing market growth

While housing has played a leading role in helping to stabilize the economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, soaring lumber prices and ongoing supply shortages threaten to blunt momentum in the housing market and jeopardize an economic recovery. Due to insufficient domestic production and...