Timberrrrrr!!!!!! If a tree falls in the forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? The old philosophical thought experiment is not supposed to have an answer. It’s meant to evoke thoughts about unperceived existence and metaphysical reality. Very heady stuff. Those who have been to the forest and […]

The term “engineered wood” seems a bit of an oxymoron. Wood, after all, is designed and built entirely by a little corporation called Mother Nature. It’s natural and perfect – for the most part. As is our nature as humans, though, we have set out to engineer a better, stronger wood. Like the 6 Million […]

Let There be Light It’s always sunny in Southern California. When the sun goes down each night, we start to miss it. The night sky is beautiful – especially on a clear evening – but it shades the natural beauty around us. It also makes it difficult to entertain guests outdoors in the dark! Thanks […]

In Southern California, it’s always garden season. Sure, the flora and fauna may differ slightly with the seasons, but as a lucky resident of the most golden part of the Golden State, you can enjoy your garden area year around. You can also change, accent and reimagine its design whenever you want. Your garden, as […]

There is a myriad of reasons to build a fence around your yard – privacy, setting the boundaries of your property, keeping your kids and dogs safe, and keeping critters and nosy neighbors out. A home with a fence is classically American, but we’ve come a long way from the traditional white picket fence. Technology, […]

On The Fence As you sit on your back porch looking at your vegetable garden, you realize that once again, it has been ravaged by intruders. Rabbits? Chipmunks? A Chupacabra, perhaps? No matter, the damage is done. You then notice that your dog has decided to roam the neighborhood without permission. Yup, it’s time for […]

Deck railings: They’re beautiful, functional – and sometimes mandatory. If your deck is more than 30” off of the ground, you are required, by law, to add railings that are at least 42” high with gaps no larger than 3” apart in the interior structure, whether they be wooden slats, cables, glass or any other […]

In Southern California, we love the outdoors. With a near-perfect climate and 300-plus days of sun, there is ample opportunity to spend time outside of our homes. But we also love the comfort of home – camping in the woods or desert is great, but you probably don’t want to do it every day. A […]

You know that slab of concrete in your back yard? The one that just sits there, looking bare and almost begging to be torn up? One of these days, you swear, you’ll get around to renting that jackhammer and tearing the whole thing up. Is that what you’re thinking? If so, you’re looking at it […]

There’s just something satisfying about lumber. Humans have been using it for shelters, homes, furniture, weapons, tools, fuel and paper throughout the history of civilization. Even though we have developed countless new materials for these purposes, our relationship with wood remains solid (pun intended). Perhaps it’s because wood connects us to the beauty of nature, […]