Cleaning Exterior Wood Surfaces As wood ages, mildew (mold) and algae begin to grow on the surface. This is a normal process; these organisms do not degrade the wood. They cannot break down the structural components of wood. They just live there. They feed off airborne contaminants, extractives, and oils in wood and in some … [Read more…]
Dimensional Instability of Kiln Dried Lumber Hardwood lumber is typically kiln dried and used for interior applications such as furniture, paneling, cabinets, flooring, etc. The final moisture content of the lumber coming out of the kiln will vary but will typically be around 6 to 10 %. This is ideal because most houses are climate … [Read more…]
Insect Problems With Kiln Dried Lumber Image courtesy of Dr. M.F. Potter, Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky. Kiln dried lumber offers many advantages such as reduced weight and increased strength. Most insects will not attack wood that has been kiln dried to a moisture content less then 10%. However, if this lumber is stored … [Read more…]
Glues and Gluing Wood Importance of Gluing At most every stage of woodwork construction, there is a need for quality gluing. During the early stages of construction, it may be required to glue several narrow pieces to form a wide panel, as in the case of a table top. In the later stages, it may … [Read more…]
Understanding the Timber Needs of the Romans During the Time of Jesus Due to the Empire’s vast extent and long endurance, Rome had a profound and lasting influence on the development of art and science. Its later adoption of Christianity led to the formation of Christendom during the Middle Ages. I love the intersection of Christianity and … [Read more…]
Wooden Ladder Accidents Preventable Accidents According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, one person every few days is killed by falling from a ladder. Almost all falls are preventable if the ladder is used safely. A ladder is a vertical or inclined set of steps also called rungs. There are two types: rigid ladders that can be … [Read more…]
Insert Title of the Blog Here & Replace Image Below This A few years ago several environmental groups raised the issue that the sale of cypress mulch was causing the decline of cypress forests. Cypress can live, but cannot regenerate, in areas that are permanently flooded. These groups alleged that cypress was being harvested on … [Read more…]
Study Shows New Health Benefits From Forests The benefits of ancient Asian medicine has become increasingly popular in recent years. The local cultures are well known for historically having a close relationship with nature and using various local plants to treat specific medical problems. In the US, the Native Americans were known to chew on … [Read more…]
Seasoning To Prevent Defects In Green Wood Basics of Lumber Drying This publication provides information on some of problems and basic principles involved in seasoning lumber, wood disks and other small pieces of wood. It is intended to help individuals who would like to season small quantities of wood inexpensively and without sacrificing quality. Small … [Read more…]
Well, Well, Well – A 7000-Year-Old Prehistoric Well Found in Good Condition I love when Christianity and wood science intersect and this occurred as I read a recent paper about the recent discovery of an ancient well. Researchers at the Czech Republic’s University of Pardubice have discovered a 7,000-year-old well in Eastern Europe. They believe … [Read more…]
Todd Shupe Earns LEED Green Associate Accreditation Dr. Todd Shupe, founding Director of the ISO 17025 accredited Wood Durability Lab, has recently earned Green Associate accreditation from LEED. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. Available for virtually all building, community and home … [Read more…]
Laminating Wood Fiber Mats Into A Densified Material With High Performance Abstract To develop high-performance wood materials, a novel preparation strategy is presented in this study. Wood fiber mats impregnated with phenolic resin, were laminated into a densified material. Wood lumens collapsed layer by layer during densification, leading to a compact multi-layered structure. The densified … [Read more…]
Wood Decay Can Be A Rotten Situation for Homeowners We should all be grateful for insect and fungi that decompose wood. They play a vital role in converting dead trees and other organic matter into soil. However, as a homeowner we tend to be understandably less appreciative. Wood rot in our homes not only looks … [Read more…]
Significance of Bio-Based Spray Foam Insulation A viable bio-based spray foam industry is likely to lead to economic development opportunities due to the growing interest in spray foam insulation and increasing consumer demand for green products. The successful utilization of agricultural and forestry residues will benefit agricultural producers, wood processing industries and forest landowners. These … [Read more…]
Hydrothermal Processing of Chinese Tallow Tree Introduction Biomass, including degraded and partially-transformed wastes, has residual energy that can be recovered and used for human needs. Biomass transformation into a chemical feedstock, product, or mixture requires that some energy be invested into the system to 1) render the physical characteristics of the material amenable to the … [Read more…]
Use Preservative-treated Wood & Integrated Pest Management When Rebuilding Large areas of land along the Gulf of Mexico have been flooded and destroyed by recent hurricanes. Many homes and other buildings are no longer habitable or will be demolished. Some of these structures will be rebuilt. With this rebuilding comes an opportunity to reduce the … [Read more…]
Importance of Wood Moisture Content Basics of Wood Moisture Content The moisture content is defined as the weight of the water contained in the wood expressed as a percentage of the ovendry weight of the wood. Thus, the MC may range from zero for ovendry wood to over 100 percent when the water in the … [Read more…]
Seasoning to Prevent Defects in Green Wood This publication provides information on some of problems and basic principles involved in seasoning lumber, wood disks and other small pieces of wood. It is intended to help individuals who would like to season small quantities of wood inexpensively and without sacrificing quality. Small mill owners may also … [Read more…]
Wood Forensics – Failure Analysis Wood is unique as a structural material because of its elastic range, biological degradability, and anisotropic nature. Therefore, in service failures involving wood involves a variety of disciplines. Due its elastic nature, we can apply a one-time load to wood within its elastic range and any deformation (i.e., deflection due … [Read more…]
Causes And Control For Lichens On Wood I bought a swing set when my first child was very young. I would guess that it is about 18 years old now. It is made from redwood, which is a naturally durable wood species. Redwood has long been used for exterior products such as hot tubs and … [Read more…]
Wood Post Decay In warmer climates, many homes have large front porches for people to sit and relax. This is certainly true throughout the South. The “winter” is short, and the summer seems to last forever. So, the front porch is a nice place to relax, visit with family and neighbors, and enjoy the view … [Read more…]
What Do the Egyptian Pharaohs, Ancient Chinese, and Today’s Home Builders Have in Common? Plywood is an engineered wood panel that is comprised of thin veneers of wood that are adhered with an adhesive. It is commercially produced in 4×8 ft sheets that are readily available at hardware and lumber stores. Plywood has been around … [Read more…]
Problems with Green Lumber – Part 3: Stain and Checking Green lumber is particularly prone to stain and checking. In Part 1 we discussed the effect of fungi on green lumber and Part 2 focused on problematic insects. Now, in Part 3 we conclude with a brief discussion on stain and checking. Chemical Stains Stain … [Read more…]
Problems with Green Lumber – Part 2: Insects Insects of Moist Wood Green lumber refers to lumber that is fresh off the saw and has a high moisture content. In Part 1 we discussed how this sort of lumber is vulnerable to attack by fungi. Now, in Part 2 we will focus on a few … [Read more…]
Problems with Green Lumber – Part 1: Fungi Green Lumber Green lumber refers to lumber that is freshly sawn. This is not what you will find at a local hardware store or big box store. However, green lumber is still common in rural areas and for wood working hobbyists. Trees often have a sentimental value … [Read more…]
Firewood – Seasoning and Drying Energy Efficiency Green wood will burn, but seasoned, dry wood has more heat value and will not deposit excessive creosote in chimneys and stovepipes. Any moisture in wood reduces the available heat because some heat is lost in the process of changing water to steam which then escapes, allowing the … [Read more…]
Firewood – How Wood Burns Combustion In any wood burning device, combustion (fire) changes wood into heat, chemicals, and gases. Hydrogen and carbon in the wood mix with oxygen in the air when wood burns. Complete combustion or burning produces water vapor, carbon dioxide, heat, and noncombustible ash. When incomplete combustion occurs, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, … [Read more…]
Firewood – Understanding Fuel Values Hardwoods and Softwoods Firewood is a popular choice for home heating due to its environmental benefits and low cost. There are many aspects of firewood that are unknown or misunderstood by the public so hopefully this post will be useful in that regard. In getting the most usable heat from … [Read more…]
Wood Fence Decay – Causes and Cures Importance of Moisture Content These pictures are from a wooden fence in my backyard. The fence was present when I moved into my house in 1997. The fence is likely southern pine wood. The end tags are gone so I would need to assay the wood to determine … [Read more…]
Firewood – Understanding Some Basics Wood Qualities When considering the type of wood to burn, some characteristics other than heat value are often important. These characteristics include ease of splitting, ease of ignition and burning, extent of smoking, extent of sparking and coaling qualities. The wood’s moisture content and the number of knots in it … [Read more…]
What is the Significance of Acacia Wood in the Bible? “Moses said to the whole Israelite community, “This is what the Lord has commanded: From what you have, take an offering for the Lord. Everyone who is willing is to bring to the Lord an offering of gold, silver and bronze; blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen; goat … [Read more…]
Finishing and Maintaining Wood FloorsPart 6 –Protecting and Repairing the Finish Protecting the Finish For the final touch of beauty and to protect the finish, apply one or more coats of good wax recommended for use on floors. Use either a liquid buffing wax/cleaner or paste wax. Use only brands that are designated for hardwood … [Read more…]
Finishing and Maintaining Wood FloorsPart 5 –Finish Application Introduction Proper selection and application of the appropriate finish for a wood floor is essential for maximum performance. Failure to properly apply the finish can give unsatisfactory results and even require a complete refinishing job. Regardless of the type of finish applied, certain precautions should be exercised … [Read more…]
Finishing and Maintaining Wood FloorsPart 4 –Selecting a Finish Introduction Finishing a wood floor is perhaps one of the most critical but rewarding steps of installing a new wood floor. Finishes are applied to wood for two principal reasons. First, a finish should protect the wood from damage such as stains, moisture, and mechanical wear. … [Read more…]
How Long Can I Wait Before I Apply a Finish to New Exterior Wood? Preweathering of Wood A great deal of wood is used in exterior applications with direct contact to the elements. This includes decks, fences, siding, arbors, benches, pergolas, and more. Sometimes when construction is over it takes a while for the paint/finishing … [Read more…]
Finishing and Maintaining Wood FloorsPart 3 – Old Surface Preparation Sanding If an old finish cannot be satisfactorily repaired, a complete sanding of the surface and then application of a new finish may be necessary. Most flooring is ¾-inch thick so it can withstand a number of sandings. In these cases, make certain that all … [Read more…]
Finishing and Maintaining Wood FloorsPart 2 – Surface Preparation Introduction Care must be exercised in preparing a wood floor since finishing will accentuate any defects, irregularities or roughness. Even irregularities that can scarcely be seen before finishing become conspicuous afterward. Nothing can be done later which will make up for the defects of a poor … [Read more…]
Failure of House Paints from Moisture – Part 4: Repainting We have reached part 4 of our 4-part series on failure of house paints from moisture. We are now ready to repaint after correcting the water problem. Spot Painting If the general condition of the paint does not require a complete repainting, it is best … [Read more…]
Failure of House Paints from Moisture – Part 3: Solutions We have reached part 3 of our 4-part series on failure of house paints from moisture. We are now ready to solve the problem and implement solutions. We will conclude with tips on repainting in the final blog. Outside Water If outside water is getting … [Read more…]
Finishing and Maintaining Wood Floors Part 1 – Wood Properties Introduction Wood possesses a variety of properties that make it a highly desirable flooring material in residential and public buildings. In addition to these unique properties, wood flooring can be installed in various distinctive patterns such as parquet and herringbone. Furthermore, wood floors are attractive … [Read more…]
Failure of House Paints from Moisture – Part 2: Controls The first step in solving a house-paint moisture blistering or peeling problem is to determine the source of the water that is doing the damage. In the next blog we will examine solutions to the problem. Outside Water Clues It can occur on both heated … [Read more…]
Failure of House Paints from Moisture Part 1: Causes Most wood problems can be traced to a moisture issue. The same holds true for paint problems on a wood substrate. When too much water gets into paint or into the wood under the paint, the paint may blister or peel. Understanding the causes of these … [Read more…]
Mildew on Exterior House Paint What is mildew? Mildew is a common discoloration on the surface of house paint. Mildew is a surface-fungi can easily be identified as a patch of gray or even white fungi on the surface of a moist area. It will not damage the siding, but it will decrease the aesthetics … [Read more…]
How One Insect Changed Major League Baseball Forever Baseball is as American as apple pie. I love the arrival of spring training, and the anticipation that maybe this year will be “the year” for my St. Louis Cardinals. For fans attending spring training or pregame batting practice during the regular season, there is a distinct … [Read more…]
Don’t Delay in Painting Exterior Wood With timely repainting, an exterior wood surface can last for centuries. The problem primarily occurs when the wood surface has been degraded due to weathering prior to the application of the primer coat. The primer paint/wood interface is critical to ensuring the long-term performance of paint. The paint failure … [Read more…]
Trees of the Bible Did you know that 37 specific names of trees are mentioned in the King James Version of the Bible? While most of the trees spoken of are native to Israel, some were brought by travelers who passed through Israel along their trade route between Asia Minor and Egypt. Acacia: (Acacia sp.) was … [Read more…]
Fun Facts Regarding Black Walnut Wood One of my favorite hardwoods is black walnut. Its primary native region is the Midwest and east-central United States. It was a common tree to find in the woods as a boy growing up in Illinois. It is easily identified by its unique leaves and bark. The leaves are compound and … [Read more…]
Hydrothermal (HT) Processing of Plant Biomass for Petrochemical and Bioenergy Products INTRODUCTION Plant biomass represent a vast, renewable source of biobased feedstocks for chemical and thermal processing into biobased energy and petrochemical products. This ongoing research uses hydrothermal (HT) treatment, which simply refers to chemical reactions conducted in water that has been heated (200-600 ºC) … [Read more…]
Stabilizing and Bending of WOOD for the Hobbyist Lumber scraps and cross-sections of angle cuts sawed from small logs or large limbs can be made into attractive items, but only if the wood is first treated with polymers and then properly seasoned, or if the wood is initially seasoned following special techniques. These treatments and … [Read more…]
The Christian Legend of the Dogwood Tree “For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right Hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). There is one unique area in which my knowledge of wood science and faith in Jesus intersect and that is the … [Read more…]
Wood – Its Nature and Properties for Woodworking For most cabinetmakers and furniture makers, wood is the raw material of choice. Wood has thousands of uses. Although wood may appear to be a relatively simple substance, closer examination shows that wood is one of the most complicated and unusual natural materials. The more you know … [Read more…]
Wood Decks Part 2: Maintenance Considerations In Part 1 we discussed some of the design considerations for wood decks. Research has shown that homeowners are building larger decks now. Larger decks will provide more living space but will also come at an increased cost. The key to long term performance of a wood deck, or … [Read more…]
Wood Decks Part 1: Design Considerations Wood decks provide a warm and inviting living space to any home. I have seen all types of wood decks from small and basic to large and elaborate. Regardless of the deck design, it is important to select the proper building material to ensure long-term enjoyment. However, it is … [Read more…]
Woods of Louisiana Our state is blessed with a tremendous timber resource of approximately half hardwoods and half softwoods. These species are becoming increasingly important throughout the 64 Louisiana parishes and also in our global market place. We need to work with them and add value through further processing. The first step of value-added for … [Read more…]
Why and How to Market Wood Products This publication is designed to educate small to medium size primary and secondary forest products industry personnel about why and how to market wood products. Hobbyists and producers of wooden arts and crafts will also benefit by learning the necessary marketing skills to increase revenue and make their … [Read more…]
I Love to Paint! I love to paint. No, not the Pablo Picasso or Leonardo da Vinci type of painting. I enjoy painting interior walls or exterior siding, soffit, and trim. A nice paint job is usually the last step in a home improvement or repair process. So, the paint can make the job look … [Read more…]
Heating Your House With Firewood: Part 3 Importance of 20% MC In Part 2, we discussed the importance of drying to bring down the wood moisture content (MC) and increase its Btu yield. The longer the wood sits, the greater its risk of attack by insects. This is particularly true as long as the wood … [Read more…]
Heating Your House with Firewood – Part 2: Drying Importance of Drying In Part 1, we discussed the importance of wood moisture content on energy generated from burning wood (Btu). Freshly cut firewood will have a higher moisture content (MC). Therefore, the wood must be dried (or seasoned) to reduce the moisture content and increase … [Read more…]
Heating Your House with Firewood – Part 1: Getting Started Global Wood Use Most people do not realize that the primary use of wood in the world is not for building materials or paper but rather as an energy source for cooking or heating. This is particularly true in developing nations that are highly populated … [Read more…]
Causes and Control of Wood Decay, Degradation, and Stain Our society depends on wood for a variety of uses. As population increases, so does our need for wood. Steel, concrete and aluminum are some alternatives to treated wood in certain applications, but they have higher material costs, higher energy requirements in the production process, greater … [Read more…]
Should I Use Nails or Screws? One of the most common questions I have been asked over the years is “Should I use nails or screws?” Nails and screws are the most common fasteners which are most commonly used for wood-based construction and general wood working projects. Most people are confused, which is better for … [Read more…]
Wood Chair Safety Wood is frequently used to construct a wide array of chairs for use at the home, office, restaurants, hotels and other establishments. These chairs range from simple four-legged, school-style chairs to three-legged bar stools. Wood is an excellent choice for chairs due to its inherent beauty and durability if properly maintained. I … [Read more…]
Simple Woodworking Projects Can Create Family Treasures The two images in this blog are of a bird house that rests on the mantle in my living room. One is an overview picture that shows the complete birdhouse, and the other is a close up that shows the exit holes of powder post beetles that attacked … [Read more…]
Rotten Exterior Wood Trim The Problem I have lived in my house in Baton Rouge, La for over 20 years. One thing that has been as consistent as hot weather, fire ants, and mosquitoes is rotten exterior wood. I can usually expect to replace a section of rotten soffit and facia about every 2-3 years! … [Read more…]
Iron Tannate Stain Iron tannate stain is a result of a chemical reaction between tannins, moisture, and iron. The stain can look like mildew. Iron stain is most common in red oak wood and can ruin the aesthetics of flooring, paneling, furniture, kitchen cabinets, etc. made from this species. It is a problem both during … [Read more…]
Application of End Coatings for Logs and Lumber End Coatings Are Not Paint End coatings are products that can stop or minimize end checking on logs and lumber. It is important to understand that end coatings cannot reverse checking that has already occurred. Most commercial end coatings consist of paraffin wax or micro-crystalline wax, water, … [Read more…]
End Coating Logs Can Maintain Value Costs and Benefits We can avoid many log and lumber related problems if we simply process the logs into lumber as soon as possible. Rapid utilization will minimize or prevent end checking, insect infestation, stain, and decay for both hardwood and softwood logs. The biggest reason is the longer … [Read more…]
Understanding Chemical and Iron Stains on Lumber Chemical stains include a variety of discolorations that occur in wood during drying but are typically not noticed under the drying process is over. A previous blog focused on sticker stain so this blog will address other chemical stains. Interior Graying This is most common in southern oaks, … [Read more…]
Are Wood Preservatives Safe? Natural Drugs If a man lives long enough, he will develop prostate cancer. The many commercially available anticancer drugs can be classified by origin as either chemical synthetic drugs or natural drugs derived from various kinds of organisms. Natural medicine for cancer therapy has proved to be effective and less toxic … [Read more…]
Rapid Recovery of Metals in CCA-treated Wood ABSTRACT The recovery of heavy metals from chromated copper arsenate (CCA)-treated southern pine wood particles was investigated using binary acid solutions consisting of two of acetic, oxalic, and phosphoric acids in a microwave reactor. Formation of an insoluble copper oxalate complex in the binary solution containing oxalic acid … [Read more…]
Conductance-Type (Resistance-Type) Wood Moisture Meters Importance of Wood Moisture Meters Wood moisture meters are widely used instruments to rapidly determine moisture content (MC). These meters are invaluable because the traditional methods to determine MC are slow and destructive to the sample. Wood MC is important for maximum utilization because it effects numerous important wood properties … [Read more…]
Sticker Stain – A Problem When Drying Lumber Sticker Stain One of the more common drying problems today is a dark area noted on dried, planed lumber. This discolored or stained area runs across the width of a piece of lumber and is at the same location where a sticker was located during drying. Typically, … [Read more…]
Influence of solvent type on microwave-assisted liquefaction of bamboo Microwave-assisted liquefaction of bamboo in glycerol, polyethylene glycerol (PEG), methanol, ethanol, and water were comparatively investigated by evaluating the temperature-dependence for conversion and liquefied residue characteristics. The conversion for the liquefaction in methanol, ethanol, and water increased with an increase in reaction temperature, while that for … [Read more…]
Microwave-Assisted Organic Acids Extraction of Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA)-Treated Southern Pine The extraction effects of acid concentration, reaction time and temperature in a microwave reactor on recovery of CCA-treated wood were evaluated. Extraction of copper, chromium, and arsenic metals from chromated copper arsenate (CCA)-treated southern pine wood samples with two different organic acids (i.e., acetic … [Read more…]
Wooden Ladder Safety According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, one person every few days is killed by falling from a ladder. Almost all falls are preventable if the ladder is used safely. A ladder is a vertical or inclined set of steps also called rungs. There are two types: rigid ladders that can be leaned against … [Read more…]
Termite Attack On Pressure-Treated Wood In Louisiana The introduction and spread of Formosan subterranean termites (Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki) (FST) in the southern United States have increased the need for preservative treatments to protect wood products from termite attack (Shupe and Dunn 2000). Of particular concern is the protection of framing lumber used in residential and … [Read more…]
Fractionation of heavy metals in liquefied chromated copper arsenate (CCA)-treated wood sludge using a modified BCR-sequential extraction procedure Chromated copper arsenate (CCA)-treated wood was liquefied with polyethylene glycol/glycerin and sulfuric acid. After liquefaction, most CCA metals (98% As, 92% Cr, and 83% Cu) were removed from liquefied CCA-treated wood by precipitation with calcium hydroxide. The … [Read more…]
Care of Wood Decks Deck Restoration The bright color of the wood on weathered decks can be restored by application of commercial products (called deck cleaners, brighteners, or restorers). These products do not add color to the deck, but remove mildew and dirt, allowing the natural color of the wood to show. If all the … [Read more…]
History of Naval Stores What are naval stores? Naval stores originally came from longleaf pine trees and were used in shipbuilding. These products or “stores” are turpentine, rosin, tar and pitch. During the American Revolution, longleaf pine forests were common throughout the vast prairies of southeast Louisiana. The gum-like resin harvested from these trees was … [Read more…]
Finishes For Wood Decks Wood Finishes Wood decks have become an important part of residential construction. Wood decks can add versatile living space to a home and, with minimal maintenance, provide decades of use. However, wood decks are exposed to high levels of stress from severe weather conditions that shrink and swell the wood. With- … [Read more…]
New Approach to Remove Metals from Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA)-Treated Wood Recovery of metals from chromated copper arsenate (CCA)-treated southern pine wood particles was investigated using binary acid solutions consisting of acetic, oxalic, and phosphoric acids in a microwave reactor. Formation of an insoluble copper oxalate complex in the binary solution containing oxalic acid was … [Read more…]
Wood Cars Young boys years ago made wooden cars and raced them in the pinewood derby. I recall mine was held in the basement of my home church. My car was fast but not fast enough to win. I never imagined that wood would someday be used to make or fuel cars. Now, the use … [Read more…]
Rotten Soffit and Facia Problems – Consider Borates 25 Years of Housing Experience My house in Baton Rouge, La has wooden facia and soffits. I have lived in my house for over 25 years and have had a constant battle with wood decay in the soffits and facia. I have replaced sections of soffit and facia … [Read more…]
Is Cypress Mulch Destroying Our Wetlands? A few years ago, several environmental groups raised the issue that the sale of cypress mulch was causing the decline of cypress forests. Cypress can live but cannot regenerate in areas that are permanently flooded. These groups alleged that cypress was being harvested on private lands that were permanently … [Read more…]
Matching New Stain to Old Wood As seen on woodmagazine.com My house was one of thousands that flooded in 2016 in the Baton Rouge, La area. I did not have time to elevate any antique furniture, family heirlooms, etc before leaving the house. So, upon return all of my furniture had a water line about … [Read more…]
Wood Staining – Lessons Learned I love to stain wood. It is relaxing and rewarding to see the finished product, especially when it comes out nice. I have blogged before about the importance of patience when doing any wood working project, especially staining. I recently purchased some beautiful 1x12x8 white pine lumber to use for … [Read more…]
Medicinal, Environmental, and Other Products From Tree Bark Native Americans I admire the resourcefulness of the Native Americans. They lived off the land without any of the comforts that we enjoy today. There was no electricity, running water, or cell phones. At times the cell phone is not very high on my list of comforts. … [Read more…]
End Cracking of Round Posts 1. My mailbox from the road. 2. The top of my mailbox post My Mailbox My mailbox has been hit by passing cars several times in the past few years. The last one was a good one so it was time to get a new mailbox. The new post is … [Read more…]
Maintaining Your Wood Cutting Board and Knives Wooden cutting boards and knives are my most used kitchen tools. Obviously, as for myself, we use all-natural wood and not polypropylene or polyethylene (plastics) cutting boards. I don’t buy organic food but I try to avoid products produced from natural gas, feedstocks derived from natural gas processing, … [Read more…]
Study of Moso Bamboo’s Permeability and Mechanical Properties Microwave Treatment of Bamboo In this article, moso bamboo blocks were first treated with hydrochloric acid solvents with different concentrations or microwave treatments with various microwave output power and treatment durations. The results showed that the crystalliferous region of cellulose of moso bamboo blocks formed porous or … [Read more…]
Characterization of Microwave Liquefied Bamboo Residue Microwave Liquefaction System Bamboo raw feedstocks with large particle size (20−80 mesh) were subjected to a microwave liquefaction system, and the liquefied products were separated into biopolyols and liquefied residues. Biopolyols were first analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC−MS), and the main components were sugar derivatives with 2−4 … [Read more…]
Characterization of Microwave Liquefied Bamboo Residue Microwave Liquefaction System Biomass is widely considered as an important feedstock because of its renewability, ease of degradation, and availability. According to Perlack and Stokes, the current biomass resource availability annually was about 1.37 × 109 dry tons from forestlands and croplands.1 Recently, utilization of biomass for bioenergy or … [Read more…]
Now is the Time to Cut Firewood Why cut firewood in the spring? Spring is a great time to cut firewood for several reasons. First, the weather is beautiful and spring is a great time to be outside. You will be glad you do this in the spring when the heat of the summer rolls … [Read more…]
Market Potential for Reclaiming CCA from Decommissioned Utility Poles Port-Orford cedar (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana), Alaska yellow cedar (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis), and Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) were submitted to supercritical fluid extraction with CO2 (SCC) and Soxhlet extracted (SE) with hexane. The components in the extracted oils were identified by GC-MS. The oils were evaluated against two … [Read more…]
Market Potential for Reclaiming CCA from Decommissioned Utility Poles Green Spray Foam In the area of recycling of spent chromated copper arsenate (CCA)-treated wood, most studies to date have focused on methods of removing/extracting the residual preservative from the wood matrix. It is well recognized that exposure of CCA-treated wood to an acid solution can … [Read more…]
Woodworking Tips for Beginners Part II Wood Gluing Tips Many woodworking projects require gluing. There are many types of glues and epoxies but they all have some common requirements which we will focus on in this post. Mask Glue Joints Before Assembly/Finishing I suggest you finish the individual parts of your woodworking project before you … [Read more…]
Woodworking Tips For Beginners Photo credit: Snap Man on VisualHunt / CC BY-NC Woodworking can be a great way to connect with nature, build something that can be passed down for generations, and provide you with a great sense of satisfaction of a job well done. However, I have found that too many people are … [Read more…]
Furniture Refinishing Lessons learned I love to refinish furniture. A fresh coat of finish on a piece of furniture will make it shine like a freshly painted house. Once it is all over, it is very satisfying to sit back in your easy chair and look at your work across the living room. Furniture refinishing … [Read more…]
Some Tips to Properly Dispose Of Chemically-Treated Wood With warmer weather on the way for much of the U.S., the time-honored tradition of “spring cleaning” will soon be upon us. This means we’ll have an opportunity to get outdoors once again and assess the damage done by winter. When it comes to outdoor structures such … [Read more…]
Fractionation of Heavy Metals in Liquefied Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA)-Treated Wood Sludge Using a Modified BCR-Sequential Extraction Procedure The photo is courtesy of Mike Freeman Summary of CCA Sequential Extraction Chromated copper arsenate (CCA)-treated wood was liquefied with polyethylene glycol/glycerin and sulfuric acid. After liquefaction, most CCA metals (98% As, 92% Cr, and 83% Cu) … [Read more…]
Wood Is Good Medicine I have been fascinated by the recent non-traditional means to improve patient recovery. Over the years, I have read about the benefits of natural sunlight, plants, water elements, rooms with a view of nature and even the color of the room and design of the bed. As an animal lover, I … [Read more…]
Are Wood Preservatives Safe? One of the more frequent questions from the public regarding wood preservatives is safety. The public is interested in two-fold safety: The first, Is this product safe for myself and my children? and the second, Is this product safe for the environment? The EPA has always been concerned with wood preservative … [Read more…]
Study Shows New Health Benefits From Forests The benefits of ancient Asian medicine has become increasingly popular in recent years. The local cultures are well known for historically having a close relationship with nature and using various local plants to treat specific medical problems. In the US, the Native Americans were known to chew on … [Read more…]
Reducing Leaching of Boron-based Wood Preservatives – A Review of Research Boracare by Nisus Inorganic Boron-Based Preservatives – An Excellent Wood Preservative Inorganic borates offer good protection to timber in most non-ground contact applications. The effective use of low solubility borates has not yet been achieved in the treatment of solid lumber. Interest in reducing … [Read more…]
Tips To Identify And Properly Dispose Of Preservative-Treated Wood The very fact that readers are looking into proper protocols when it comes to the disposal of treated wood goes to show that many people have the environment in mind as of late. According to the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC), there are local regulations when … [Read more…]
Rapid Microwave-Assisted Acid Extraction of Metals from Chromated Copper Arsenate Treated Wood Photo by Karelj Abstract – Chromated Copper Arsenate Treated Wood The effects of acid concentration, reaction time, and temperature in a microwave reactor on recovery of CCA-treated wood were evaluated. Extraction of copper, chromium, and arsenic metals from chromated copper arsenate (CCA)-treated southern pine … [Read more…]
The Growing Popularity of Bio-Based Spray Foam Insulation The agricultural and forest industries both produce residues or waste streams that have little or no economic value. The challenge that remains for agricultural and forestry residues is how to best utilize this material for maximum efficiency and economic profit. A few years ago I received $250,000 … [Read more…]
Pecky Cypress – An American Favorite Sometimes Fungi Are Good! Bald cypress is a deciduous conifer in the family Cupressaceae that grows on saturated and seasonally inundated soils in the lowlands of the Southeastern and Gulf Coastal Plains of the United States. Like most tree species it has several common names (baldcypress, bald-cypress, cypress, southern-cypress, white cypress, tidewater red-cypress, sinker cypress, Gulf-cypress, red-cypress, or swamp cypress) but only one scientific (Latin) … [Read more…]
Leaching of Flakeboard Produced From Recycled CCA-Treated Wood Into Deionized Water The disposal of preservative-treated wood is becoming a larger issue for the forest products industry due to increasing public concern and scrutiny as well as costs associated with traditional disposal, i.e., landfilling. Recycling of preservative-treated wood has great potential. In this study, flakeboard was … [Read more…]
Benefits of CCA-Treated Wood Our highway and interstate system is a critical component of our nation’s infrastructure and economy. These are essential for the transportation of goods and services, emergency responders, commuting to work and family vacations. It is imperative that our highways provide safe travel for all. Highway guardrails, as you can see, are … [Read more…]
Grain Patterns of Birdseye-Maple Wood Photo courtesy of Dr. Terry Conners Unique Grain Patterns of Birdseye-Maple Wood We all love unique grain patterns in wood. “Figure” refers to the grain pattern of wood on the longitudinal plane of the tree (vertical direction). Wood with figure displays a unique grain pattern from normal wood of the same … [Read more…]
Wood Flooring – Lawsuits, Experience, and Opinions Photo courtesy of Gene Mall I love solid wood floors. I have seen old dilapidated houses bought with a credit card and the floors and paneling salvaged and resold for a tremendous profit. Studies have shown that patients in hospitals will heal faster when they are in a … [Read more…]
Wood Moisture Content in Subfloors of Residential Houses Our houses are often our most valuable financial asset. Of course, nothing is more precious than children and grandchildren. Affordable, durable, and green housing are important issues for all homeowners. In the southern region of the U.S., all three of these issues are of growing importance. This … [Read more…]
A Greener Alternative to Traditional Insulation Most older homes such as mine were built with fiberglass mats as insulation in the walls and attic. I think many homeowners today have some level of awareness of spray foam. For starters, it can be bio-based or not. Regardless, it is an excellent product because it creates an … [Read more…]
Shell Rot in Wood Poles Photo courtesy of Osmose Utilities All preservative-treated wood poles commonly used in North America are subject to “shell rot” or surface decay below the ground line. In southern pine poles, which compose roughly 85% of the poles in North America, this type of decay is most common. Western species such … [Read more…]
Controlling Mold In Wake Of Flooding Event A flood is a terrible event for any homeowner. A home is typically our most expensive asset and even a few inches of flood water will have a devastating effect on your house. My house flooded in 2016 so I have empathy for those that have flooded. Some … [Read more…]
The Importance of Wood Species Identification A hand lens is essential to see anatomical properties. One of the first things you need to understand about wood is variability. As a biological material it is inherently different than other building products such as steel. A steel beam has uniform properties throughout the beam and each beam … [Read more…]
CCA-Treated Guardrail Posts, Piles, and Poles – Good for the Environment and the Economy Our highway and interstate system is a critical component of our nation’s infrastructure and economy. They are essential for the transportation of goods and services, emergency responders, commuting to work, and family vacations. It is imperative that our highways provide safe … [Read more…]
Expanded Application Of Cross-Laminated Timber In High-Rise Construction No matter the industry or specialized task, it will always be someone’s job to ensure that cutting-edge developments pass every conceivable test before becoming publicly-available. In the wood-based construction industry, all new products (preservatives, fasteners, panels, etc.) must be third-party tested and evaluated against certain important standards … [Read more…]
Benefits of Wood Utility Poles Our society has become much more environmentally sensitive and responsible in recent years. Recycling has increased, air and water standards are improved, smoking tobacco is generally prohibited inside most public buildings, etc. However, a phobia exists regarding wooden poles. There is nothing particularly aesthetically appealing about a creosote-treated pole that is … [Read more…]
Are Wood Preservatives Safe? This piece has suffered from internal wood degrading fungi due to its horizontal position in the swingset which allowed water to pool on the surface and elevate the moisture content to make it conducive for fungi attack. This is a good example of surface weathering. The natural elements have degraded the … [Read more…]
Areas of Wood Science Research I enjoy the responses I get when somebody asks me about my educational background. Once I tell them that I studied “wood science” they often are puzzled. What is that? During my career, I have performed proprietary third-party mechanical, physical, and chemical tests for new and existing wood-based products, … [Read more…]
Muda, Muri & Mura: The Pillars of Lean Manufacturing Lean manufacturing revolves around three key aspects that are categorized under three Japanese terms: Muda, Muri, and Mura. Muda is the systematic method for waste minimization within a production system without sacrificing productivity. The word itself means “futility, uselessness, or wastefulness.” Focusing on waste reduction has … [Read more…]
Eco-Friendly Construction Methods Are Available For Those Seeking Truly ‘Green’ Homes From watering the grass in the front yard to replacing shingles on the roof, the modern home isn’t exactly resource-friendly. It takes a lot of products to keep a home in good condition. Unless you want to deal with deterioration, there are few routes … [Read more…]
Fastener Corrosion Fasteners consist of nails, screws, bolts, staples, etc and are widely used in the construction industry to connect lumber, sheathing, shingles, and other wood-based products. Nail guns allow for nails to inserted at a rapid fire pace. Chromated copper arsenate (CCA) was the primary preservative used for residential uses. CCA has been used … [Read more…]
Wood Identification The first step to properly utilize wood is to correctly identify the species. Wood species have unique anatomical characteristics that allow a trained eye to identify the species. These unique anatomical characteristics are also important in determining many of the properties of the species, such as strength, dimensional stability, acoustical, conductivity, ease of … [Read more…]
In Service Product Failure Photo of glue joint – courtesy USDA Forest Service The interaction of wood and glue is important to develop a good bone and avoid product failure. One of the most common problems that I have addressed over the years is in service product failure. The problems range from buckling/cracking of wood … [Read more…]
Why Did My Deer Stand Deteriorate So Quickly? Deer stands should be made with treated lumber and plywood or OSB. I love to deer hunt and have many friends that do also. In the US South we are in the harshest decay zone due to our high temperatures and humidity. Therefore, any wood in contact … [Read more…]
Why Are My Nails So Rusty In Treated Wood? Rusted fasteners have a thinner actual shaft diameter than a non-rusted fastener and are weaker as a result. Damp wood can cause metals to corrode. This is partly because wood is slightly acidic. When a metal fastener is embedded in wet wood, conditions are created that … [Read more…]
Treated Wood Facts Treated poles coming out of the cylinder and ready for distribution and installation. This photo is courtesy of: Mike Freeman Want to know the secret for wood to last forever in an exterior application? Many years ago, a colleague told me (tongue in cheek) that there are two ways to achieve this … [Read more…]
Are Wood Preservatives Safe? A common question among folks that have small portable sawmills is – how can I dry small loads of lumber? Kiln drying lumber is an excellent means to add value to the lumber and make a small sawmill more profitable. Many people that are interested in lumber drying don’t want to … [Read more…]
Importance of Moisture Content The moisture content of wood is one of the most important properties of wood along with density. To determine moisture content, we take the ((original weight – oven dry weight) / oven dry weight) x 100. Moisture content affects many wood properties such as strength, dimensional stability, acoustical properties, conductivity, decay … [Read more…]
Consider Environmental Impacts Of Preservative-Treated Wood Used In Construction A house can last a lifetime. If another family moves in after you move out, that’s at least 100 years or more of constant use. Regular maintenance should be a concern of any homeowner, but what about the construction process that took place long before you … [Read more…]