The Archive
Reporting, comparisons, and field notes — newest first.
finishing-care-maintenance
The cleaner that's fine on a polyurethane floor can quietly destroy an oil-finished one. Here's how to read your finish, match your protocol, and stop
·10 min read
finishing-care-maintenance
Choosing the right polyurethane finish can make or break a hardwood floor investment. Here's how to compare oil-based and water-based options on durability
·10 min read
finishing-care-maintenance
Two of the oldest wood finishes in existence — tung oil and linseed oil — are also two of the most misunderstood. Here's how to choose between them, and why
·9 min read
hardwood-lumber-species
You don't need a commercial account or a truck to buy quality hardwood. Here's how hobbyists can source figured maple, walnut, and exotic species without
·10 min read
hardwood-lumber-species
Three of the most visually striking imported hardwoods — purpleheart, zebrawood, and padauk — come with real price variation, tricky finishing chemistry, and
·9 min read
hardwood-lumber-species
Walnut, maple, and cherry are three of North America's most beloved hardwoods — but each one behaves differently in the shop and looks different on the floor.
·10 min read