Close up of ray-fleck of QSWO

Quarter-Sawn White Oak: Why This Wood Is Built to Last

If you have shopped for solid wood furniture, you have probably seen the term quarter-sawn white oak attached to some of the most striking, and most durable, pieces on the floor. It usually costs more than ordinary oak, and there are good reasons for that. The difference is not marketing. It comes down to how…

Amish Joinery Explained: The Joints That Make Furniture Last

When I was a boy in the 80s, daytime TV was dominated by soap operas. A day home sick from school could get boring fast, once playing G.I. Joes or My Pet Monster was more than a mom or dad would tolerate. Luckily, PBS kept my attention. I loved watching Julia Child bring French cooking…