Written by Scott Legros
Two sheets of plywood can look identical and differ by $40 a panel. The grade letter is what separates them. Quick answer: Plywood grades run from A to D, with A the highest quality and D the lowest. Softwood plywood uses two letters (face + back), so AB means an A-grade face and a B-grade
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Written by Scott Legros
Both materials slow flame spread. What makes them different is what they’re built on, and that one difference determines where each one gets used and what it can actually do. Fire-rated plywood and fire-rated MDF often get listed side by side, but the naming doesn’t tell you much about which one you need. Order the
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Written by Scott Legros
Yes, you can paint MDF, and it can look just as good as painted solid wood when you do it right. MDF has no grain, so it absorbs paint and primer differently than wood, especially at the edges. That single fact explains almost every painting problem people run into. Skip the prep work and you’ll
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Written by Scott Legros
You’re standing in front of two stacks of plywood and the price difference is significant. One is labeled hardwood, one is softwood, and neither tag tells you much about which one actually fits your project. The difference comes down to the tree each panel is made from, and that single factor determines everything else: how
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Written by Scott Legros
You’re shopping for cabinet materials and see “melamine” and “laminate” listed as separate options. Which should you choose? Here’s what the industry doesn’t make clear: melamine IS a type of laminate. The real comparison is between melamine (thermally fused laminate) and HPL (high-pressure laminate like Pionite). Suppliers list them separately, the terminology is inconsistent, and
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Written by Scott Legros
MDF (medium-density fiberboard) is one of the most widely used engineered wood products in residential and commercial construction. It works well for furniture, cabinets, shelving, interior trim, doors, and decorative millwork. Because of its smooth, consistent surface and lower cost compared to solid wood or hardwood plywood, it shows up in everything from kitchen cabinetry
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Written by Scott Legros
Winter destroys unprepared decks. Water gets into wood, freezes, expands, and cracks your boards. Snow traps moisture that causes rot. Ice damages railings. But here’s the good news: a weekend of work now saves you thousands in spring repairs. The best time to winterize is late September through early October. That’s about 6-8 weeks before
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Written by Scott Legros
Choosing the wrong panel for your cabinet project can cost you thousands in callbacks. Here’s how to get it right the first time. From cabinet shops to commercial buildings, these engineered wood products have become essential. They solve real problems that solid wood can’t always address — like unpredictable grain patterns, natural defects, warping, and
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Written by Scott Legros
Quick answer: For most outdoor projects, ACX plywood gives you the best balance of looks and durability. Use CDX when appearance doesn’t matter (like shed framing), and save marine-grade for boats or premium builds. Your choice comes down to three factors: budget, whether people will see the finished surface, and how much weather exposure it’ll
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Written by Scott Legros
Plywood is a popular choice for DIY furniture, shelving, and even outdoor projects — it’s affordable, strong, and easy to work with. But to make sure your project lasts and looks great, it’s essential to properly stain and seal the plywood. This step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know, from prepping the surface and
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