Expert DIY advice on how to find, troubleshoot, and fix a roof leak, including how to keep the water from getting in during a roof leak emergency. If you’ve heard the drip-drip-drip of a roof leak onto your home’s ceiling (or—worse—seen the signs of water on the ceiling or your floor), you know that finding […]
Mike and Kim Shenton and M & K Timber Works
M & K Timber Works is located in the town of Fleetwood, in the mountains of North Carolina. The company is owned and managed by the husband and wife team of Mike and Kim Shenton. They began their timber frame journey when they decided to build their own home with logs and timbers. Through that project, […]
Make your own bench from lumber
Do it yourself Make your own bench from lumber A sturdy bench is perfect for a cottage yard or even a sauna. Water doesn’t collect on the bench, but flows between the planks to the ground. The entire bench is made from the same lumber. The thick wood makes the simple and straight structure sturdy. […]
Building a Pergola: What You’ll Need
Integrated into a deck, a pergola adds character, beauty, and shade. This article is the first in a series on building a pergola for an outdoor living space. It introduces the supplies you’ll need and the dimensions you’ll work with for this particular pergola project. A pergola will add character, beauty, and versatility to your […]
Finally Build Your Dream Shed
Build your dream shed with easy access, storage galore and a private porch for lounging. Here’s how to do it: Shed Plus Shelter This shed has a large sliding door on one end to access the 8 x 16-ft. storage area, three windows for lots of light and a front entry door for extra convenience. But […]
Mortise and Tenon Joints
Joining end grain to long grain forms the king of joints. A mortise and tenon is one of the most ubiquitous and useful means to join wood together. Primarily used in solid wood woodworking to join end grain to edge grain, or long grain, it is a time-honored and proven technique. A mortise and tenon […]
Tusk Tenons Add Style and Security
Take advantage of the power of a wedge when making this ancient, yet modern, handmade joint. The tusk tenon is a time-honored technique that woodworkers have found useful in a variety of ways. The basic idea behind the joint is that, in addition to chopping a mortise (typically in a leg or similar member) in […]
Timber Framed Pergola
A timber framed pergola can be a welcome addition to your yard, garden or any outdoor space. A pergola hints at a destination, whether it’s used as a passageway or a seating area. Choosing timber framing for your pergola ensures strength and longevity. Your pergola can be any dimension and size you want, designed to […]
Flat-Pack Wooden Chairs
These chairs are my heavy-duty version of the classic 2-piece wooden beach chair (or “camp” chair). They are comfortable to sit in and are rock solid. The best part is that they pack away tidily with the seat section nesting into the back section for storage or transport. I made these from 1″ thick solid […]
Successful Breastfeeding: How To Get Baby To Latch Deeper
Even though breastfeeding is an instinct, this doesn’t mean that all babies automatically know what to do during their first nursing sessions. In fact, there are numerous tips on how to get a baby to latch deeper, which just shows you how common this is! A deep latch equals a good latch. This means that […]