DIY Builds
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What is a cheap lightweight wood?

Cedar – At just 19.7 to 23 pounds per square foot (dry) Cedar is one of the lightest woods. It's a softwood building material that's used for a wide range of purposes. Cypress – Like Cedar and Redwood Cypress is a lightweight softwood that is durable and resistant to water damage.

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Did you know that the first airplanes were made of wood? Sure, it doesn’t sound safe what with the engine, fuel and potential for crashing, but it’s a perfect example of how in some instances using a lightweight wood is the preferable option. This Aviation Day we’re taking a look at different types of lightweight wood and the projects that warrant their use.

The Lightest Wood Options

Density of wood is the weight for a certain volume, and it can be affected by the amount of moisture the wood contains. One thing that should be pointed out is that lightness doesn’t always directly correlate with hardness. Redwood – It’s one of the lightest and most durable woods used for building. It’s one of the many reasons why Redwood is such a popular building material. Heartwood redwood grades are the most durable. Cedar – At just 19.7 to 23 pounds per square foot (dry) Cedar is one of the lightest woods. It’s a softwood building material that’s used for a wide range of purposes. Douglas Fir – This conifer offers a good blend of durability, density and lightness. Like other conifers Douglas Fir has a good strength-to-weight ratio. Black Walnut – Black Walnut is super lightweight and very attractive, though it’s not quite as hard as other hardwood building materials. Ash – Ash actually has a good hardness for how lightweight it is.

Corkwood – This hardwood is surprisingly only 12 pounds per cubic foot.

Hard Maple – Hard Maple has a slightly higher Janka hardness rating than Ash. Balsa – Balsa wood is so lightweight it’s buoyant. It should come as no surprise that Balsa is often selected for building boats. Sitka Spruce – The strength to weight ratio of Sitka Spruce is extremely good. However, it can be difficult to find, expensive and must be treated if used outside.

Projects That Are Perfect for a Lightweight Wood

Now that you’ve got a good selection of lightweight woods to choose from here are a few projects to consider trying at home. Shelves – A shelf that can hold a fair amount of weight but doesn’t add to the overall load is ideal. For shelves in a closet, Cedar is a great choice because of its ability to thwart bugs. Picture Frames – Being that a picture frame hangs on the wall the lighter it is the better. Any of the woods above will work so it’s up to you based on the aesthetics. Planter Boxes – When you plan to put a planter box up on a deck a lighter weight wood will put less load on the deck. Redwood is a good option since it has natural oils that make the wood resistant to insects and decay. Outdoor Furniture – Using a wood like Cypress you can make a variety of outdoor furniture that’s strong enough to support a person’s weight yet can easily be moved around and transported. Many of these lightweight hard and soft woods can be found at the TimberTown Austin lumberyard. For smaller projects you can even look through the “scrap pile” to find high-end materials for a fraction of the price. You can learn more about our full product line by clicking the button below to our free product guide!

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What nail shape is trending fall 2022?

What is the new nail trend for 2022? According to expert nail artist Gina Edwards, the trendiest nail shape for fall is a tapered coffin nail or a “skinny” coffin nail. And judging by the runways, we're also seeing elongated ballerina nail shapes all over our social feeds.

I'm going to say something a little controversial: I hate summer. Like, hate it. Which means my cold-weather heart begins scouting for the best fall beauty looks as soon as July hits, from screenshotting my favorite fall 2022 makeup trends to planning my next fall 2022 hair color dye job. And because I've been on the lookout for new fall trends for months, I can also safely tell you that the fall nail trends of 2022 are freaking excellent this year. For the first time in forever, there's no PSL orange in sight—instead, we're lookin' at muted metallics, shades of blue, lots of sparkles, and even some new nail trends in general. Let's break it down:

What is the new nail trend for 2022?

According to expert nail artist Gina Edwards, the trendiest nail shape for fall is a tapered coffin nail or a “skinny” coffin nail. And judging by the runways, we're also seeing elongated ballerina nail shapes all over our social feeds. In terms of fall nail colors themselves, Edwards says we'll be seeing a lot of reflective metallic colors with light shimmers that “catch the beauty of an opalescence.” If you're more of a visual person (same), then keep scrolling. Because we rounded up the 10 best and biggest fall nail trends of 2022, along with the nail polish and accessories you need to DIY the trends at home.

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