DIY Builds
Photo: Charlotte May
Grades of Plywood. A-grade plywood: This is the highest-quality plywood and therefore typically the most expensive, since the veneers will be flawless. A-grade plywood is smooth and can be easily painted. B-grade plywood: B-grade plywood is slightly less smooth than A-grade plywood and has a solid foundation.
Should I put the membrane under gravel? Yes. A gravel membrane is recommended. Gravel can be a nightmare as far as weeds are concerned. Apr 7, 2021
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The Strip shape offers better sound absorption properties than a smooth shape while offering a similar low-key design. If you are looking for a...
Read More »Let’s be honest: it can be very hard to know exactly what grade or type of plywood is most adequate for any given type of construction project unless you are familiar with all the options at your disposal, including the labels on said types of plywood (which can be confusing). Some plywoods are lighter, cheaper, more durable, and more weather-resistant than others (not to mention more aesthetically pleasing). Furthermore, the best type of plywood for building an outdoor project like a porch or deck may not necessarily be the most effective plywood for an indoor project like flooring or cabinets. Other projects like a boat hull, a shed, or a treehouse may also require other types of plywood. Plywood is one of the most commonly used materials in the United States: according to a 2016 report from Statista, the total production of plywood and veneer in the U.S. that year was roughly 683 million cubic feet. There are four main grades of plywood veneer or ‘sheets’: A, B, C, and D. Each veneer contains two grades, with the corresponding compounds labeled as ‘AB’ or ‘BC,’ for example. The first letter refers to the ‘face’ veneer,’ while the second one is for the ‘back’ sheet. If a plywood compound’s name has an X at the end, this means it has a certain level of exposure to moisture. By definition, plywood sheets are arranged perpendicularly to each other. Plywood can come in various thicknesses, including ½-inch, ¼-inch, and ¾-inch.
The actual discount will vary from host to host, but, especially in the slightly less in-demand cities, you will usually find between a 50 percent...
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If you are ready to have your home appraised, you should address any significant issues that may affect your home's value—such as damaged flooring,...
Read More »Baltic Birch: Also a versatile material, Baltic birch is marked by clean edges and a smooth finish, and is thus typically more expensive.
Powering a shed can be quite costly, especially if it is done by a licensed electrician. However, if you take on the task, it is important you look...
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To build a solid stable gravel shed foundation remove the grass and topsoil and level the ground. Compact the loose soil and cover with a weed...
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Firewood can still dry out during the winter months. Exposing the wood to the wind and ensuring that it's covered and off the ground will help...
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Attic. Arguably the most important space in the home to insulate is the attic. This is primarily because heat naturally rises, which means that the...
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