Is Pressure-Treated Lumber Safe for Indoor Furniture and Toys?
Is pressure-treated lumber safe for indoor furniture and toys? Risks, chemical exposure, mitigation, testing, and alternatives.
Wood Work Science
Helping woodworkers using science and experience
Wood Work Science
Helping woodworkers using science and experience
David Ernst
David is a veteran woodworker. He is now retired and stays in his cabin in Wisconsin which he built himself. David has 25+ years experience working in carpentry and wood shops. He has designed and built many small and large wood projects and knows the science behind wood selection like the back of his hand. He is an expert guide on any questions regarding wood material selection, wood restoration, wood working basics and other types of wood. While his expertise is in woodworking, his knowledge and first hand experience is far from 'woody'.
How Do Acacia and Teak Stack Up on Hardness, Density, and Outdoor Use?
Acacia vs Teak: Janka hardness, density, outdoor durability, rot resistance, and workability for woodworking projects.
What Are the Best Oil Finishes for Wood Furniture? A Wood Scientist’s Guide
Best oil finishes for wood furniture, step-by-step application for durability and grain enhancement.
Is Your Woodshop Pet-Safe? A Materials Science Guide to Toxicity
Identify toxic woods and finishes, pet-safe alternatives, and safe woodworking practices for homes with pets.
What Are the Best Uses for Pine Wood? A Wood Science Perspective
Pine wood: best uses in furniture, construction, and millwork; properties, workability, finishes, costs, sustainability, care.
What’s the Actual Difference Between Quarter Sawn and Rift Sawn Wood for Furniture?
Identify quarter-sawn vs rift-sawn wood, compare stability, milling tips, joinery impact, and best uses for durable furniture.
What Wood Species Resist Water Naturally, and How Do You Waterproof Them?
Identify woods naturally water-resistant and compare the best chemical treatments and physical coatings for woodworking projects.
How Do You Really Measure Wood Moisture Content? A Shop-Tested Comparison
Compare oven-dry, pin, pinless, and relative-humidity methods to measure wood moisture; pros/cons, accuracy, and practical tips.
How Do You Prepare Wood for Oil-Based Paint That Lasts Decades?
Prep with sanding and cleaning, priming, oil-based paint, drying, sealing, and cleanup for a durable finish.
How Do You Clean Polyurethane Without Harming the Wood Finish?
Clean and maintain polyurethane wood finishes without damaging coating: methods, safe products, maintenance, troubleshooting.