While the materials we’ve used for roofing have changed over the years, from hay to wood to ceramic to metal to asphalt, they’ve all had the same purpose – to keep what’s under them protected from the elements. But in our modern world nothing does just one job anymore. Multi-function is the name of the game. It’s only natural then that the materials we build our homes and businesses from do more than just keep us out the rain.

Today, we have a wide range of construction fastener options, from nails to screws, combination fasteners to staples, all in a variety of materials and finishes. They may be loose or collated and applied by hand or machine. If we lose a nail here or there it’s no big deal. However, it wasn’t always this way.

Shipping crates have been used for centuries to ship valuables over land and sea. Wooden crates offer consumers superior protection when compared to cardboard or plastic alternatives. Crates have been gaining popularity since their existence, but what materials are the most popular when making shipping crates?

/ˈkraf(t)smənˌShip/ - to obtain a skill in a particular craft, the quality of design shown in something made by hand, artistry.

People have been building decks for hundreds of years. There is something to be said about not reinventing the wheel. While trends towards using composite decking and hidden fasteners have been growing, we wanted to take a minute to remind you what you’ll miss out on by omitting traditional deck construction methods.

In a perfect world, the only thing impacting the life of our construction work would be the quality of the workmanship. But in the real world we have to account for the wear and tear that Mother Nature will inflict upon our work, and the people inside it. Here are a few smart ways to prevent the forces of nature from destroying your hard work.

Holiday weekends are the calendar year’s greatest gift to homeowners. With an extra day added to the roster, the possibilities are limitless. This Labor Day weekend, tackle a project that never seems to fit into the standard Friday-Sunday timeline, and still have time for a family BBQ or two.

In the beginning, there were nails. 3400 BC is the earliest known use of them, in Ancient Egypt. It took 3337 years for screws to become the “next wave” in fasteners, found in 3^rd century BC Greece. As you can tell, the innovations in fasteners picked up speed in the last few hundred years. Prior to the 1800s, screws were made by hand specifically for the purpose they were needed for. Then they began to produce them in forms, creating the ability to standardize and reproduce them with ease. Now, there are not only thousands of fastener options, but a wide range of finishes as well, each suited to a specific task. Here is a quick guide to the finishes you’ll see in the market today.

Metal roofs and siding have been gaining popularity among contractors and homeowners in the last few years. However, there are still myths and misconceptions about using this material. With metal becoming a mainstream choice for home construction, not just for farm homes, it’s time to debunk the top 5 myths associated with metal roofs and siding.

When you build something you love, the last thing you want is for the piece to fall apart because of poor planning or execution. Building outdoor furniture is an art and can be a fun challenge but it takes more than determination to build long lasting outdoor furniture.