Dear James: My wood front door is still in good condition. When I tried to refinish with a clear coat, it flaked off. What type of finish will last longer this time?—Wendy L. Dear Wendy: A properly stained and finished natural wood front door is beautiful and should remain that way for many years. Over…

By Katie Laughridge From Tribune News Service Creating an inspired space takes the right combination of elements. Accessories and art and lighting and a plethora of textiles are in the mix, but the pieces that build the foundation from which a room is built are upholstered pieces and case goods. I’ll take every chance I…

Last week, I helped Mary Ann, a 70-year-old newlywed, solve a vexing problem in a home she and her husband bought. In just 15 minutes, using my transcribed phone call service, I saved them perhaps $5,000. I shared a time-tested way they could match the stain on a wood-paneled room. Their problem was sun damage…

Do you own anything made of wood that lives its life outdoors? It could be a stunning deck, perhaps a decorative privacy fence, maybe a pergola, or even a teak table and chair set. I’ve owned all of the above, and more, over the years. When I was younger, I didn’t think much of the…

Hours before I began to write this column, I was backing my car into a parking spot at church. Just ahead of me was an older garage on the church campus that was being remodeled. New vinyl siding is being installed, and my guess is all of the trim is going to be wrapped in…

Embracing the unique color, texture, and shape of every log of wood, a Taiwanese sculptor has created hundreds of wood carvings that all have a story to tell. For the last 30 years, Tsai Mingfeng, 49, has been crafting outstanding wood sculptures, chiseling and hammering conscientiously to express the righteous principles of truth, compassion, and…

A cornice board valance as a window topper is a handsome addition to a window treatment, whether it covers a window shade, blind or draperies. It’s a decorative element that makes a window appear larger, and it can be a nice coverup for the top of ordinary hardware. It’s a relatively inexpensive detail that adds…

“I love trees,” said the forester. His name is Cliff Foster, and I believe him. But how does that square with the environmentalists’ view that foresters and loggers are chain-saw-wielding tree slashers who are only a few generations away from J. R. R. Tolkien’s orcs? My view of loggers wasn’t that extreme, especially since my…

Wood gleams, glows, and adds personality to any object it’s used to craft. For centuries, wooden boats have been treasured for their beauty and their connection to nature. Unlike modern recreational boats that are built in a matter of days on production lines using fiberglass molds and machines, wooden boats were slowly handcrafted by artisans…

A man who grew up helping his father use a chainsaw to cut firewood to heat the house found himself intrigued by chainsaw carving after he saw some carvers at the local fairgrounds. He has since taken up the technique, carving incredible pieces for the last 23 years. “It is actually a therapeutic activity. You…