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We Heard You—And Upgraded Our Spruce Boards Because of It

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  Now Stocking Premium Grade Spruce Boards — Because You Asked for It At Chamberlain Timber Mart , the best changes don’t come from guesswork—they come from listening to the people who use our products every day. Over the past season, we’ve heard consistent feedback from contractors, DIYers, and homeowners: “We want straighter boards.” “We want fewer defects.” “We want better consistency.” So we made it happen. We’re proud to announce that Chamberlain Timber Mart now stocks Premium Grade Spruce Boards —a step up in quality designed to make your projects easier, faster, and better looking. What Makes Premium Grade Spruce Different? If you’ve ever had to dig through a pile of lumber to find usable boards, you already know the difference quality makes. Premium Grade Spruce offers: Fewer knots and visible defects Straighter, more stable boards Cleaner appearance for finishing work Reduced warping, twisting, and splitting This means less sorting, less waste, and more ...
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Biyork HydroGen Flooring Review + Series Comparison (2026 Guide)

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Biyork HydroGen Flooring: The Ultimate Breakdown (Series, Pros, Cons & Real Comparisons) If you’ve been researching waterproof flooring in Canada, chances are you’ve come across Biyork HydroGen flooring . It’s one of the newer players in the SPC/LVP world—but how does it actually perform in real homes? In this guide, we break down: Each HydroGen series (5, 6, 7, 8) The real pros and cons How it compares to other brands What Is Biyork HydroGen Flooring? Biyork HydroGen is a rigid core waterproof vinyl plank (SPC) designed to handle modern living. Key features: ✔️ 100% waterproof ✔️ Scratch and stain resistant ✔️ Attached underpad for comfort and noise reduction ✔️ Realistic wood texture ✔️ Anti-bacterial surface 👉 Think of it as hardwood looks with vinyl durability HydroGen Series Breakdown HydroGen 5 – Entry-Level Waterproof Flooring Best for: Budget projects, rentals, light traffic Pros: ✔️ Affordable ✔️ Waterproof core ✔️ Easy to transport and handle Cons: ❌ Thinner constructio...
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First Garden? Here’s the Easiest Raised Bed You Can Build

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  Permacon Planter Blocks: The Easy Way to Build a Raised Garden Bed If you’ve been thinking about starting a garden but don’t want to deal with complicated carpentry or expensive kits, Permacon planter blocks might be exactly what you need. These simple, durable concrete blocks make building a raised planter bed fast, affordable, and surprisingly flexible—even for beginners. In this post, we’ll cover what Permacon planter blocks are, why gardeners love them, and a step-by-step guide to building your own raised planter bed—with key upgrades to keep it strong, stable, and resistant to bowing over time. What Are Permacon Planter Blocks? Permacon planter blocks are precast concrete corner blocks designed to hold standard lumber (usually 2x6 or 2x8 boards). Each block has slots that allow you to slide wood boards into place, creating the frame of a raised bed without screws, nails, or power tools. They’re especially popular in Canada because they: Withstand harsh weather (freeze/thaw c...
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Building the Best Base: Subfloor Repair and Prep Before You Install

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  New flooring rarely fails because of the finish — it fails because of what’s beneath it. Warping, cracking, squeaks and loose boards most often stem from inadequate sub-floor preparation. To help your hardwood, LVP or tile last longer (and stay covered by warranty), follow these essential prep steps before laying the first plank. Step 1: Remove Anything That Doesn’t Belong Strip out old linoleum, carpet padding, adhesive residue and any debris. Leftover materials stop new flooring from sitting flat and lead to future problems. For tough, stubborn layers, use a heavy-duty OLFA Scraper to quickly create a clean, stable base before installation.   Step 2: Stop Squeaks and Eliminate Movement A quiet, stable floor starts with a rock-solid sub-floor. Fasten any loose plywood or OSB to the joists to eliminate flex that causes squeaks and cracked finishes. Use an 18-gauge brad nailer (or screws where specified) to securely attach panels—this locks everything down and provid...
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How to get the Best Results with Saman Water Based Wood Stain

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  We’re thrilled to share this tutorial with you, especially because we’re passionate about solid wood furniture and showcasing the natural beauty of wood grain. A Little bit about SamaN Water Based Wood Stain   If you haven’t tried SamaN Water-Based Stains , you’re in for a game-changer. These stains stand out from anything you’ve used before! They’re highly pigmented , Eco-friendly , non-toxic , and virtually odorless . Even better? They’re fast-drying , won’t raise the grain , and don’t require any conditioner . Our favorite part: just one coat does the job—with no streaks or lapping marks . It's stain made simple—and stunning. Some People Say a con of Water based Wood Stain is the they tend to raise the wood grain, SamaN's Reactivating Formula specifically notes it won't leave marks or raise the wood grain.   How to Stain Wood using a Water based Wood Stain   Staining bare wood furniture Because bare wood hasn’t absorbed any finish yet, proper prep is key to ge...
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Composite Decking Replacement Made Easy: Replacing Your Old Wood Decking

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  Wood decking demands consistent upkeep to maintain its appearance and durability. Homeowners who underestimate the required maintenance can quickly find their deck deteriorating into a rotted, splintered mess. But before you decide to tear it down entirely, consider upgrading to a low-maintenance alternative. Engineered materials like composite and PVC decking offer the natural look of wood without the constant upkeep. Even better — replacing your old wood boards with composite decking is simpler than you might expect. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the resurfacing process and how to replace your existing deck boards with composite materials.   When to Replace Your Wood Deck If your deck boards are showing signs of rot, splintering, or decay, it’s more than just an eyesore — it’s a safety hazard. Don’t wait until minor damage turns into a major problem. Replacing your worn-out wood boards with high-quality composite decking is a smar...
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How to fix stripped screw holes

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  A stripped screw hole is a hole that has become damaged or worn and no longer grips or tightens screws properly. Screws spin in the hole and have no holding power. This can be caused by a number of factors, including frequent movement, incorrect screw angle, poor-quality materials, and over-tightening. Stripped screw holes are commonly found in door hinges and old furniture. Below are several easy ways to fix a stripped hole in wood. Larger screw The easiest solution is to replace the screw with a larger one. Choose one that is longer and has a larger diameter. Toothpick method This fix has been around for decades and usually works. Grab several wood toothpicks, dip them in wood glue and shove them into the stripped hole. Add more if necessary to completely fill the hole. Let the glue dry then trim off the ends of the toothpicks with a utility knife or a chisel so the surface is flush. Next, use a screwdriver and re-fasten the screw. If you don’t h...
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