Practical guides on lumber selection, building projects, Chicago construction codes, and industry news from the Chicago Lumber & Building Materials editorial desk.
From mass timber skyscrapers to carbon-sequestering composites, the building materials industry is evolving fast. Here are the trends reshaping how Chicago builds.
Chicago basements are notoriously cold, damp, and expensive to heat. Proper insulation can transform yours into comfortable living space — if you avoid these common pitfalls.
You spent hours choosing the perfect decking material, but the fasteners holding it together deserve just as much thought. The wrong screws can cause staining, splitting, and premature failure.
You don't need a massive budget to make a big impact. These seven projects use affordable lumber and basic tools to upgrade your outdoor space in a single weekend.
From dismantled South Side factories to century-old barn beams in downstate Illinois, reclaimed lumber carries history and character that new wood simply cannot replicate.
Building a new garage in Chicago involves more permits, setback rules, and alley considerations than most homeowners expect. This guide walks you through the process before you break ground.
Every piece of graded lumber carries a stamp packed with information about its quality, moisture content, and origin. Here's how to read it like a pro.
Before balloon framing was invented in 1830s Chicago, building a wood structure required skilled timber framers and heavy equipment. This simple idea democratized construction forever.
Composite decking usually costs more than pressure-treated lumber upfront. But when you factor in maintenance, longevity, and your weekends, the comparison starts to shift.
Cedar is naturally rot-resistant, but it's not maintenance-free. Follow this seasonal schedule to keep your fence looking great and standing strong for decades.
Ordering a lumber delivery in Chicago isn't like getting a package from Amazon. Here's how the process works, what to prepare, and how to avoid common headaches.
Not every wood performs equally in Chicago's harsh weather. Here's a species-by-species breakdown for outdoor projects in the Midwest.
Board feet confuse almost everyone the first time. This simple guide with real examples will have you calculating like a pro in five minutes.
Tens of thousands of brick bungalows form the backbone of Chicago's residential neighborhoods. Renovating one preserves history and builds equity — here's what the lumber work involves.
Is pressure-treated wood safe to touch? Can you burn the scraps? Will it poison your garden? Let's separate genuine safety concerns from outdated fears.
Live edge furniture is everywhere right now. Here's what actually goes into turning a raw tree into a finished slab — and what to look for when buying one.
A rooftop deck is the ultimate Chicago amenity — skyline views, extra outdoor space, and added appeal for your home. But building one involves unique structural and permitting challenges.
That bargain stud looks like a deal until you're sorting through a pile of bowed, twisted boards to find the usable ones. Here's what you're really paying for at the big boxes.
Chicago sees many freeze-thaw cycles every winter. Each one drives moisture deeper into unprotected wood, accelerating decay at a rate that surprises even experienced builders.
Lumber grades determine strength, appearance, and price — but the system confuses almost everyone. This plain-language guide explains what you're actually buying.
Building a deck is one of the most rewarding DIY projects you can tackle. This step-by-step checklist keeps first-timers organized and on track from planning through the final screw.
LVL beams, I-joists, and LSL studs are replacing traditional solid-sawn lumber on job sites across Chicago. Here's what's driving the shift and why it matters for your project.
These three species dominate Chicago's hardwood flooring market, but they differ in hardness, color, grain, and price. Here's an honest comparison to guide your decision.
The Great Fire of 1871 burned 17,000 structures in a city built almost entirely of wood. What happened next was the greatest lumber boom in American history.
Chicago porches endure brutal weather and heavy use. Knowing when repair isn't enough — and full replacement is the safe move — could prevent a dangerous collapse.