The Famous Treehouse
Jason Stern Jason Stern

The Famous Treehouse

The building of a structure in the trees, capable of holding up to a dozen people at one time, must be solid. Here the boys learn about what it means to build in this solid way—as compared to taking short-cuts with the quality of materials or construction.

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What Will Make My Shed the Happiest?
Jason Stern Jason Stern

What Will Make My Shed the Happiest?

A happy shed will function as it was meant to do, look great, add to property value, and keep it up for many years to come. Here are some of the factors:

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Do I need a Gravel Pad?
Jason Stern Jason Stern

Do I need a Gravel Pad?

A gravel or crushed-stone pad is one of the best ways to go for your shed. It is not needed, but here are some considerations. 

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Another Blanket of Snow
Jason Stern Jason Stern

Another Blanket of Snow

If you have firewood under tarps then this is not a welcome event. Another blanket of snow means more buried wood, vulnerable to deterioration and loss of BTU heat potential.

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When is Firewood Dry?
Jason Stern Jason Stern

When is Firewood Dry?

We see this often, and as often, we wonder if it’s true. Is the wood fully dry or partly dry? Is all of the wood dry or only some of the wood dry? Then we might ask, what does it mean that wood is dry?

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BTU and You
Jason Stern Jason Stern

BTU and You

The British thermal unit (Btu or BTU) is a traditional unit of heat; it is defined as the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.

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When Can We Stain Treated Lumber?
Jason Stern Jason Stern

When Can We Stain Treated Lumber?

When Can We Stain Treated Lumber?

The quick answer is—It depends. It depends on how dry the wood is when it is installed. Though this might seem obvious, and is certainly true, there are factors at work that might not be so obvious.

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Woods to Burn at Night
Jason Stern Jason Stern

Woods to Burn at Night

First, to be clear, I am speaking about firewood that we best use at night (or for any long periods when a fire is left unattended), when certain characteristics would be favorable—characteristics such as:

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Secrets of a Clean Chimney
Jason Stern Jason Stern

Secrets of a Clean Chimney

Did you know that your chimney, fireplace, wood stove, and furnace flue are often among the most overlooked causes of carbon monoxide intrusion, fires and other hazards resulting in loss of life and property?

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Will’s Woodstock Woodshed
Jason Stern Jason Stern

Will’s Woodstock Woodshed

In a beautiful corner of Woodstock, NY, Will had a clever custom firewood shed built. The shed was constructed against a deck at the side yard to his home so there would be easy access to the firewood.

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