News

Wow what a first year we’re having.  When the Readers’ Choice Award nominations came out a few months ago, we were so honored to be nominated in two categories.  We were nominated in the best hardware store and the best new business that started in July 2022 to July 2023.  Then we made it to the top five and then the final round of voting.  We were up against some “big box” stores and other long time hardware stores for the best hardware store.  The situation was the same with the best new business.  Finally, we got the invite to...

As the crisp autumn air arrives, it signals not only the changing seasons but also the approaching holiday season. With family gatherings and festivities on the horizon, now is the perfect time to embark on home improvement projects that will enhance both the interior and exterior of your home. In this blog post, we'll explore a curated list of projects that can be completed during the autumn months, ensuring your home is warm, inviting, and ready to welcome holiday guests in November and December. Exterior Projects: Curb Appeal Boost: Start by refreshing your home's exterior. Repaint the front door in...

In July of 2022, Bobby Pickenpaugh came to us and said it was time for him to sell St. Clair Lumber.  Dominic and I had previously talked about us doing just this and fulfilling his childhood dream.  Around age 15 when Dominic moved to the area, he befriended Bobby while working for Bunky Loy at Loy’s Building Center.  Dominic told Bobby, “that he wanted to own this place someday”. I’m not sure if Bobby thought this 15 year old was a dreamer or crazy. Either way, flash forward almost 30 years Dominic’s dream came true. While I wanted to be...

When it comes to construction and woodworking, selecting the right materials is essential for the success and durability of a project. Two commonly used materials for sheathing and structural purposes are OSB (Oriented Strand Board) and CDX plywood. While they might seem similar at first glance, they have distinct characteristics and best applications. In this blog post, we'll delve into the differences between OSB and CDX and discuss the best scenarios for using each material. OSB (Oriented Strand Board) OSB is engineered by compressing and gluing together wood strands in a cross-oriented manner. This layering technique gives OSB its strength...

Siding is not just about enhancing your home's curb appeal; it's also a protective barrier against the elements. From wood and vinyl to fiber cement and stucco, various siding materials require different maintenance approaches. In this blog post, we'll dive into the essential maintenance tips for different siding types, helping you keep your home looking great and well-protected. Wood Siding Cleaning: Regularly clean wood siding to prevent dirt and mildew buildup. Use a soft brush or a pressure washer on a low setting, and avoid high-pressure settings that could damage the wood. Inspection: Inspect for rot, cracks, and insect damage...