DIY raised garden beds are a smart investment whether you’re a renter, a homeowner, or living with limited space and poor soil conditions. They offer a range of benefits that make growing your own food manageable and fun.
Dunn Solutions Blog
The Dunn Solutions blog is an extension of the central service counter you’ll find in our Seattle home improvement and hardware stores. Here, you’ll find trusted advice, DIY tutorials, and project inspiration based on 100+ years of construction experience.
- Posted: 11.03.2025Read Article
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GEAR UP FOR DECKING SEASON
- Posted: 11.07.2023
- Posted: 04.04.2023
Read ArticleThere have been many changes in the world of manufactured decking over the past 25 years. We have been along for the ride for most of it and have gained a lot of knowledge and insight in the process.
- Posted: 17.10.2022
Read ArticleUsing materials from different brands when building your deck can lead to unintended consequences and even costly issues later on. In this episode of our decking series, deck expert Kevin Kunka explains why it’s wise to stick with the same brand when embarking on an outdoor living project.
- Posted: 07.03.2022
Read ArticleHave you ever wondered what it would be like to DIY a home improvement project? The pay-off can be a lot bigger than just saving money—that’s what father and son Dennis and Connor McCormick learned through their first deck-building experience.
- Posted: 02.05.2022
Read ArticleJoel Skillingstead of West Coast Decks shares key aspects you should consider when deciding whether to repair or replace your deck.
- Posted: 21.06.2021
Read ArticleBuilding (or repairing) your deck stairs? Check out this tutorial for constructing rock-solid stair posts that won't wobble over time.
- Posted: 15.06.2021
Read ArticleThe 3-4-5 method is a method you can use to square up the framework of your deck. Each number represents a length of a side of a right triangle. When the sides measure up accordingly, you'll have a perfect 90-degree angle.
- Posted: 08.06.2020
Read ArticleIf your new deck stain is pooling and not drying, you may have over-applied it. The good news is fixing it only takes one step.
- Posted: 31.05.2020
Read ArticleThis brochure was originally created more than 20 years ago by our friends at Taiga Building (formerly Exterior Wood).
- Posted: 25.05.2020
Read ArticleGive your deck a refresh by restaining or repainting it; but first, learn how to strip off the current coating in four steps.
- Posted: 01.04.2019
- Posted: 13.08.2018
Read ArticleWhether your deck is made from wood or manufactured materials, our seasonal maintenance guide will help you extend the life of your outdoor living space.
DIY Tutorials
- Posted: 18.02.2025
Read ArticleFrench cleats are a strong, versatile, and elegant mounting system that can elevate your organization and maximize storage in small spaces.
- Posted: 11.03.2025Read Article
DIY raised garden beds are a smart investment whether you’re a renter, a homeowner, or living with limited space and poor soil conditions. They offer a range of benefits that make growing your own food manageable and fun.
- Posted: 04.02.2025
Read ArticleYou don’t have to compromise functionality for space in a small kitchen. Here are some of our favorite DIY storage ideas for small kitchens that maximize storage and keep things organized when space is limited.
- Posted: 21.01.2025
Read ArticleNew year, new bathroom! Here’s a guide to some of our favorite renter-friendly bathroom projects to elevate your space, say goodbye to clutter, and get refreshed in the new year.
Contractor Resources
- Posted: 04.07.2022
- Posted: 25.11.2024
Read ArticleLearn about a Seattle non-profit, Sawhorse Revolution, that is using carpentry to improve the community and support youth development.
- Posted: 05.08.2024
Read ArticleNot all contractor liability insurance agents are created equal. In this episode, Shelli walks us through how to find quality contractor liability insurance agents you can trust, particularly in Washington state and King County.
- Posted: 24.10.2023
Read ArticleIn today’s conversation, Dave covers what you should consider when planning your job site setup for home remodels.
Home Improvement
- Posted: 10.06.2024
Read ArticleBuilding stairs correctly requires understanding the building code as well as accurately incorporating that information when executing your build. In this real-life example, we tackle a front porch stair rebuild that posed multiple challenges.
- Posted: 22.04.2024
Read ArticleIn this interview, we visit our friend, Kathleen, as she walks us through her own kitchen remodel, the challenges that arose, and what she wishes she had known going into it.
- Posted: 08.01.2024
Read ArticleYou don’t have to be a contractor to find the source of a leaky window—you just have to be willing to deconstruct your wall enough to figure out how the water is finding its way in.
- Posted: 16.05.2023
Read ArticleIf you have a deck that needs a little TLC—or are thinking you’re ready to embark on building a deck this season—this post is for you.
Podcast Episodes
- Posted: 11.04.2023
Read ArticleIn today’s podcast, Lindsey Grove from WindsorONE covers key ways the brand does business differently, all while making truly beautiful, high-quality, durable trim boards and more.
- Posted: 16.09.2019
Read ArticleToday we’ll hear from Tim Faller, senior consultant and master of production at Remodelers Advantage Inc. and a podcast host himself. In this podcast, Tim shares leadership principles for how to be a better manager in your company and how to help employees have a sense of ownership in the company’s success.
Often when we think about accountability, we think about justifying what we’ve done, or having to explain something that didn’t go well. Tim advocates for a different definition of accountability, taken from the book “The Oz Principle”: Accountability is “a personal choice to rise above one’s circumstances and demonstrate the ownership necessary to achieve the desired results—to see it, own it, solve it, and do it.”
See it, own it, solve it, do it
It’s easy for us to want to assign blame, but if an issue is always someone else’s problem, we will never own the problem and move forward to solve it. One example is the labor shortage. Many business owners complain about classifieds no longer
- Posted: 12.12.2016
Read ArticleShelli Lucus-Kennedy of American Insurance Associates visits the Dunn Lumber Podcast to discuss risk management, liabilities, and the importance of proper documentation.
- Posted: 24.10.2016
Read ArticleBrian Horstmann, with James Hardie building products, discusses the HardiePanel® and Hardie® Reveal® Panel products, how they change the building envelope, and tips for quality modern design installation.
- Posted: 19.09.2016
Read ArticleAttorney Scott Hildebrand discusses how to protect yourself from liability when hiring trade contractors, what constitutes a binding contract, and whether verbal contracts really are legally enforceable.
- Posted: 11.10.2015
Read ArticleNow on The Dunn Lumber Podcast: Listen to the full seminar led by our friend, renowned building scientist Mark LaLiberte. In this episode, Mark will answer the big question: "What is building science—and why should you care?"
Product Knowledge
- Posted: 11.03.2025
Read ArticleUnlike traditional framed cabinets, frameless cabinetry provides sleek design and more space for storage and organization.
- Posted: 04.02.2025
Read ArticleLearn the difference between MDO and HDO plywood to choose the right enhanced panel type for your next project, from smooth finishes for cabinetry to durable concrete forms.
- Posted: 21.01.2025
Watch VideoFrom door size to hardware, these tips will help you make a statement with your front door.
- Posted: 07.01.2025
Read ArticleRepairing rotten wood can be a big ordeal—unless you have a product like SystemThree’s End Rot kit. See how to use it in this episode of our Product Series.
POPULAR VIDEOS
- Posted: 06.04.2016
- Posted: 13.02.2017
Read ArticleRemoving existing bearing walls requires the installation of posts and beams to carry the load. As a remodel contractor used to working in tight spaces, I’ve found that LVL beams are a fantastic solution.
- Posted: 19.10.2015
Read ArticleAt Dunn Lumber, we care about providing quality materials and protecting our environment. From the forest to your home Dunn Lumber is leaving the environment better than it was when we found it.
- Posted: 11.07.2016
Read ArticleIn new homes, rafter tails are often concealed with fascia and soffit. In older—and particularly historic—homes, rafter tails were often left exposed for decorative effect. This video explains how to replace the fascia on exposed rafter tails when moisture has caused significant rot damage to the wood.
- Posted: 06.06.2016
- Posted: 25.12.2017
Read ArticleMaster carpenter Daniel Westbrook and architect Robert Mech chat about the advantages of teamwork throughout every stage of a remodel project.
- Posted: 10.05.2015
Read ArticleCabinets are the main focal point of any kitchen, but they also affect many other project components—like electrical, plumbing, flooring, drywall, countertops, painting, and most importantly, the tradesmen who perform these tasks.
Stories from the lumberyard
- Posted: 17.12.2023Categories: Contractor Resources
Read ArticleWith "The Boys in the Boat" film premiering in cinemas December 25, we're taking a look back at our own connection to the historic 1936 University of Washington men's rowing team through an independent documentary.
- Posted: 27.03.2023
Read ArticleWe’re catching up with Jonathan Cohen, Ebanista School of Fine Woodworking’s director, to learn more about his journey and see how he’s supporting a new generation of skilled woodworkers.
- Posted: 04.01.2021
- Posted: 13.11.2017
Read ArticleLearn more about the enduring quality and history of our blue-end studs in this post by Dunn Lumber President Mike Dunn.
