Learn about a Seattle non-profit, Sawhorse Revolution, that is using carpentry to improve the community and support youth development.
- Posted: 25.11.2024Read Article
Contractor Resources
As a contractor, there's a lot to keep in mind to run a smooth business. Whether you need advice on project management or job site professionalism to ensure efficiency and safety on every project, we'll provide you with the knowlege you need to be successful on the modern worksite.
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FRAMING HIP ROOF
A crash course in the foundational carpentry concepts and methods for framing a basic hip roof from Seattle Central College veteran instructor Catie Chaplan.
- Posted: 02.01.2023
- Posted: 09.01.2023
- Posted: 16.01.2023
- Posted: 23.01.2023
Watch VideoIn this video from Catie’s virtual course curriculum, she zeroes in on the two areas to pay attention to when planing a hip roof.
- Posted: 30.01.2023
Watch VideoIn this video from Catie’s virtual course curriculum, she explains how building length and total run can help you calculate hip ridge length.
- Posted: 06.02.2023
- Posted: 13.02.2023
- Posted: 20.02.2023
Watch VideoIn this tutorial, learn how to calculate birdsmouth cuts by focusing on the height-above-plate measurement.
- Posted: 27.02.2023
Business Advice
Practical tips and strategies to help you streamline your contracting business and strengthen client relationships.
- 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.
Featured Guide
The Death of Shop Class
Sarah Smith of Sawhorse Revolution—a Seattle-based nonprofit fostering confident, community-oriented youth through carpentry and craft—goes into the history and evolution of shop classes in the public education system.
- Posted: 23.12.2019
Read ArticleIn this first installment of our three-part series, Sarah from Sawhorse Revolution gives a history of shop classes and explains why there are fewer of them today.
- Posted: 30.12.2019
Read ArticleIn this second installment of our three-part series, Sarah from Sawhorse Revolution shares her views on the current state of shop classes and why they’re beneficial.
- Posted: 13.01.2020
Read ArticleIn this final installment of our three-part series, Sarah from Sawhorse Revolution describes the ideal future of shop classes and what we can do to bring it about.
- 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: 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: 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.
CONTRACTOR LIABILITY INSURANCE SERIES
From how to read your policy to understanding Washington laws that may impact you, we're covering everything you need to know about contractor liability insurance for your business.
- Posted: 07.04.2021
Read ArticleFrom how to read your policy to understanding Washington laws that may impact you, we're covering everything you need to know about contractor liability insurance for your business in this new series.
- Posted: 28.04.2021
Read ArticleIn this episode, we go over the basics of what contractor liability insurance is, who needs it, and what it covers.
- Posted: 04.05.2021
Read ArticleToday, Shelli takes us step by step through the different parts of a base policy and then explains how to read and understand your contract liability policy.
- Posted: 06.05.2021
Read ArticleHaving contractor liability insurance is just one way to protect your business and risk. In this episode, Shelli shares why it’s important for contractors to work with a risk management specialist (risk manager) in addition to their insurance broker.
- Posted: 10.05.2021
Read ArticleWhile it may seem financially prudent to switch to a lower premium insurance plan, Shelli gives us a peek behind the curtain as to why it’s often a risky—and more expensive—endeavor.
- Posted: 12.05.2021
Read ArticleWe’re covering contractor liability insurance exclusions, including what they are, how to identify them, and why it’s crucial to be aware of them before you choose a policy to ensure your business is protected.
Workforce Development
- 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: 01.03.2021
Read ArticleIn this featured post from THISisCarpentry, Gary Katz shares valuable perspective on the importance of trade careers and a checklist of tips to ensure you always make the best impression on your clients.
- Posted: 28.12.2020
Read ArticleSeattle’s Wood Technology Center is keeping the city’s carpentry roots alive through cutting-edge education.
- Posted: 20.01.2020
Read ArticleGary Katz of Katz Roadshow and THISIsCarpentry discusses threats facing trade professionals, including a lack of long-term investment in construction trades.
Watch
Tool Tutorials
- Posted: 06.05.2025
Read ArticleSeattle decking contractor TJ Jensen shares his team’s approach to building functional and durable outdoor living spaces.
- Posted: 29.04.2025
Read ArticleDiscover the benefits of companion planting—from pest control to pollination—and learn easy ways to boost your garden’s health and harvest.
- Posted: 15.04.2025
Read ArticleTransform your backyard into an outdoor dining oasis with these easy DIY projects built for every type of get-together!
- Posted: 15.04.2025
Read ArticleThere’s no better way to enjoy Pacific Northwest springs and summers than from the comfort of your own deck.
- Posted: 27.03.2025
Read ArticleThere’s a lot to consider when embarking on a decking project. From your design approach to material selection, here’s what you need to know.
- Posted: 11.03.2025
Read ArticleDIY 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: 11.03.2025
Read ArticleUnlike traditional framed cabinets, frameless cabinetry provides sleek design and more space for storage and organization.
- Posted: 14.01.2019
Read ArticleVolunteer Rob Carlisle of Carlisle Classic Homes discusses the Rampathon experience and the joy of providing wheelchair accessibility for homes in our community.
- Posted: 18.02.2019
Read ArticleVolunteers Joseph and Melissa Irons of Irons Brothers Construction share about their company's history with Rampathon and the positive impact they've experienced as a result.
- Posted: 13.05.2019
Read ArticleIn this blog, we're highlighting Chermak Construction, who began participating in Rampathon in 2010 and has participated annually ever since.
- Posted: 22.04.2019
Read ArticleRampathon is one of the wonderful things a builder member of the MBA can volunteer their time and talent to, making a positive lasting impression on the community.
- Posted: 25.03.2019
Read ArticleMeet Gary Potter of Potter Construction, who’s sharing everything from how he got involved with Rampathon to some of his favorite memories.
- Posted: 27.04.2020
Read Article
"Dunn Lumber is a proud sponsor of Rampathon, a one-day sprint to build wheelchair ramps for those in need. Each year, we donate materials to some of our valued customers, who then go out into the community and build the ramps. Today, we wanted to take some time to feature one of those customers, Gaspar’s Construction. We’re so grateful to our interviewee, Isaac Gaspar, and to the whole Gaspar’s team for all they do for our community. Thanks, Isaac!"
Each spring, the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS) hosts Rampathon, a one-day sprint where volunteers build wheelchair ramps for those in need at no cost to the recipients. Since the annual event began in 1993, MBAKS and its partners have built over 500 ramps for families across King and Snohomish Counties.
This year’s Rampathon was set to take place on Saturday, May 16, but due to COVID-19, the event has been put on hold with the hopes of continuing this tradition later in 2020. Although the
- Posted: 10.02.2020
Read ArticleWe sat down with Joe Reed of Home Run Solutions to discuss what Rampathon means to him and his team.
- November 25, 2024
Learn about a Seattle non-profit, Sawhorse Revolution, that is using carpentry to improve the community and support youth development.
- November 04, 2024
We're matching donations (up to $500!) to Northwest Harvest through November 30. Join us!
- September 02, 2024
“Don't let your dream decking project turn into a nightmare - when building with manufactured decking, set yourself up for success by using material from a trusted manufacturer.”
Most of us have heard the stories, some of them falling into the “horror” category. The consumer picks out a manufactured decking product that they really like, build their desired deck project and then at some point in the future they experience a product failure. This is a challenging thing to navigate in the best of circumstances. When you have someone other than a leading manufacturer involved, you run the risk of things getting exponentially more painful.
What Defines a Leading Decking Manufacturer?
While there is no set checklist to refer to, here are some things to consider:
- Do they have a comprehensive, modern website?
- Are they sold through any of your local “box stores”?
- Have you seen or heard about the product through traditional or digital advertising?
- Do they offer a comprehensive, in-house
- August 19, 2024
In this episode, T.R. shares the number one rule for storing plywood and what to do if it gets wet.
- August 05, 2024
Not 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.
- June 10, 2024
Building 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.