Author: Thomas Avery

Cumaru lumber — known commercially as Brazilian Teak — has established itself as one of the premier tropical hardwood decking species available in the United States. While IPE holds the top spot in name recognition, Cumaru rivals it in nearly every performance metric and offers contractors and homeowners a compelling combination of hardness, durability, natural beauty, and value. This guide covers everything you need to know about Cumaru decking: its physical properties, available dimensions, grading standards, and how to source it reliably in the US market. Cumaru Wood Properties Cumaru (Dipteryx odorata) is a large canopy tree native to the…

Home electrical systems usually work quietly in the background. Most homeowners forget about wires and breakers until a light flickers or a switch stops working. Small glitches are often the start of a much bigger problem if left unchecked. Knowing when a situation moves from a minor annoyance to a safety threat is key for every resident. Waiting too long can lead to fire or shock hazards that put a family at risk. Safety should always come before convenience in a modern home environment. Smelling Smoke Near The Walls A strange odor near an outlet is a sign of trouble.…

Curtains do more than just cover your windows. They control light, ensure privacy, improve insulation, reduce noise, and define your room’s entire aesthetic. From elegant sheer curtains for a soft, airy look to thicker blackout curtains for better light control, you can choose any style. With dozens of curtain styles available in 2025, understanding each type helps you make decisions that match your needs and budget. This comprehensive guide explores 12 popular curtain types for modern homes. You’ll learn what makes each style unique, where they work best, their benefits, and how to choose the perfect curtains for every room.…

For the homeowner who loves to host, the backyard is more than just property; it is a stage. It is where summer memories are forged, where the barbecue grill works overtime, and where the best neighborhood gatherings happen. For many years, the ultimate accessory for the avid entertainer was the swimming pool. However, the dream of owning a resort style pool often collides with the reality of a standard residential lot, particularly in established Midwestern neighborhoods where backyard square footage might be modest. Today’s home designs and increasing lot costs mean that today’s pool projects must be smarter, smaller, and…

The bathroom is usually one of the first rooms people think about updating. Maybe you’ve just moved into a new home and want it to feel more like yours. Or maybe, over the years, your current bathroom has started to look a bit tired and out of step with the rest of the house. Since it’s a space you use every day, it doesn’t take much to notice when it feels outdated — and it’s often the most satisfying place to start making a change. At the end of the day, we all want the bathroom to feel calm and…

When it comes to repairing or replacing your roof, choosing a local roof contractor can prove to be more beneficial than picking just any contractor. Even with local contractors, there are still too many options to consider, making it challenging to determine the right contractor for the job. The perfect contractor for your roofing project is the one who understands the nuances of the scope of work you want them to complete. A local roofing contractor is almost always the right choice, but you still have to dig deep to choose the best one. Below, we’ll look at a few…

Geekozi and the Art of Anime Wall Decor at Home Key Takeaways: Geekozi creates anime, gaming, and pop culture wall decor for people who want a room that feels personal and put together. The best results come from matching the poster to your wall space, lighting, and existing colors. A single statement piece can anchor a setup, while a small set of coordinated posters can shape a clear theme across a bedroom, office, or streaming room. Good wall decor does more than fill empty space. It sets a mood, frames your furniture, and helps your room feel intentional. That is…

Retractable awnings are one of those outdoor features you don’t fully appreciate until you have one. They provide instant shade, help keep outdoor spaces comfortable, and even reduce heat inside the home. Over time, however, the fabric takes the brunt of sun, wind, and weather. The good news is that most awnings don’t need to be replaced entirely. In many cases, simply updating the fabric is enough to restore both function and appearance. Choosing the right replacement fabric can make your awning look new again—and help it last for years to come. Why Awning Fabric Wears Out First Awning frames…

Whether you are looking to build or buy a new home or renovate an existing one, a certain question seems to come up in all scenarios. And what’s it about? The master bathroom, and specifically, whether a bathtub or a shower is the priority. Historically, bathtubs were the thing, and it goes back over 100 years. But today? Things are changing. It seems most people prefer taking a shower over a bath. First, because showers tend to be more cost-effective than baths, and second, they’re just more convenient. Yet, how do you decide on what’s right for you? We’ve got…

Homeowners face a tough choice when deciding which exterior upgrades to prioritize. A complete overhaul involves finding the right team to handle the heavy lifting and technical details. Quality workmanship protects the investment and keeps the home safe from harsh weather conditions. Spending time on the front end to research options saves plenty of stress later. Investing In Curb Appeal And Real Estate Value Upgrading the exterior of a property delivers impressive financial results. Some exterior projects reached a 194% return on investment nationwide in 2024. These high returns reflect how much buyers value a home that looks great and…