All I need is a doo-wop group!
Burning scraps of the utility grade oak that I’m using for the houses in a 50 gallon drum.
Normally I’d allow for 10% waste when buying flooring, but with this utility grade it’s more like 20-25%. I’ve discarded a LOT of wood!
So why use utility grade?
Well, the price is lower for sure, but that’s not the only reason. There’s a lot of character and variety that you wouldn’t find in the more homogenous oak that is commonly used. I like that.
Worm trails and knots and insect signs are fun reminders that this wood came from trees.
Some of the boards that are culled and don’t get installed are still cool, like the ones in the photos!
