Articles

How to Replace Porch Columns (The Smart Way)

How to Replace Porch Columns (The Smart Way) Replacing porch columns is about protecting your porch’s structure, improving your home's curb appeal, and making sure your home’s style overall appearance is consistent from the ground up. If your current columns are rotting, outdated, or simply no longer match the look you want, a

How to Improve a Staircase in a Colonial Home

How to Improve a Staircase in a Colonial Home (Without Ruining the Look) Colonial staircases are known for their symmetry, turned wood balusters, and hand-crafted details. If yours is worn or outdated, upgrading it while preserving its original glamour can boost safety, style, and home value. This guide walks you through how to

Plastic Wood vs. Wood Filler: What’s the Difference?

Plastic Wood vs. Wood Filler: What’s the Difference Need to patch some wood? Many people will opt for either plastic wood or wood filler to complete this job. But while both can fix damage, they’re not interchangeable. Neither is the best choice for every repair, especially for larger holes or when want the

How to Stain Wood (The Right Way)

How to Stain Wood (The Right Way) Staining wood highlights its natural grain and color, adding both warmth and protection. Simply put, it makes the piece look finished and refined. If you're looking to add stain to your own wood piece, there are some important notes to make before getting started. First, you'll

Paint or Stain Your Deck? What to Know Before You Finish

Paint or Stain Your Deck? What to Know Before You Finish Are you building or restoring a deck? If so, one of the biggest decisions you’re likely to face is this: should you paint or stain your deck? Both options protect wood, add to its appearance, and extend the life of your build, but

Parts of a Staircase: A Complete Guide

Parts of a Staircase: A Complete Guide Planning a renovation? Building something new? If so, understanding the parts of a staircase can make decisions easier and conversations with contractors much smoother. A staircase is often a major design feature in your home. Our guide breaks down each component clearly so you know exactly what’s

Replacing Porch Columns: What to Know Before You Start

Replacing Porch Columns: What to Know Before You Start Porch columns often support structural loads, meaning replacing them isn’t simply a style decision. If you're dealing with rot, sagging, an outdated design, or other concerns, it’s important to consider a column replacement with both safety and design in mind. Our guide will walk you

Balcony Balusters: Styles, Benefits, & Care Tips

Choosing Balcony Balusters: Why Wood Still Leads If you're thinking about updating your balcony, choosing balcony balusters may be the design difference that finally ties everything together for you. They have been a design staple for years, keep you and your guests safe, and, with the right touches, bring a

Fluted Columns: Why You Should Consider Them for Your Project

Fluted Columns: Woodwork for Homes and Commercial Projects Fluted columns, comprised of vertical grooves carved into their surface, catch light and shadow in a striking way. This makes them ideal for homeowners, designers, and builders seeking well-executed wood details. At H.A. Stiles, we specialize in crafting custom fluted columns from premium hardwoods, tailored for

Paint Grade vs. Stain Grade: Choosing the Right Wood Finish

Paint Grade vs. Stain Grade: Choosing the Right Wood Finish When looking for architectural wood products such as balusters, columns, and newel posts for interior use, one of the many important decisions you’ll need to make is choosing between paint and stain grade wood. Both options have their own characteristics, depending on the style, function,

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