Chip Wade - Expert Craftsman

I want to give a big thanks to everyone who visits my blog and leaves feedback about the projects, products, and events I am a part of- I hope you are having as much DIY fun as I am!

For everyone hip to the one of the newest and largest social networks (and for those who want to be), I have created my own Twitter profile with instant updates and pictures for my followers. My profile name is @chipwade and I have to admit, this is pretty fun.

Whether I’m building a brand new sign for Turner Classic Movies (the above photo) or simply surveying a project in the developing stages, I can upload images as “TwitPics” for everyone to see. Most smart phones even have apps that will enable you to have Twitter access on your cell.

Of course, continue to check this blog for your best source of info, but Twitter is another great way to be informed. Happy Tweeting!

I’m very excited- I recently found a new product that has been evading me for as long as I have been doing remodeling projects!

Imagine the age-old hassle of protecting finished areas, stairs, and walk paths of locations where you are remodeling. Its always been tedious to not only put down runners, but to SECURE them so they don’t bunch up causing a tripping hazard. This doesn’t even include exposing finished floor to potential damage. Can you relate with me the frustration this has caused us all?!

Luckily I found a new product from 3M, its called the Flex & Form Conformable Runner. This product is the first I have ever seen to actually hold itself to stairs and railing with no tape at all! I have even used it to protect bathtubs and odd-shaped pieces of furniture when demo and paint are the project of the day.

If you are looking to protect your project correctly, as I always am, pick up the Flex and Form Conformable Runner from 3M. Stay tuned as 3M has come out with some more amazing stuff I’ll let you know about!

Check out this video I filmed in Rockefeller Plaza while visiting the 2010 House Beautiful Kitchen of the Year in Manhattan, NY. Jeff Lewis did an incredible job designing this fully-functioning kitchen and incorporating Mohawk reclaimed Hardwood flooring into the layout. It truly looks amazing- see for yourself:

Hey everyone, I write you today from Manhattan, NY- more specifically, Rockefeller Plaza!

In addition to it being a cool location to update my blog, I’m here taking in the scene at the 2010 House Beautiful Kitchen of the Year. I’m here beginning at 10:00AM today, so please stop by if you are in the area!

This design is truly masterful. It was designed by Jeff Lewis of Bravo TV’s “Flipping Out” and Jeff even used Mohawk Hardwood flooring in his design to provide his kitchen with a functional yet attractive foundation. The Mohawk Hardwood you see in the photo below is an antique natural elm that has a light finish to contrast the darker cherrywood cabinets that Jeff picked out.

In addition to my blog, make sure to follow my Twitter timeline @chipwade for even more happenings and tips. I’ll be tweeting about this event while I’m here as well!

I want to tell you about a versatile product that I love to use for non-structural paint grade applications, including exterior millwork, door and window parts, signage, garage doors and other architectural components. CMI Extira panels are treated wood composite panels that perform better than wood or MDF. The product is unique in three ways:

·         Extira panels resist moisture, rot and termites and offer excellent performance in exterior environments.

·         Extira panels can be used in any non-structural paint-grade exterior application. They also work well for high-moisture interior environments.

·         Extira panels have a 5-year warranty, unprecedented in the product category.

In addition to being user-friendly and durable, Extira panels are made with sustainable materials that provide amazing green building benefits! Check out the product for yourself on the CMI website. And, if any of you have used Extira panels for your projects, let me know what you think about the product.