Home Exterior
12 Ways to Work With Stone You Can't Change
9 min read22 Jun 2026
Editorial LeadPortland, Oregon, USA
Silas Calder
Silas Calder is the Lead DIY & Woodworking Editor for The Nestiora, with over 15 years of hands-on residential construction experience dedicated to demystifying structural renovations.
“A good build starts long before the first cut. Measure twice, plan your safety gear, and the rest is just following the blueprint.”
Highlights
- 15+ years in residential construction and custom architectural timber framing in the Pacific Northwest
- Former licensed general contractor (State of Oregon) and OSHA 30-Hour Safety Certified
- Built more than 30 custom residential structures, built-in libraries, and bespoke cabinetry systems
- Dedicated advocate for accessible, safe home improvement without contractor markups
Experience
Silas began his building career as an apprentice carpenter framing timber homes in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Over fifteen years, he ran an independent residential renovation crew, handling complete historical kitchen remodels, exterior porch builds, and structural floor restorations. He learned firsthand where homeowners get stuck: obscure building codes, intimidating tool manuals, and inflated trade quotes.
After hanging up his daily tool belt, Silas transitioned into editorial journalism to make precision woodworking accessible to beginners. At The Nestiora, he personally stress-tests every DIY plan, building mockup joints in his Portland workshop and calculating exact cut lists and screw schedules. His guides prioritize workshop safety, structural durability, and tool ergonomics so readers can build heirlooms that withstand decades of everyday life.
Education
Silas received his Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Construction Management from Portland Community College, with continued coursework in structural timber engineering and OSHA jobsite safety standards. His academic background rooted him in building codes, load calculations, and precision joinery before he ever set foot on a commercial job site.
Verified Licenses & CertificationsLicensed General Contractor (State of Oregon - Inactive/Consulting), OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety Certified
Areas of Expertise
Custom CabinetryTimber FramingPower Tool SafetyHardwood Floor RestorationStructural Home RepairsTrim Carpentry
About The Nestiora
The Nestiora is an independent home journal dedicated to thoughtful decor, accessible woodworking, and slow gardening. We believe that trustworthy home advice comes from real experience in real rooms—not stylized showroom sets staged for a single photograph.
Learn more about our team and our editorial process, and our commitment to ensuring we provide you with the most trustworthy advice verified by certified experts on our Home Improvement Review Board and Gardening & Plant Care Review Board.
