Wood Fence Winter Maintenance

Once the cold, rainy weather hits, many homeowners go about their lives indoors, leaving their yards and fences to fend for themselves all winter. This can result in some unpleasant surprises come spring, when many people head outside to find their wood fences have sustained damage, rot, or mildew growth.

Fall Cedar Fence Maintenance

Fall may not have all the bluster and rain of winter, but it can still do significant damage to your wood fence.

Build a One-of-a-Kind Fence

Fences come in all sorts of different shapes, sizes and materials. With certain fence styles in much greater demand than others, it makes sense to offer several standard, widely available options. Some fences even come in prefabricated sections for fast and easy installation.

Handrail Solutions to Your Deck Problems

Your deck should be a backyard sanctuary, but a poorly planned or situated deck can be a source of endless frustration for homeowners. Short of tearing it down and rebuilding it, however, there are ways to remediate common deck issues. One of the simplest ways to update and transform you deck is to install glass or aluminum handrails.

As the deck market has burgeoned, manufacturers have created a vast array of deck rails to choose from. Handrails for your deck now come in a variety of materials, from aluminum to glass to stainless steel cable, and can be included in any new deck design or added onto an existing cedar deck for a fresh, new look. Customized deck rails can help solve a variety of deck problems, including:

Cramped deck. If you’re struggling with a cedar deck that feels too small, cable handrails can give it a more spacious feel. Made of sturdy stainless steel cable and aluminum posts, cable handrails offer a minimalistic design that opens up your deck and allows it to breathe.

Too much wind exposure. Many cedar decks in the Pacific Northwest get blasted with strong gusts that can make spending time outside unpleasant. Glass handrails, made of glass panels held up by aluminum posts, can block those winds without obscuring your view. They're particularly prevalent among coastal homes, as the glass holds up well even under the assault of flying sand.

Plain-looking deck. If your cedar deck looks boring next to your ornate home, aluminum picket handrails can add a touch of class and elegance. They contrast with the wood of your deck and can be customized to match your home's design.

Blocked view. If your standard cedar handrails are getting in the way of an amazing view, try glass or cable handrails instead. Both are virtually invisible when looked at head-on.

As an added bonus, glass, cable and aluminum handrails are practically maintenance free, so you won’t ever have to worry about sanding or staining them.

Seven Steps to a Split Rail Fence

Split rail fences have long been used to mark property boundaries on large tracts of land. When privacy or security is not needed, split rail fencing are an inexpensive way to add definition and rustic style to a yard or garden. Plus, if your a DIY type, they're fairly simple to build--they don't require any nails or other fasteners.

Here's how to build a split rail fence in seven steps:

1. Check for underground utilities. One simple phone call is all it takes to ensure you don't hit a pipe or power line while digging.

2. Plan your fence layout. Lay string around the area where you plan to build your fence, then measure the string with a measuring tape to find out how long your fence will be. (This is a good point at which to discuss your fence build with neighbors who share a property line with you.)

3. Divide by ten. Most split rails measure ten feet long, so dividing the length of your fence by ten should let you know how many rails and posts you will need. You may need to add or subtract length.

4. Gather your supplies. Pre-cut rails and posts are usually available at the hardware store. This is a good time to talk through your project with an expert who can give you tips. You'll also need a shovel or digging bar, a hand-held auger, a measuring tape, a level and some string.

5. Mark where the posts go. Use a rail as a guide to mark the ground where each post will be set.

6. Dig holes. Most split rail fence posts are put at least two feet into the ground, but the exact depth will depend on how tall you want the posts. A hand-held auger is the easiest way to dig.

7. Assemble your fence. Place each post into its hole, filling in the remainder and tamping the dirt down firmly. Insert the bottom rail first, then the top rail, and make sure the post remains level. Then move on to the next post.

A split rail fence makes a great accent to your yard, without requiring as much money or time as another fence might. Plus, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you built it yourself.

How to Design Your Dream Deck

Building the perfect cedar deck is no small task. Homeowners must make myriad decisions before their dream deck can become a reality. Keep these tried-and-true deck design tips in mind to ensure you'll get the most out of your investment:

1. Work with the contours of your yard. Evaluate the area where the deck will go. Is the ground level, or does it slope upwards or downwards? Deck stairs or a multi-tiered deck design may be the best solution for a yard with a unique curvature.

2. Examine the bigger picture. Your deck will look best if it works in harmony with other elements of your yard. Does your backyard have a fence, trees, or a tool shed? Surveying all of the other elements in your yard will help you pick a design that is visually compatible.

3. Nail down your deck's function. Do you plan to host outdoor parties, or are are you just looking for a family gathering place? Do you plan to install a hot tub? Answering these questions will help determine what the size and shape of your deck should be.

4. Consider the door. The position of your backyard door dictates the height, flow, and positioning of your deck. For a quick way to visualize how your design will work, stand in your backyard doorway and imagine yourself stepping out onto your new deck. Can you see over the fence into your neighbor’s yard? Does the gutter drain need to be relocated? Will there be enough room for the deck furniture you have in mind?

By following these four simple steps, you can design a custom deck that fits flawlessly into your backyard.

Wood Vs. Composite: Which is Better?

When it comes to decking material, cedar has always gotten the gold star. But advances in durable composite decking, a low-maintenance material made from wood fibers encased in plastic, have made it increasingly popular among homeowners. For many consumers, choosing between the two can be difficult.

Appearance

• Wood decks have a natural, earthy appearance that blends in well with any outdoor surrounding.
• Composite decks have smooth even surfaces, but since they’re derived from plastic they don’t have the same appeal as wood. However, some composite decks come in faux wood finishes that mimic wood surfaces.

Natural vs. recycled materials

• Wood decks are built from natural components and can be pure or pressure-treated. Many types of wood are used for building decks, with cedar being the premiere decking material.
• Composite decks are built from a combination of recycled materials. It’s common for composite decking boards to be made of 50% recycled wood and 50% recycled plastic, though the percentages may vary depending on the manufacturer.

For the full article see: Deck installation experts

You Need A Fence -Yes You Do!

Adding a fence to your home may seem like a non-essential project. "You've lasted this long without a sturdy fence around your home or backyard. Why add one now?"

There are reasons to fore-go a fence in certain situations - budget and time being the most prominent. However, if you consider that outdoor home improvement projects lead the way in improving resale value, a fence addition can certainly be worth the investment.

I know that for some, the addition of a fence means added security. For others it's simply improving a home's aesthetics. Whatever the reasons, now is the season to look into the cost involved with adding the right fence for your home. Fencing companies in the Northwest specifically are bringing out their summer materials prices and may offer good deals on installation as well.

Not worried about security or aesthetics? Here are a few other reasons a cedar or vinyl fence installation may the right home improvement project for you:

• Reduce street noise: If you live along a busy street, the traffic noise can be reduced quite a bit with the addition of a solid style cedar fence or picture frame.
• Backyard Veggies are Disappearing: If deer and other wild animals are using your vegetable garden as their personal buffet, a fence will do the trick to keep them out so that you can enjoy your harvest before they do.
• Reduce Bug Problems: Cedar fences have a surprising ability to reduce bugs in your backyard. The wood contains natural insect-repelling oils.

Shield Your Fence from Northwest Weather

The Pacific Northwest’s gorgeous scenery and surroundings make it a beautiful place to live. Yet there’s one caveat for all that natural beauty – the rain!

Whether it’s a drizzle or a downpour, rain is a constant concern on every Northwestern citizen’s mind. For cedar fence owners, the rain can be a real threat to the longevity of a newly installed fence.

To keep all that precipitation from raining on your parade, put these core maintenance tips into practice and preserve your fence for many seasons to come:

1. Protect Before You Build

Preserving your cedar fence begins before it’s even installed. Before you start any work, examine the building site for any tree roots, rocks, concrete, or other solid obstructions that could be obstacles for the planned fence path.

When you’re setting your fence posts with concrete, don’t use more than you need to fill the hole. When temperatures drop below freezing, the ground can push up any excess concrete, causing severe damage to the fence’s stability.

2. Look Out Above!

Airborne hazards are an often overlooked aspect of protecting your fence. Keep these tips in mind to guard your fence from attacks from above.

• Before winter sets in, remove any dangling tree branches hanging over your fence line. Frozen branches can scrape the fence boards, and heavier branches can fall and cause significant damage.
• Clear out any leaves, acorns, twigs or other material wedged between the rails and fence boards. Organic matter can speed up wood rot when in close contact with fencing materials.
• Take care to remove any debris covering up the concrete post supports. Any dirt or mud can increase the chances of decay setting into the concrete.

3. Inspect Regularly

Inspections at regular intervals are a great way to keep your wood fence free of potential trouble spots. Get in the habit of checking on your fence when the seasons change to catch any problems before they spread.

• Broken or cracking boards, crooked nails or splinters should be addressed as soon as possible.
• Trim any grass that borders the fence to keep it from spreading rot to the fence boards or posts.
• Check your fence at the end of winter for knotholes. Knotholes can fall out of the fence itself, giving the opportunity for insects, termites, or birds to move in.

4. Use a Fence Stain

Coating your cedar fence in a protective fence stain is paramount to keeping it around for a long time. Because of the heavy rainfall, consider using a stain formulated especially for the Pacific Northwest. Re-stain your fence if you notice the protective coloring is fading.

5. Post-Storm Care

As we know by now, rain causes the most widespread kinds of damage to Northwest wood fences. This is most evident immediately after strong storms.

To avoid any unwanted surprises, check your fence after major storms to make sure it’s in good condition. A helpful tip is to run a piece of string along the tops of the fence posts. If the string appears level, your posts are secure.

By keeping on top of your cedar fence’s condition, you can prevent the rain from wreaking havoc on your wood fence and keep it looking brand new—no matter what the weather throws at you.

Wood Retaining Wall Options For A Home

If you're currently trying to discern whether or not you could benefit from building a retaining wall, try answering the following questions:

1. Do you own a home or property situated on or near sloped, uneven ground?
2. Do you live in a particularly wet climate where flooding and soil erosion are prevalent?
3. Are you looking to add a touch of uniqueness and beauty to your yard and/or property?

If you've answered "yes" to any one of the questions above, it's time to consider installing one.

The Benefits of a Retaining Wall
Retaining walls have a number of uses as well as offer many practical advantages to the homeowner. Generally, the main purpose is to prevent the erosion of sloped earth that may threaten to shift and slide; thereby, potentially damaging or destroying your home or property. They are also particularly effective tools in climates with heavy precipitation, e.g., the Pacific Northwest. Not only will an effective one properly support sloping earth, but it will also act as an effective means of draining water runoff and reducing hydrostatic pressure. Furthermore, they provide a number of agricultural benefits. For warmer, dryer climates, a wall can delay seepage of water from land, and for wetter climates, properly drained walls can divert water from areas prone to flooding.

In addition to practical purposes, these structures maintain a certain aesthetic value as well. As such, adding one may increase the resale value of your home, while also enhancing your own enjoyment of your property. For example, a wall can be constructed in a series of steps or levels, granting you unrestricted creativity to include all kinds of plantings, flowers, or other elements that will add texture, color, and new life to each successive level. Not to mention, stepped retaining walls have proven to be a more effective form of erosion control.

Retaining Wall Options
Since these structures provide support for vertical grade changes, an effective one must be constructed in such a way as to accommodate and redistribute the lateral pressure caused by sloping. As a result, they vary in size and type, and often include materials like stone, brick, concrete, vinyl, steel, and pressure treated timber.

BUILDING A FENCE: 5 STEPS TO GETTING STARTED

When it comes to fences, it is all about form and function. Building a fence needs a lot more forethought than one may think. Consider the following steps to building a fence when getting started:
1.Know your property. Before marking your perimeter, make sure to know where it really is. Have a clear map of the property lines run before building anything. Check with the city to see if building permits are required or if power lines will be underfoot.

2.Choose the fence style. There are several different fence styles to choose from when thinking about what is best for your home. Do you want a simple barrier, something to accentuate the home, more privacy, noise control, etc.? The following are a few of the more popular styles to consider:
•Picket fence: a classic fence style that is usually shorter and uses narrow wood or vinyl boards.
•Cedar Solid Style or Vinyl Privacy fence: uses a board-on-board or board-and-post style that limits the amount of space between boards to protect a space from visibility.
•Semi-privacy Vinyl fence: additional space placed between boards allows more visibility.
•Cedar and Vinyl Lattice fences: an ornamental look with a crisscrossing pattern that often appears on the top of a good neighbor or privacy fence.
•Split Rail fencing: a reliable, classic style that gives a property a Western look. This is a great style of fence to install for the do-it-yourself person because of the affordability and ease of construction.
•Decorator fence: used to accent a home or area of a garden, this fence style alternates wide dog-eared boards and narrow flat boards.
•Good Neighbor fence: Popular with neighbors, this style fence appears the same from both sides, providing security while offering a feeling of spaciousness. Quality cedar boards alternate on either side of this fence. It is attractive on both sides and allows the wind to pass through, holding up very well in our northwest winters.
•Picture Frame fence: A decorative and popular fence, aesthetically pleasing to the eye, which both neighbors can enjoy. Picture Frame cedar boards are mounted side.

For the full article see Custom Fencing and Decking