Raised bed gardening is a fun and effective way to grow vegetables and flowers in rural and city environments. Raised garden beds help protect plants from pesky animals and foot traffic while allowing the soil to warm faster in the spring to produce early crops, healthier plants and higher yields with less work. Raised garden beds are also decorative and will add a touch of charm to your vegetable garden or outdoor living area. Whether you are building a raised garden bed to grow vegetables, her...

Building stairs can seem like a daunting task, and the stair stringer is often the most complicated part. While purchasing precut stringers is an option, you can also cut your own stair stringers. Here are some pro tips to ensure success during your project.  Cut Your Own Stringers    Start by using either a 2"x12" or 2"x14" piece of lumber. You should cut the first stringer to your specifications, and then use that stringer as a guide for the rest. Be sure to treat the ends with ...

Summer is right around the corner. Warm weather, long days by the pool and cookouts call for a celebration. If you need to get your outdoor space in tip-top shape for the summer months ahead, we’ve got you covered with quick tips and weekend flips. Quick Tips: Sun Exposure Sunshine is great but too much sun can make it uncomfortable to enjoy your outdoor space. When building a deck or other outdoor structure, pay attention to the orientation of the sun. For example, if you build a pergol...

Pressure-treated lumber can be used in many ways to optimize your outdoor living space. You can use it to add a deck, pergola, outdoor seating or even landscaping elements such as lattice. No matter what stage you’re at in the building process, we’re sharing four design tips you can use when adding new outdoor structure or updating existing structures. Deck Patterns If you’re at the very beginning stages of planning your deck build, consider the many pattern possibilities avai...

In the North, summer ends way too soon. Yes, it is sad that the long days of summer are almost over, but we can look forward to tailgating season. Since going to a game and tailgating aren’t always in the cards, why not spend some quality time on your deck with family and friends? Host a tailgate or two on your deck before the football season ends.  Whether you cheer for the blue, green or the red guys, these three ProWood® project plans will help make your deck tailgate lively a...

A thorough safety inspection can give you peace of mind in knowing your deck is safe for entertaining friends and family. ProWood® has you covered with these five safety inspection tips:  Inspect the Fasteners  Check nails, screws or anchors, and replace any rusted or corroded fasteners.  Tighten loose screws, and install fasteners in places where they are missing.  Examine the Wood  Look for any deck boards, support posts, joists and ledger board that...

It's never too late to display your patriotism - especially out on your deck. Whether you’ve been planning all month long or decided to throw a last-minute barbeque, we have fun DIY projects and recipes to kick your 4th of July celebrations up a notch. Simple Décor Drape red, white and blue fabric from deck posts Hang flags or streamers from railings Use string lights to illuminate the night Paint mason jars red, white and blue to create patriotic candle holders ...