Let’s face it: Homeownership comes with an array of projects. Some of these projects can be small, and some can become quite large. Depending on what you have on your to-do list, determining if you should take on a project or reach out to a contractor is an important decision. Here are a few questions to ask yourself before getting started: Is it more cost-effective if I do the job? Do I have the right equipment for this project? If no, then I need to consider those cost...

Lattice be your go-to guide for all your treated lumber tips, tricks and trends! See what we did there? On a more serious note, we’re taking a look at lattice and sharing our top uses for this timeless product. Lattice not only looks great as a piecrust, but it can also be a delightful addition as décor inside your home or as an outdoor solution. ProWood® offers a variety of lattice styles and sizes to complement your next project. 1. Privacy We all need it. We all want some p...

When you’re ready to install that backyard deck you’ve been wanting, you may be thinking to yourself, “Where do I even begin?” That’s a good question to ask, and most homeowners have asked themselves that same question. From the planning stages to design all the way to installation, ProWood® can help you determine where to begin. After all, we do know a thing or two about decks. Plan A standard deck size is either going to be 10’ x 10’ or 12’ ...

The simple answer is yes, but there are safety precautions to keep in mind before lighting those logs. 1. Clear your deck of leaves and other debris that could possibly spark a fire from flying embers. 2. Check with your local zoning ordinances to make sure your fire pit is a safe distance from your house. While checking local codes, look for rules related to open flames. Some counties have fire restrictions in residential areas. 3. Don’t place your fire pit directly on your deck. The ...

The ghosts and goblins of Halloween have passed and before we know it, winter will be here (and for some of us… that means snow!).  Before you pack it in for the season, here are a few helpful tips to protect your ProWood® deck this winter.    Before snow: If you have read our previous blog about Fall Maintenance, you’re ahead of the game! We shared a few pointers to make sure your deck is safe by checking the deck boards and hand rails, fixing loose screws and mu...

Sparklers, fireworks, red, white, and blue, an ice cold American beer, family and friends – they all sound like a recipe for a great Fourth of July celebration. Nothing beats the laughter and memories made on your ProWood® deck. Whatever size your deck is, you can always use some additional entertainment space. Check out our top 3 project plans that will give you just that! Deck Post Table: Build a table around your deck post. This table gives guests more area to set their drinks or pl...

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...

If you’re planning to build a deck or add to your existing deck, check out these top five deck trends for 2017. 1. Picture Framing Give your deck a finished look with a picture frame design, which got its name from framing a deck like it’s a piece of art. It can be as simple as adding a single board around the perimeter of the deck. Adding two or three single boards takes it to the next level of sophistication and creates a clean, finished look that beautifully conceals the ends of ...

It’s winter! White snow. Warm fires. Family gatherings. It’s a beautiful time of year, no matter where you live.  Maybe your home gets blanketed with snow, or maybe you hang ornaments on palm trees for the holidays. No matter where you are, we have a few decorating ideas for you. First, make sure your  deck is winterized (check out our previous blog on how to prepare your deck for the winter months). Once that’s done,  it’s time to spruce it up for the ho...

For some, winter is a time to stash the outdoor furniture and get ready to watch the snow pile up on the deck until the spring thaw (if that’s you, we have important information for you below). For some, it’s a time to enjoy the deck in other ways, with outdoor heaters, fire pits, grills that never get stored and holiday décor (if that’s you, we’ll have a lot of info for you in our next few blogs). Either way, it’s important to prepare your deck for your win...