Planning A Deck Build

Posted 28 December 2018 2:18 PM by Jase DeBoer

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’ ...

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Is it safe to have a fire pit on my deck?

Posted 7 November 2018 1:16 PM by Jase DeBoer

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 ...

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Pressure-treated Lumber Maintenance 101

Posted 12 October 2018 3:39 PM by Jase DeBoer

Upkeep of your wood deck, railing, fence and other outdoor structures is important for keeping your pressure-treated lumber in tip-top shape. Know the facts and how you can protect your wood against common or naturally occurring problems. SHRINKING AND SWELLING Continuous water absorption and water loss in your pressure-treated wood can cause natural defects like twisting, cupping, warping, checking and/or splitting to occur. Application of a sealer or semitransparent stain made for pressure-t...

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How to Build a Pergola

Posted 4 October 2018 7:00 PM by Jase DeBoer

Extend your living space to the outdoors by building a pergola. Not only do pergolas provide some privacy, but they can also provide shade to an area that receives too much sunlight. Pergolas allow you to create an additional living space that can serve as a cozy entertaining space for your backyard. Queue the beverages! Let’s not waste any more time ─ start building your pergola with ProWood® now! These instructions call for two individuals to construct an 8’x8’ square p...

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Prevent Wasps and Woodpeckers from Damaging Your Wood

Posted 31 August 2018 1:48 PM by Jase DeBoer

  You will have peace of mind knowing your outdoor structure will stand up against termite attack, rot and decay if your pressure-treated lumber is ProWood®. Our treatment process offers superior protection. However, some of Mother Nature’s other creatures may find a way to make their presence known. Wood decks, pergolas and play sets are wonderful outdoor structures for entertainment and relaxing. But sometimes small critters and wasps enjoy those wooden structures just as much ...

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Time-Saver

Posted 3 July 2018 1:48 PM by Jase DeBoer

  Let’s be honest here. Staining your deck or backyard fence isn’t the most enjoyable project you have on your summer to-do list. It takes time ⎯ time away from family and friends. What if you could spend less time staining and more time enjoying this season? ProWood® Dura Color® can save you from the pain of stain. Dura Color provides you with the looks you want without the hassle. What is Dura Color? ProWood Dura Color is color-infused treated lumber. A cedar pigmen...

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Understanding KDAT

Posted 8 June 2018 8:32 PM by Jase DeBoer

What is it? Not all pressure-treated lumber is created equal. KDAT stands for Kiln Dried After Treatment. KDAT lumber has ALL the same weather-beating durability as traditional treated wood, but with the added bonus of being kiln dried. Kiln-dried lumber is less prone to shrinking, cupping or warping after being installed. Here’s what you need to know: KDAT keeps your projects looking better, longer. It’s lighter in weight, making it easier to handle, cut and work with. ...

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How to replace a deck board

Posted 23 May 2018 1:08 PM by Jase DeBoer

Did you know the average life expectancy of a pressure-treated deck can be up to 20 years? In order to maximize the lifespan of your deck, you’ll first need the proper treated wood. Download our Treated Lumber Standards Chart to educate yourself. Second, you’ll want to keep up on regular deck maintenance each season because we all know Mother Nature is a powerful force! Debris, like leaves, often get stuck in between boards and, over time, can cause rot and decay. As soon as rotti...

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Fighting the Elements

Posted 19 April 2018 9:27 PM by Jase DeBoer

Finding professional-grade treated lumber that is built to last can be difficult. Lumber's greatest enemy often comes from natural elements. These elements can range from termites, fungi and marine borers to rain, sun and wind. However, thanks to over 50 years of research, ProWood® can stand up to every threat, providing decades of use. NEVER SETTLE for anything less. We utilize a treatment method developed by Koppers that uses micronized copper preservatives. This helps protect ProWood ag...

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How to Properly Install Deck Posts

Posted 19 March 2018 3:34 PM by Jase DeBoer

Strong foundation, stronger reputation. Build a deck that will last for years to come by properly installing deck posts. First off, mark where deck posts will stand in the yard. There are several ways to set deck posts; we recommend attaching the posts to concrete footers above the ground. This helps to prevent wooden posts from rotting. Set footers a minimum of 6” below the frost line for your area to prevent movement during freezing temperatures. Pour about 6 inches of all-purpose grav...

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Avoid Common Deck Building Mistakes

Posted 19 February 2018 9:35 PM by Jase DeBoer

When adding a deck to your home, it’s important to take your time and get it right. Avoid these common building mistakes to ensure your outdoor living space is built to last. Footings and Posts Footings are crucial to the structural integrity of your deck. This is no place for shortcuts as properly installed footings prevent your deck from sinking. First things first: Call 811 before digging to avoid underground utilities. Holes should be dug below the frost line to avoid the effects of co...

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Treating You Proudly

Posted 17 January 2018 9:09 PM by Jase DeBoer

We take our business seriously and we want to provide our dealers with the best customer service possible. That’s why we created our ProWood Proud Dealer program: to give dealers the benefits they deserve. Our program consists of two tiers based on the amount of ProWood dimensional lumber you carry. Becoming a ProWood Proud dealer has many perks. Below is a taste of what you can expect.   Advertising fund accrual – Dealers who are ProWood Proud will have access to fund...

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Get Building

Posted 13 December 2017 3:35 PM by Jase DeBoer

'Tis the season for gift giving and holiday parties. We have the perfect present ideas for everyone in the family, project plans to create fun games to enjoy at your next holiday shindig, and some organization ideas to help with the hustle and bustle of the season. Get building with ProWood® and be the hostess with the mostess or win the title of best gift giver of the year.    Tumbling Blocks is a great way to get millenniums off their phones and create interaction between family and...

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Protect Your Deck this Winter

Posted 2 November 2017 8:05 PM by Jase DeBoer

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...

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Fall Maintenance

Posted 6 October 2017 4:30 PM by Jase DeBoer

September 22 marked the official first day of fall. For those in the northern states and some other areas, the temperature starts to drop and the air becomes crisper. Leaves change colors to vibrant reds, yellows and oranges. Soon enough, those leaves will start falling, landing in your yard and on your deck.  ProWood® is built to last, and we want to share a few fall maintenance tips to keep your deck looking as good as new this season and beyond. Keep leaves, seedpods and sticks ...

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Tailgate on the Deck

Posted 14 September 2017 12:00 AM by Jase DeBoer

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...

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Top 3 ProWood FAQs

Posted 21 August 2017 2:25 PM by Jase DeBoer

For generations, pressure-treated lumber has been a trusted building material for outdoor projects and structures that demand durability.  We receive many questions about ProWood® pressure-treated lumber, and we want to make sure you have the knowledge and peace of mind needed to complete your project.  Below are answers to three of our most frequently asked questions about ProWood. Why use ProWood pressure-treated lumber? ProWood is the go-to choice in treated lumber. All...

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ProWood Garden Beds

Posted 20 July 2017 1:05 PM by Jase DeBoer

We are often asked if ProWood® pressure-treated lumber is safe for building garden beds. The answer is an emphatic “Yes,” and we want to provide you with the facts.  The preservative used in the ProWood pressure-treatment process is registered with the US Environmental Protection Agency, specifically for the protection of wood products. Our MCA (micronized copper azole) treated products use a proven treatment process that earned Environmentally Preferred Product status from...

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Top 3 Project Plans to Provide More Entertaining Space on Your Deck

Posted 30 June 2017 4:01 PM by Jase DeBoer

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...

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Check your Deck

Posted 11 May 2017 4:29 PM by Jase DeBoer

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...

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