Weekend Building Tips and Flips

Posted 16 May 2019 12:59 PM by Jase DeBoer

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...

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Designing with Pressure-treated Lumber

Posted 30 April 2019 2:39 PM by Jase DeBoer

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...

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Notching Posts – Is it okay?

Posted 21 March 2019 10:37 PM by Jase DeBoer

Say “No” to notching pressure-treated deck posts. We want you to build an outdoor railing system that you, your family and guests can enjoy without worrying about safety issues. In order to do so, you need to know this building shortcut is not advisable, and we recommend avoiding it at all costs. When you notch your railing posts, creating a lip that extends over the deck or porch boards, the outward thrust is significantly reduced. Unfortunately, notching railing posts is a practice...

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Should I Hire a Contractor?

Posted 22 February 2019 3:09 PM by Jase DeBoer

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...

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Top 5 Uses for Treated Lattice

Posted 22 January 2019 1:15 PM by Jase DeBoer

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...

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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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What is KDAT?

Posted 8 June 2018 8:32 PM by Jase DeBoer

What exactly is KDAT Lumber? 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. The lumber used for KDAT is spaced evenly in a kiln and exposed to a specific temperature for removing excess moisture. Through this process, kiln-dried lumber is less prone to shrinking, cupping or warping after being installed. Here’s ...

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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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