Redwood Decking Blog « Mendocino Forest Products

Constructing Mendocino Redwood Fences: Preparation is Key

February 10th, 2012 by Yola

Building Mendocino Redwood fences can be an extremely rewarding experience, especially when you know you’ve done it right. Preparation is key to building a quality fence; here are a few preparation tips that will make your Mendocino Redwood fence building project a success.

First, homeowners commonly overlook the step of checking with local ordinances and regulations before beginning to build. If there happen to be restrictions on the height of the fence or easement requirements, you’ll definitely want to know that before you begin. You will also need to talk to the local utility and cable companies and request that they mark any underground cables, pipe, or phone lines. It’s also a good idea to talk to neighbors about plans to build a fence along the property line. Taking these steps early on will help you avoid costly fines or unnecessary delays to your project.

Next, take the time you need to design and layout your fence line. Plan out the number of gates, posts, pre-assembled panels and other Mendocino redwood fence products you will using to construct your fence. Drive stakes into the ground at a point a few inches inside the corner of the property line, unless you are required to allow for an easement. You should allow the additional inches so as to avoid building over the property line. Connect the stakes with twine so that the entire property line is outlined on your lawn. When marking where to dig your postholes, be sure to measure and re-measure your panels and gates so that your postholes are properly distributed.

When digging your postholes, remember that posthole diameters should be at least 3 times the width of the post. Post depth should be 1/3 the above-ground height plus an additional 6 inches for the rock or gravel bed needed to assist with drainage. Make sure that the height of you exposed post is enough to attach the panels. Now that your postholes are dug, you’re ready to build a fence. You’ll begin the process of setting and cutting your posts, and installing your panels or pickets and any gates. Taking the time to complete these steps ahead of time can save you lots of time and energy in the long run, and will help ensure that your Mendocino Redwood fence will remain beautiful and sturdy for years to come.

Mendocino Redwood Landscaping for the Yard Artist

February 2nd, 2012 by Yola

You don’t have to be an artist or designer to create a beautiful backyard with Mendocino Redwood landscaping, and yet, Mendocino Redwood landscaping can turn your backyard into a work of art. Well placed Mendocino Redwood planters can add color and beautifully accentuate your favorite plants. If you have a gift for gardening, you may consider using Mendocino Redwood to construct raised garden beds. The natural insect and decay resistance of real Mendocino Redwood make it the ideal material for landscaping elements where fresh fruits and vegetables are grown. If relaxing is more your thing, Mendocino Redwood can also be used to build Adirondack chairs or a comfortable porch swing.

Mendocino Redwood products such as benderboard and stakes can also turn any landscaping problem into a beautiful solution. For example, if the turf in your backyard is unleveled or uneven, consider using Mendocino Redwood to create a terraced landscape. Using just a few boards to create a border for each terraced level, what once was a dilemma, now gorgeously accentuates the natural features of your yard. Mendocino Redwood lattice and lath can be an elegant addition to any landscape. Not only can lattice be an alternative to fencing, it can also create attractive and useful borders around flowerbeds and vegetable gardens, or incorporated into trellises and arbors as a structure for climbing vines.

There are many possibilities for how Mendocino Redwood can enhance the look of your landscaping, and provide an elegant complement to your yard. If you are having trouble deciding on a theme, you may want to take a look at our redwood photo gallery to get a better sense of how these projects might look when incorporated into your landscape.

When you are ready to get started with your landscaping project, you can find Mendocino Redwood products conveniently available at The Home Depot stores throughout the Western U.S. Visit our Store Locator page to find a stocking store in your area. You may also special order a wide range of Mendocino Redwood products at your local Home Depot. Contact Us for details and availability.

Mendocino Redwood Decks: It Just Makes Sense

January 26th, 2012 by Yola

Why do homeowners and do-it-yourselfers love Mendocino Redwood decks? Well, for one, Mendocino Redwood decks appeal to the senses. The smooth surface of Mendocino Redwood decking is cool to the touch relative to other materials, particularly in the warm summer months. And as for sight, Mendocino Redwood’s legendary, rich colors and unique grain patterns blend in and enhance the beauty of outdoor living spaces. And for the do-it-yourselfer, there is perhaps no better smell than freshly cut Mendocino Redwood deck boards, ready for assembling into the deck of their dreams.

As for taste, who could argue with the flavor of a hearty meal shared with friends or family around a Mendocino Redwood picnic table? Surely it just tastes better that way! And when it comes to your sense of hearing, imagine relaxing in the early evening, stretched out in your Mendocino Redwood Adirondack chair, while listening to the sounds of nature. And of course, there are the impressed “Oohs” and “Aahs from friends and family as they admire your new deck.

But what about the other senses? How about your sense of style? The beauty of Mendocino Redwood and stunning outdoor living style go hand-in-hand. And, let’s not forget common sense. A top choice among building construction professionals for decades, Mendocino Redwood resists insect damage, decay, and is rated for use in fire-prone Urban Wildland Interface (WUI) areas throughout California.

And your sense of responsibility is rewarded by Mendocino Redwood as well. Our forestlands are managed to the standards set forth by the Forest Stewardship Council™(FSC®), one of the world’s most respected third party certification standards for responsible forestry. Each year we grow more redwood trees than we harvest for the production of our decking, fencing, landscaping, and garden items. If you find yourself asking “why redwood” you can feel good knowing there are many reasons to choose this wonderful product. It just makes good sense.

Mendocino Redwood Fences: Build From Scratch or Preassembled Panels?

January 23rd, 2012 by kate

So you’ve decided to build a Mendocino Redwood fence – congratulations on an excellent decision! We know you’ll find that the durability and beauty of Mendocino Redwood is unparalleled by other wood fencing products. And, because Mendocino Redwood lumber is sourced from our own sustainably managed redwood forestlands, you can feel good about your purchase. Our products are locally produced in Northern California and our forestlands are managed in such a way as to minimize impact on the environment. In fact, every day we grow more than we harvest.

Now that you know you want a Mendocino Redwood fence, you’ll need to decide which method of assembly best matches your needs as a homeowner. Redwood fences can be built from scratch by setting posts, adding rails, nailing or screwing fence boards to the rails, and finishing with fence accessories or gates. This is a flexible choice that allows for variations in the landscape, dimension, or size if your yard.

On the other hand, you may choose to use preassembled redwood fence panels for your project. When the terrain of your yard is level and of a regular shape, pre-assembled panels are an excellent choice. Installation is quick and easy, requiring fewer steps and less risk of construction mistakes. For the new do-it-yourselfer, installing fence panels is a great starting project.

Whether built from scratch or with pre-assembled panels, Mendocino Redwood is a great choice either way. Durable and easy to maintain, your Mendocino Redwood fence will look beautiful for years to come.

Looking for ideas to get started? Explore our photo gallery for design ideas. Our Redwood Design Gallery is another excellent source of inspiration and includes a downloadable PDF that you can print or save to your computer.

When you are ready to shop for materials, you will find Mendocino Redwood fence boards, fence panels, and fence accessories are conveniently available at The Home Depot stores throughout California and the West. Visit our redwood store locator to find The Home Depot in your area and start planning your Mendocino Redwood fence today!

All Decked Out

January 13th, 2012 by kate

There is no limit to where you can go with the style and wow-factor of your Mendocino Redwood deck. Mendocino Redwood decks offer a natural color variation and beautiful grain that remain an industry standard and consumer favorite. So we ask you – if the sky is the limit, what are your design aspirations, and when are you going to get started?

Mendocino Redwood’s natural beauty allows for a flexibility of style that other materials can’t compete with. For example, when it comes to style, minimalists often play with straight lines and little embellishment, focusing instead on a few, quality impressions. Mendocino Redwood decks are perfect for this approach, because the rich red color, beautiful, tight grain and smooth surface of the wood lend themselves to elegance and need little for extra decoration. The material truly speaks for itself. So a simple deck with a well-designed surround bench seat looks amazing – as does a flat deck leading up to the edge of a sunken garden, pool or spa.

For those homeowners looking for a more elaborate deck, Mendocino Redwood will rise to any occasion. From Adirondack chairs, to benches, to planters and elaborately designed rails, the quality of Mendocino Redwood matches up to any design challenge. And for the do-it-yourselfer, Mendocino Redwood is easy to work with as well. As contractors know well, Mendocino Redwood is both durable and easy to work with. And it’s easy to maintain a deck made of Mendocino Redwood, requiring little more than a good rinse and an occasional scrub with a mild detergent and warm water.

Whatever your deck ideas, Mendocino Redwood decks are the kind of projects that bring homeowners satisfaction for years to come. Take a look at our redwood photo gallery or redwood vs. other materials and explore why redwood is a superior choice for dreamers like you!

Redwood Finishing Tips

January 5th, 2012 by kate

Redwood is not only gorgeous, with its warm, natural tones and beautiful grain, it’s also surprisingly low-maintenance. Naturally resistant to insects, decay, and even fire, for all its beauty, redwood is also extremely durable. And for all its strength, redwood is easy to work with; that’s why so many do-it-yourselfers and contractors claim redwood as their favorite material for decks, fences, and other garden structures. If you’ve just built an outdoor garden structure with redwood, check out these informative finishing tips to help you extend the life of your redwood project.

When it comes to finishes for redwood, clear, water repellent finishes that include a mildewcide and UV protection offer the best resistance to the elements. Semitransparent and pigmented stains are another excellent option that may extend the life of your redwood project even more.

When finishing redwood decks, fences, porches or other projects, following several important steps will ensure the most successful outcome. One of the most important redwood finishing tips is to be sure that the environment is right for the job. All surfaces should be clean and dry, and for best results, new redwood structures should be allowed to air-dry for one month before finishing. Ideal weather conditions include temperatures between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit and little to no wind. Proper air vents and vapor barriers will prevent finish failure from exposure to moisture. Choose a finish that is designed for wood and always follow manufacturer’s instructions for proper application.

Of course, maintaining the finish is just as important as the application. Keeping the surface clear of leaves, debris, and dirt will help prevent buildup of moisture and grime. A good rinse with a garden hose is recommended for everyday up-keep. Removing built-up dirt and grime can be accomplished by scrubbing the wood surface with warm water and a mild detergent, using a stiff bristle brush (non-metallic only). With the proper application of a good finish and a little TLC, your redwood will look beautiful for years to come!

Redwood Fences for All Reasons

December 28th, 2011 by kate

There is much more to a fence than a just means to an end. While fences serve a clear purpose in defining the border of your yard, fences may do other important things as well. For example, while having great neighbors is a wonderful thing, many homeowners like to have privacy in their backyard. Redwood fences can provide a visual barrier between you and your neighbors. Relaxing in the backyard with a cup of coffee is much more peaceful when you know it’s just you and the outdoors.

While privacy fences create a welcome sense of privacy many, sometimes redwood homeowners prefer a more open approach. Whether aiming to allow for friendly conversation over the fence or simply provide adequate airflow to the yard, a picket fence can do just that. In fact, redwood fences can become a conversation piece. If you enjoy privacy but also want to communicate with your neighbors over the fence line, topping your fence with lattice is a great way to go. And a short picket fence in the front yard gives your home a classic, welcoming look.

For those homeowners whose backyards feature redwood landscaping or redwood garden structures, a redwood fence can be constructed to match existing structures. If your garden or landscaping has a rustic appeal, you may choose an unstained fence that will weather over time. If your landscaping has clean, modern lines, you may opt instead for the look of a horizontal board fence. Diagonally placed fence boards can add visual interest and an energetic tone to a yard. For more ideas, download our helpful brochure, Fences for All Reasons. There you’ll find inspiring redwood fences, including window box design and Craftsman-style fences.

Whether your fence will provide privacy, frame your landscaping, inspire conversation, or become an interactive part of your yard, one thing is clear—redwood is the superior choice for fences. For more ideas, visit our redwood photo gallery.

Building a Redwood Fence

December 19th, 2011 by kate

People have used fences for thousands of years to define property lines, contain animals, and provide privacy. Purpose, style, form, and function vary from fence to fence, but redwood fences bring a particularly distinctive elegance and beauty to any yard that will last for years. Since the best fences are the result of great planning, we have some planning tips that will help make your fence project successful.

First, it’s important to note that your fence will become part of the neighborhood landscape. You may want to talk to your next-door neighbors about their preferences, since your fence will become part of their view. The good news is, neighbors typically love redwood fences, and taking the time to consider them in your plans may go a long way in building goodwill. You may also want to ask for permission to access their yard if needed during the construction process.

Before you build a fence, you’ll want to check zoning and homeowners’ association regulations in your neighborhood. There may be fence height limits or guidelines for incorporating certain materials or features. Thoroughly check property lines to ensure that you are not building on your neighbor’s property. Failing to take this important step could mean big problems later on!

Next, you’ll want to consider how you plan to incorporate existing plants and trees into your redwood fence ideas. Think ahead about which plants or trees you will cut down, trim, or work around. Roots can also be a problem if not addressed ahead of time. Digging postholes too close to a tree can damage the root system. Over time, roots can grow and displace a fence row. And, accidentally digging into buried cable or water lines can be a costly mistake. To assist you in this part of the planning process, you’ll want to create a diagram of the property, including features of the landscape, the property line, and buried lines.

When deciding on the style of fence you plan to build, think about the purpose the fence will serve and what look you want to accomplish. Redwood fences can be built in a variety of styles to serve any combination of needs. Whether you work with a contractor or do-it-yourself, planning ahead will make all the difference in achieving the outcome you are looking for!

Redwood Landscaping: A Space for Everything

December 12th, 2011 by kate

Redwood landscaping can take a plain, uniform lawn, and transform it into an area with interesting sections reflecting the interests and activities of the homeowner. Not only does landscaping break up the monotony of a broad expanse of grass, but defining separate spaces for different uses can bring a sense of harmony to a yard. What are some of the ways that landscaping can reflect and bring to life things that are important to you?

If growing fresh vegetables, flowers or herbs inspires you, a raised bed will define your garden area in a beautifully simple way. For a raised bed, redwood heartwood is a great choice, as the material is less likely to warp than other materials. And, because redwood is naturally insect resistant, it will help create a natural barrier that will protect your plants.

Adding redwood lattice and lath to the side of a backyard structure can provide a place for climbing vines to grow. In combination with a redwood arbor, vines can provide welcome shade from the sun during warmer months. If you simply want to add an elegant visual barrier between two portions of your lawn, benderboard can be used to create a custom border for a stone walkway, define a gravel area for xeriscaping, or outline a flower bed. If you have little ones, you might want to include the Santa Cruz Sandbox in your redwood landscaping plans. If relaxation is what you seek in your backyard, you can add a hot tub or spa and an elegant Calistoga Spa Surround.

There are an endless number of landscaping features you can create with redwood landscaping products. But ultimately, you want your yard to reflect your interests. To get started planning your redwood landscaping, give some thought to the ways in which you would like to use your yard and what will best reflect your interests and personal styles. Then take a look through our redwood photo gallery and let inspiration guide you.

Redwood Porches: Designing and Building

December 2nd, 2011 by kate

There is something special about redwood porches. Generations of families from all over have enjoyed time together on beautiful porches built with redwood lumber. Whether your porch is screened in or open, has a gabled, shed style or hip roof, there is perhaps nothing more satisfying than sitting down in the shade with family and friends to enjoy the outdoors. If you don’t have one already, now is the time to put those porch ideas in motion.

You will likely want to get your porch ideas on paper in the beginning, so that you can help envision using the porch and incorporating both your wants and needs into the design. Whether your build a porch for the front or back of the house, you’ll want to know the exact dimensions and consider the size of the space your porch will occupy. If the space is relatively small, think of your porch as a transitional space. Focus on making the transition from the outdoors to the indoors more appealing. For example, a small bench or paint color that complements the interior space can help create a continuous flow into the house.

If you are planning to build a large porch, we recommend you take the opportunity to add beautiful redwood lawn furniture to your list of porch ideas. Benches, picnic tables, and porch swings can be easily incorporated into your plans, and will add living space to your home.

You’ll be happy to know that your redwood porch will last for many years. Naturally durable, insect and rot resistant, redwood is a great material for do-it-yourself construction projects. Yet with all that strength, redwood is also surprisingly lightweight and easy to work with. Even cleaning redwood is easy—almost as easy as shopping for it.

When you are ready to buy materials, The Home Depot stores on the West Coast have a wide selection of everything you will need for your redwood porch, including dimensional lumber, hardware, concrete for posts, tools, and more. Visit our Store Locator page and start making your lists and buying materials today!