Redwood Decking Blog « Mendocino Forest Products

Naturally Weathered Mendocino Redwood

February 29th, 2012 by jhewitt

The no-maintenance option: Naturally weathered Mendocino Redwood

Mendocino Redwood is famous for its natural beauty and long-lasting strength and durability. But did you also know it is one of the few woods that require no maintenance. Left on its own, redwood will naturally weather to a rustic appearance; with inherent decay resistance and incredible dimensional stability. In fact, years of testing by the U.S.D.A. Forest Products Laboratory have shown that redwood is among a select group of wood species that erode at only 1/4 inch of wood fiber per century in unfinished exterior applications.

Is no maintenance an option for you?

It all depends on your preferences, your local climate, and the site of your Mendocino Redwood structure. If you want your redwood to stay red, then seal it to protect the color. Otherwise, as redwood weathers, several natural color changes take place. In a damp or humid climate, redwood used outdoors will go through two stages, the first being a darkening of the wood. As time goes on, this darkening may be rinsed away by rain and the redwood will weather-bleach to a soft, driftwood gray color. A redwood structure sheltered from rinsing rains may remain dark throughout its lifetime. In drier climates, unfinished redwood may not darken. Instead, the wood will gradually turn a silvery tan, becoming lighter in color as the natural weathering occurs.

Two boards installed side by side may also vary in appearance after weathering because of the infinite variations of color and texture offered by redwood lumber. This is one of the unique, inherent qualities of a natural material such as Mendocino Redwood, compared to the artificial uniformity of plastic lumber products.

Reversing color changes

Want to reverse the effects of natural weathering? No problem. The color changes in naturally weathered Mendocino Redwood are completely reversible. Visit our Redwood Color Restoration page for additional information.

An Introduction to Redwood Grades

February 28th, 2012 by jhewitt

The right grade makes all the difference… an introduction to Redwood Grades

According to the California Redwood Association (CRA), there are over 30 different grades of redwood; but fear not, the process for picking the right one for your project is really quite simple.

Redwood grades fall into two major categories – heartwood and sapwood. Heartwood comes from the center and has the warm red color that gives redwood its name. Sapwood comes from the outer areas and has some red but primarily cream-colored wood. The next major factor in grading is the number and size of knots in the wood. The fewer the knots, the higher the grade.

Architectural grades

The architectural grades of redwood include Clear All Heart, Clear, Heart Clear, Heart B and B Grade. These grades are normally for the finest exterior and interior architectural uses. No other wood equals these finish grades in beauty and dimensional stability. They are the choice grades for siding, paneling, trim and cabinetry where attractiveness and tight joinery are desired.

Garden grades

The garden grades of redwood include Deck Heart, Construction Heart, Deck Common, Construction Common, Merchantable Heart, and Merchantable. These grades are frequently specified for exterior structures where knots or other characteristics have little or no effect.

So which grade is the right one for your project?

All redwood is structurally sound and provides lasting character; but there are some important things to remember. For uses where the wood will be on or near soil, such as posts, bulkheads, patio grids or garden boxes, it’s essential to use one of the durable, heartwood grades – Clear All Heart, Heart B, Deck Heart, Construction Heart or Merchantable Heart. Reddish-brown heartwood from the inner portion of the tree contains compounds that make it naturally resistant to insects and decay.

For construction above ground where there is little danger of insect or decay issues, one of the sapwood grades – Clear, B Grade, Deck Common, Construction Common or Merchantable – will serve very well.

So if you’re thinking about enhancing your outdoor living space – a deck, fence, shade structure, play area, or just a simple garden planter box – you can’t go wrong choosing naturally strong, naturally beautiful Mendocino Redwood. And to make sure you get the best long-lasting results, be sure to choose the right grade. For more information see our Redwood Lumber Grades and Uses page.

Mendocino Redwood Garden Structures: Planning for Spring

February 27th, 2012 by jhewitt

Spring is just around the corner, and it may be getting warm enough for you to bring your garden structure ideas to life! Mendocino Redwood garden structures provide a practical and elegant framework for showing off your favorite plants and flowers, while also offering shade and cooling for the warmer days of the year. A gazebo, potting center, deck, or shade shelter are all outdoor garden structures that can be easily designed and built with Mendocino Redwood. You can even create a functional space for storing your gardening supplies by building a garden tool shed.

Once you have planned your Mendocino Redwood garden structure, you can begin to plan the details. Plans for Mendocino Redwood planters are flexible and can be found in all shapes and sizes to suit your needs. Building a planter box with wheels may be a good option if you are considering planting delicate herbs that will need to be moved around as the weather changes. The attractive Petaluma Planter plan is an excellent choice for a standard planter box that can be placed on a deck or throughout a beautiful backyard landscape.

Mendocino Redwood is the perfect material for letting your creative side take the reins as you plan out your perfect outdoor living space. Because Mendocino Redwood has very little pitch, it can be easily cut, drilled, and sawed into many shapes and dimensions, making it the ideal lumber for building intricate outdoor garden structures. Also, you may find inspiration from the various finishing options that Mendocino Redwood lumber inherently allows. Create dramatic effects with bold splashes of color, maintain the perfect weathered look, or simply add a subtle sheen to make your garden structures look fresh year-round. Visit our finishing tips page to explore more ideas for how to accomplish different looks with Mendocino Redwood.

As you plan for spring and consider different options for building Mendocino Redwood garden structures, take a look at our Mendocino Redwood garden structure ideas and also learn more about how to maintain garden structures. Here’s to the first blooms of spring and to your garden structure plans!

Restoring the Natural Color of Mendocino Redwood Decks

February 23rd, 2012 by jhewitt

People love the easy-maintenance of Mendocino Redwood decks, as well as the beautiful color of this natural, extraordinary wood. For this reason, many redwood homeowners, when constructing their deck, choose to go with a clear stain that shows the grain and color of the wood. Generally, all that is required to keep a Mendocino Redwood deck looking like new is an occasional rinse with water and a reapplication of finish approximately every 12 to 18 months. Mendocino Redwood’s natural resistance to insects and decay make this material particularly durable and long-lasting. Even more stubborn discoloration from dirt or mildew can be easily removed by cleaning redwood with a solution of warm water and mild soap and scrubbing with a soft bristle, non-metallic brush.

Over time, however, wood exposed to direct sunlight or frequent rain can weather and fade. In this case, with a little effort and appropriate supplies, refinishing redwood and restoring it to its original color is easy.

First, remove all dirt and debris with a power washer (use low setting to avoid damaging the wood fibers) or warm soap and water and a bristle brush. For mild cases of mildew, scrub with the soap and water solution, and then rinse with a household bleach solution to kill any living spores. Rinse thoroughly with water to remove excess bleach.

Next, to remove more extensive mildew stains and to restore the deck to its natural color, mix a solution containing one cup trisodium phosphate (TSP) and one cup of liquid bleach for every one gallon of water. Scrub with a soft bristle brush and then thoroughly rinse the surface of the deck. Next, make a second solution containing 4 ounces of oxalic acid crystals for every one gallon of warm water. Apply the solution evenly with a soft brush, and then wait until the surface dries. Then rinse with water. After the surface has completely dried, apply a coat of stain to the newly restored surface.

Constructing Mendocino Redwood Fences: Preparation is Key

February 10th, 2012 by jhewitt

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 jhewitt

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 jhewitt

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 jhewitt

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 jhewitt

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 jhewitt

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!