Redwood Deck Close-Up

Consumer Resources

We are happy to offer valuable consumer resources to homeowners and do-it-yourselfers interested in building with Mendocino Redwood.

Get Started

DIY With Redwood

Homeowners love redwood, with good reason! Redwood decks, fences, and outdoor structures are naturally beautiful, but also durable and easy to maintain. There is no substitute for the warmth and beauty of real redwood. As a homeowner, you have a choice to do-it-yourself or to hire a contractor to build the project of your dreams. Contractors love redwood too because it is durable and strong, yet lightweight and easy to handle.

Projects around the home are rewarding when you do it yourself. The workability of redwood lumber is well-known and often cited by hobby woodworkers as a key benefit when building with redwood. Novice homeowners can get started building with redwood too by using simple woodworking tools. And because Mendocino Redwood is available at The Home Depot stores throughout the Western U.S., as well as online, it is easy to find and shop for.

 

Another consideration if you plan to do it yourself is to determine how you want your finished project to look. Do you want to leave it unfinished, or do you want to finish it with a paint, stain, or other sealant? With Mendocino Redwood, you can do any of the above. Unfinished redwood will weather to a soft gray patina and naturally blend with outdoor surroundings. Or, if you prefer, you may choose to finish your project with the paint, stain, or sealant of your choice. Redwood readily accepts finishes, so that perfect paint or stain will last a long time.

With the simple investment of time and effort, you can build a home improvement project to reflect your personal style and create enjoyment for your family for years to come. Get out your tools, finalize your plans, and do it yourself! Your family will love the results.

 

Deck Building Tips

It can be an intensely satisfying experience to build a deck for your home. Not only do you get to create something that you, your friends, and your family will enjoy for years to come, but you’ll also be able to say you did so with your own hands, cutting down on costs while instilling a (well-deserved) sense of accomplishment.

The first step when building a deck is to plan what your deck will look like. The plans you design will depend in large part on your budget and the amount of space you have available to actually build a deck.

Other things you will need to consider include how much land you’ll need to level (if applicable), location of steps (and how many), the type of railing to use, and how you want it oriented in relation to your home. Whether the deck will attach to your home or be free-standing is a very important consideration as well, particularly for decks elevated off the ground. If your backyard receives a lot of natural sun, you may want to consider adding a redwood shade structure to your deck as well.  

Some local municipalities require permits for new deck construction, so check with your local building department before getting started. When you are ready to buy materials, visit our Buy at The Home Depot page to find a store in your area where you can buy Mendocino Redwood. If you live outside our market area, visit HomeDepot.com to buy redwood lumber online.

deck

 

Fence Building Tips

Should you decide to build a fence out of redwood, you’ll be embarking on a satisfying project that, if properly planned, will run smoothly. To begin, check local ordinances to determine if a permit is necessary to build a fence in your area. Also seek permission from your neighborhood homeowners’ association (as applicable), as there may be strict guidelines in place for the style and height of your redwood fence. If you have neighbors nearby, it is generally courteous to ask for their input on the fence’s design, as they will be looking at it too!

Next, contact your utility company to come out and mark underground pipes and cables, as you will want to avoid disrupting existing infrastructure while building your new redwood fence. Before getting started, double check that your redwood fence will lie within your property line and not extend onto your neighbor’s property.

Once you have established the parameters, lay out the site by first planting your end and corner posts, then tying string tautly between them the entire way around. Be sure to measure each individual board or pre-assembled panel when you build a fence, before planting additional posts to avoid awkward gaps between boards. Space posts six to eight feet apart and dig holes deep enough so that a third of each post sits underground. Then, set the posts with freshly mixed cement and let them sit for 24 hours before you continue to build your redwood fence.

 

The next step to build your redwood fence is to attach the top and bottom fence rails to the posts, which should be spaced four feet apart. Then you are ready to affix the individual fence boards or pre-assembled panels, maintaining a quarter-inch gap between pickets for most styles.

fence

Landscaping Tips

Do it yourself landscaping can be an incredibly rewarding, satisfying experience.  Not only do you have complete control over which landscape ideas become a reality in your space, but you also get to enjoy something that you built with your own two hands. Ready to get started? 

Start by jotting down some ideas for your landscape and what you are trying to accomplish. Consider specific parameters, such as space available, topography, existing plants and trees, future plants and trees that you may be envisioning, and other site-specific factors. Perhaps you are planning for a future pool or spa, fire pit, or other landscape feature. Starting with a firm understanding of what you would like to achieve in your space will help inform the best materials and methods of construction. 

Next, determine your budget for the project. Many materials are available in a range of budget options. Make sure you are comfortable with your choices before getting started. Once you reach this point, it’s time to buy materials. You will want to use high quality materials to ensure that your do it yourself landscaping project stands up to years of use and the elements. 

Garden Structure Building Tips

Garden structures can add distinction and interest to your backyard or outdoor living space, and are remarkably easy to build yourself. Functional garden structures, such as planter boxes, are popular and easy to build with redwood. Other popular projects include arbors, trellis, plant stands, potting tables, and much more.

Get started by deciding which garden structures you would like to build. Do you want a vegetable garden? Arbor to create a shady nook in your yard? Potting table? Garden shed? The list of garden structures you can build with redwood is nearly endless.

Next, look for online and other resources to help you design your project. Our Start My Project section has downloadable plans and additional resources to help you get started.

With plans in hand, your final step before building is to secure all the necessary materials. Smaller redwood garden projects, like planter boxes, can be built with any number of redwood dimensions and grades, including trim ends and other non-standard items. Visit our Buy at The Home Depot page to get started sourcing the materials you need.

pergola

Porch Building Tips

Make the entryway to your home as inviting as a handshake when you build a porch yourself. A front porch adds charm while increasing the value of your home, and constructing one with Mendocino Redwood is a fun and easy project. 

Start by deciding on the basic shape for your porch. Traditional porches are almost always a basic rectangular shape that suits most entryways. Interesting L- or square-shaped porches are also an option depending on the specifics of your property and lot size you are working with. Online resources such as bloggers and home improvement specialists may provide a wealth of additional ideas for the shape and function of your porch. 

After checking with your local government to determine if permits are needed to build a porch, lay out the design on the ground by planting stakes and tying string between them. Next, you’re ready to dig three to four-foot deep holes for footing posts that will anchor the porch.

Place your anchor posts in the holes and mix fresh cement to pour into each hole. After letting it set for 24 hours, use wood screws to attach 4×4 joist boards to support the anchor posts. We alternately suggest our 2×8 deck joists when you build a porch that is somewhat longer. This forms the structure onto which you build a porch floor using Mendocino Redwood dimensional boards in the measurements you need. Be sure to leave a little space between the boards to promote drainage. You may add railings and other decorative elements as well. And, redwood accepts paints, stains, and finishes extremely well, so you may get creative as you put the finishing touches on your redwood porch.

porch