Building a new extension

We loved our house from the first time we went through, but it really didn't have enough living space. We have worked on improving the layout of the home and increasing the living area of the home to create a modern and more pleasant layout to the home. We are really proud of how the job has turned out and we wanted to share some of the details of how the extension and layout changes where designed and constructed. This blog has some of the photos of our extension as well as tips that we have learnt along the journey,.

A Quick Care Guide for Your New Pine Deck or Fence

Construction & Contractors Blog

Pressure treated pine is a favourite choice for many home projects and especially for outdoor decking. Pine is very affordable and durable, and it easily holds a paint or stain colour as well. It's also easy to fabricate, so you can make your own deck or other pieces with a standard table saw and other such common tools without necessarily having a contractor create your deck or fence for you. Once it is installed, you might note a few tips for caring for that new pine deck, fence, or other such piece so it's protected and lasts as long as possible.

Water repellent

Even though your pine is pressure treated, this doesn't mean it's waterproof. It's good to apply a water repellent just a few weeks after your project is completed, when the wood has had a chance to dry in the sun or otherwise adjust to being cut and fabricated. This water repellent or sealant is then reapplied annually or as recommended by the manufacturer. Be sure to apply the water repellent on a clear, sunny day so that it can easily dry and properly protect your wood.

Cleaning

Always use a detergent meant for pressure treated pine when cleaning, as other detergents meant for cars, dishes, carpeting, and the like can dry out the wood. Clean small sections and rinse away the detergent quickly so the wood doesn't dry. 

Know how it acts over time

Understanding how wood can act over time will help you to keep it properly maintained. Wood that absorbs moisture may expand and press against the connectors or against other planks, and this can cause erosion and damage. Wood that dries out may cup or bow as it shrinks and this might cause it to become warped or pull away from connectors. This cupping or bowing can also cause it to warp in the middle of the wood. 

It's good to look for these types of problems, depending on your local area. If you live in the tropics or a place with lots of humidity, look for expanding wood that may need to be planed down somewhat. In a dry area, check the level of the surface of your outdoor deck and note if any areas seem to sag; this can mean the wood is pulling away from the connectors and you may have cracks and chips around the bolts that need to be filled in when you replace those wood pieces.

For more information on using treated pine for a fence or deck, talk with a local contractor.

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16 August 2016