Scott L Schulz asked:


You have decided you need a fence, so now what? Now its time decide on the layout of the fence, where you would like the gates to be located, if you would like to incorporate a double gate, and the style of the fence you would like. The first place to start is with your Home Owner’s Association, or HOA, if you live in an area that has one. The HOA will have rules and regulations about fence types, designs, heights, and fence placement. Once you know what the HOA will allow, you can start planning and designing within their guidelines. It would be very frustrating to spend time planning and designing a wooden fence only to find out the HOA only allows aluminum. The common things HOA’s will ask for is a copy of your lot survey with the proposed fence line drawn in red, a material list telling the specifications of the material to be used, and a picture of the fence you would like.

Now that you know what the HOA will allow, its time to plan the placement of your fence. Some HOA’s require the fence to be on the property lines, while others will let you place the fence in from the property line to allow for shrubs. The HOA will also tell you how far up the house you can come, such as the rear corner, 20′ from the rear corner, or to the front of the house. Decide what works best for you and meets HOA regulations. Gate placement is also an important factor in fence layout. I usually suggest two gates- one on each side of the house. I also suggest making one of those gates a double gate. A double gate allows to you to get larger items in your back yard such as a vehicle, a shed, a play set, or anything else. The wonderful thing about a double gate is that it functions as a single gate and the second gate leaf only opens when you choose for it to. When considering gate placement, think of ease of entry and exit. You may want a gate close to the side door in a garage. A good place for a double gate is the side of the house close to the driveway. That way if you do need to get a vehicle through it, you don’t have to drive across the front yard. Gates in the back of the fence can be nice if you have a deep lot or back up to an easement. Gates into next door neighbor’s yards can also be nice, but keep in mind if you or the neighbor sell the house, the gate may not be welcome by the new occupant.

After you decide where to place the fence, you need to pick a fence design you like. Since this series of articles is on wooden fencing, I will tell you about common wood fence styles. The great thing about wood is the design is almost endless. Most fence contractors are also skilled carpenters and can help you design and build a fence that is unique to your tastes. With that being said, there are common fence designs. Dog Ear, Scalloped, Arched or Half Moon, Flat Top, Shadow box, Board on Board, Spaced Picket, and Trim Top are some of the most common fences we install.  Some of the fence styles can mix, such as an arched shadow box or a scalloped board on board. The easiest way to see pictures of these designs is to go to google images and type in the fence style followed by the word “fence”. The search term may look like “arched fence”, or “shadow box fence”. Take some time and look at the different styles. Also consider what your goal is. If you desire privacy you may not want a spaced picket fence. If you want some privacy but also want your neighbor’s to see in your back yard for security purposes, you may want a shadow box. If you want to keep your dog in the yard but also want people to be able to see you have a dog, perhaps a spaced picket would work well. Take the time to make sure the wooden fence you want will meet your needs, and the fence that meets your needs is a fence you like.

Once you know what you like, its time to get estimates and select a contractor. Contractors can also help you in selecting a fence style and answer any questions you have. But that’s another article and will be published soon.

Wood Pellet Stove And Boiler Guide

Simon Douglass asked:


I grew up in New England so I know that curling up by a warm, cozy fire is the best past time during the cold winter months. If you are one of the lucky homeowners who have a fireplace or wood stove inside of your house then you can understand where I am coming from.

Anyone who lives in the Northern section of the country deals with freezing cold weather and snow burdened days. And, whether you live in a house, a log cabin, or a rustic mountain inn, having the option to light up the fireplace is a luxury at best. The hardest part about having a fireplace or wood stove is collecting the firewood. And, with a load of firewood to attend to you must also have a firewood rack.

Firewood racks are used for two main reasons; to keep the firewood off of the ground and to provide easy access to it. No one wants to pick up a snow soaked piece of firewood, nor do they want to have to face the inclement weather every time they need a few logs. The answer to solving these two dilemmas is to use a firewood rack.

It doesn’t matter if you chop your own firewood or have it delivered to your home; you still have a pile of it sitting outside in the yard. You may decide to restack the firewood on the porch but that doesn’t necessarily keep it dry. In addition to having to stack the firewood you also have to have access to it in order to spark up the fireplace. Doesn’t the thought of having a firewood rack specifically made for firewood peak your curiosity?

Firewood racks can be as simple or as elegant as you want. They can be constructed from a few pieces of wood nailed together or from steel tubing. The idea of using a firewood rack is to protect the wood from the elements and make it easily attainable; the material used to build the rack is completely up to you, and your taste. Firewood racks be as small, or as large, as you need them to be and some of them can even be covered to provide extra protection against harsh elements.

When considering a firewood rack for the inside of your home you will have the choice of a plan that is plain and simple or a plan that is extremely decorative. Some firewood racks can even be considered as a piece of finely crafted furniture. If you need a firewood rack for the outside of your home then you should really choose one made of steel tubing. The tubing material is lightweight but very sturdy and is generally powder-coated for longevity.

Using a firewood rack is a great solution for protecting your firewood and is also a way to store firewood near the fireplace for easy access. Take my advice and purchase a few different sizes and styles of firewood racks. Get one for your home, one for your yard, and maybe even a small one to take camping with you. You will see that using a firewood rack is a blessing in disguise!

Wood Pellet Production Guide

Tim Casey asked:


Wood privacy fence is a major contributor to the “curb appeal” factor of a home, esp. in an urban community. They are the traditional compliment to any home. A well-chosen and appropriately designed, fence gives homeowners the pleasure of enjoying their private space without necessarily giving the impression of being an unfriendly neighbor. The color shape and ultimate design, frames the first impression of the passers-by eyes. Wood privacy fence popularity is mainly due to its gorgeous, classic look. After new fence home owners see their fence installed, they automatically know they made the right choice.

The wood fence has become an icon within American culture. Don’t think that your fence has to be cookie-cut, as there are many styles of wood fencing available.

A wood fence has many more benefits than just its beautiful appearance. New processes help decrease the commonly known problems in wood, such as rotting, decay, and insect damage. Wood fences are the least expensive on the market. Many experts consider them to be the most cost-effective fencing material. The initial cost of a wood fence is significantly less the other fence types. It is also easy and cheap to repair. Plus, there’s an abundance of choice concerning wood privacy fence options. To provide a unique sense of selection styles, there have been several innovations as far as form, stain, and finish options that alter the appearance of the fence woods.

That’s all for now. Throughout the next few articles, we’ll review some specifics of the topics mentioned above. Bye the time you are ready to get your wood privacy fence there will be nothing left to do but kick back with a glass of lemonade and watch the wood fly! Thanks for stopping in! Come back soon ya hear!

Jennifer Akre asked:


If it is wood outdoor rocking chairs that you are after then jumping online and browsing the online stores is the perfect way to find exactly what you’re looking for.

A lawn or patio is a place to relax with family and having the perfect seating is important especially for those sunsets. A wood outdoor rocking chair adds to the setting, whether it is with a single chair or the bench chair. Cypress or Chippendale rocking chairs will give your patio an elegance while keeping the intimate appearance. The outdoor rocking chair will add to the wood patio furniture you already have by adding a bit of relaxation to the atmosphere.

Personal style is important when choosing the perfect wood outdoor rocking chair. Monetary resources will be a factor in the choice of chair whether it is a simple rocking chair or a glider any outdoor rocking chair will brighten up your style. If you prefer to have two rocking chairs with a table between them for the after work relaxation the resources are available. Romance of the double rocking chairs adds to the intimate style you already possess with the informal wood patio furniture.

The loveseat rocking chair is the perfect complement to the intimate patio. Add one of the wood patio tables for a place to set your drinks or as a footstool and the romantic setting will be perfect. The pieces are individually sold giving way to personal style and giving you the choice of having both a loveseat and individual chair. The double rocker style gives an individual back for each person without giving up the intimacy of a couple. The variety of wood and colors for the double rocker also help make the personal taste attainable.

The styles differ in slates as well whether you find the horizontal slat to be more comfortable than the vertical slate. The width of the slates also differs from a wider slate to the slate that is closer together. Comfort will determine the slate choice and is personal.

Whether it is your patio that needs the furniture or your front porch the styles exists for both. The front porch is often more intimate requiring the loveseat rocking chair or glider while the patio may need an individual seat with a table to place your drinks on.

Depth of the rocking chair is also personal comfort. If your comfort lies in leaning back in the chair to take a nap or gazing at the sky then the Rustic Low Back Rocking Chair may fit you better than the straighter porch rocker. The porch rocker adds a support to your back that you may find more comfortable to eating during a party than the lower back rocking chair.

Remember no matter what your personal style is and the limit of your finances the wood outdoor rocking chairs adds style and comfort to your patio or porch through the type of wood, the depth of the chair, and the accompanying furniture. The rocking chairs add to the wood patio furniture as a complement for a table or your basic patio chair.

Wood Pellet Production Guide

Mary Buckingham asked:


When the weather is nice and the outdoors beckons, no one wants to be stuck doing cleaning instead. By designing your outdoor space to be low maintenance, you can spend more time relaxing and less time cleaning. Wood garden benches, a popular mainstay of patios and garden, are low maintenance and usually pretty easy to clean.

Here is how you can keep your wood garden benches in good shape all year long:

Start by removing dirt and dust from your benches. If you don’t remove the dirt first, you will only make a mess once you try to wash it.

Check the type of wood your benches are made from. Some types of wood are easy to care for, while others require more effort. Teak is a durable wood that is highly water resistant and durable. Teak is so durable, in fact, that it is often used in the manufacturing of boats. In India, some ancient temples contain teak beams that are over 1000 years old.

If your wood garden benches are made with teak, they can usually be cleaned with a mixture of bleach, water and laundry detergent. Sometimes, just some warm water alone will do the trick. If you prefer to buy commercially prepared cleaning products, look for one that is designed for teak and similar woods.

If you need to remove grease, wine, ketchup or other hard-to-remove stains, look for a cleaner designed for this purpose. If you are unsure, ask a store sales representative to help you. You can also try looking for recommendations or helpful ideas by searching the internet. If you are buying a new set of wood garden benches, you might want to stain or seal them first to try to prevent stains from discoloring your new furniture.

Once you are done using a cleaner, be sure to rinse your wood garden benches thoroughly with a garden hose. A pressure washer may be too tough on outdoor furniture. You may also want to dry them with an absorbent towel, just to ensure that water doesn’t collect in any spots and attract mosquitoes.

If your bench is made from a wood other than teak, be sure to use a cleaner that will work for that particular wood. Cedar is often used in the manufacture of outdoor furniture. Cedar, with its pleasing aromatic odor, is resistant to moths and other insects. It is also water-resistant and good for use outside.

Cedar should be cleaned gently with a mild cleanser. To preserve the aroma, be sure to use a cleaner without strong chemicals. Soap and water often works well and won’t cause damage.

If your wood garden benches have cushions on them, you will want to be sure to brush off any dirt and clean them at the same time that you clean the furniture. There would be little point in putting a dirty cushion on a freshly cleaned bench. Some cushions can be removed or unzipped and tossed in the washing machine. This is a great way to keep your outdoor set fresh and clean.

Paul Elms asked:


If you are considering installing a home sauna, it pays to consider all the options available. Many people go for an indoor sauna built from a kit, but have you considered having a stylish outdoor sauna? There are various designs that are available but one of my favorites is the barrel sauna.

As it’s name suggests, a barrel sauna looks exactly like a giant barrel. This is actually a great shape for a sauna because there are less wasted areas compared to a more common square or rectangle shape. This in turn means that they are more efficient to heat and run. The gentle curved shape also makes it an ideal structure to shrug off the elements, whether it be rain, wind or snow.

Getting inside a barrel sauna is a wonderful, refreshing experience. The feeling is of being in a snug, comfortable retreat. There are 2 benches, one either side of the door. This allows up to 6 adults to enjoy the sauna experience while sitting. Alternatively two adults can happily pass the time lying down on the benches.

Barrel saunas can be made from a variety of timbers, but one of the most popular in North America is cedarwood. This has a distinctive aroma and a real sense of quality. It is also a great wood for withstanding everything that Mother Nature can throw at it. You have a choice of stoves that you can install including gas, electric or a wood stove.

When choosing your sauna keep in mind the height. They tend to be 6 to 7 feet tall. Most people will find this to be perfectly adequate. But if you are particularly tall you might feel that the ceiling is a little low.

If you’re interested in purchasing a barrel sauna you have 2 choices. You can either go to a specialist company that will create your product using traditional coopering techniques. The sauna will be delivered complete. The alternative is to find a manufacturer that essentially makes a kit of precut timbers that can then be easily assembled by you at home.

Jeremy Szechenyi asked:


A fire pit is a pretty simple concept. Essentially there is an indentation that can hold a fuel source, which is lit and then enjoyed. The most rudimentary type of fire pit is a shallow hole in the ground, typically lined with stones or brick. Classical models are made out of iron or copper, the later being the pricier and more appealing variation. Typically there is a bowl made out of metal, which sits in or on a stand. A metal mesh screen sits over the bowl to keep any stray sparks or embers from making their way out.

Many fire pits are fueled by wood, which give a very unique and more authentic fire. The flames that come from a burning log are more random than those from propane or gas, which can make the fire more intriguing. Many people enjoy roasting things over the fire pit, such as smores, and can achieve a better taste from a wood fire. Sustainably harvested wood is also a renewable source, and does not support the reliance on fossil fuels.

Most woods can be used for a fire pit, but the best type are hardwoods, such as oak and maple. These are slow growth trees, so you should make sure that the wood is responsibly harvested. Softwoods, such as pine, have a lot of resin in them. While they might burn very brightly and easily, they also produce a large amount of soot. This can gum up you screen and sides of the bowl, as well as produce a unpleasant tasting roasted item. Furthermore, this soot can reduce air quality. The size of the pieces of wood are also important. They should ideally be about half the width of the fire pit bowl, and about 1″ – 2″ in diameter. Make sure you keep them very dry as well, as damp wood burns very poorly.

A fire pit can provide a lot of enjoyment. Not only can it provide warmth, for those cooler evenings and days, but also the comfort of a crackling fire. Most fire pits are designed so the frame stays cool to touch, making it possible to burn on a wooden patio. Great care should be taken if attempting this. A fireproof mat and metal mesh screen would be a good idea. A fire extinguisher would be a great idea as well, and might even be required by local laws. Safety should be your priority, but you can still have a lot of fun with an outdoor fire pit.

Wood Pellet Production Guide

Andrew Bicknell asked:


A well built wood retaining wall can add to any landscape, providing both visual beauty and a high degree of safety to any sloped property. When put together correctly a retaining wall built out of landscape timbers provides as much stability as any rock or concrete block wall, with the added good looks that only wood provides. The other nice thing is the functionality that wood provides, allowing for any number of designs that can be customized for each individual landscape.

A wood retaining wall is just as durable and functional as any stone, or block wall as well as being a safe and effective way to add a dynamic feature to your landscape. Wood adds a certain luster to any landscaping project and is a great material to utilize in the yard.

It is important to properly lay out and design any retaining wall, and one made out of wood is no different. A small wall is easy for the weekend do-it-yourselfer but for a large wall that is required to hold back a large sloping area it is best to go with a professional landscape service that has experience with large and intricate retaining wall construction. This is particularly true of a terraced wall that may have stairs built into it.

Some people may question the strength of a wood retaining wall but because of the way they are built they are exceptionally strong and are able to hold back large amounts of dirt with little problem. In fact the bigger and more complex the wall the stronger it usually is. This is because each section of wall is tied together, creating a large interconnected frame work. This creates a very heavy wall that is impervious to just about anything.

If you are a homeowner with a sloping landscape then a wood retaining wall can be a great way to add a visual element to your landscape that will also add value to your whole property. When it comes to retaining walls there are many choices and wood should always be a first consideration.

Wood Pellet Stove And Boiler Guide

Chad R Fisher asked:


There are many different wood fences types to choose from. Wood fencing in the west coast is primarily western red cedar, it’s natural beauty shines in the privacy fences that adorn many residences. You can also find douglas fir becoming a bit more popular because it is much less expensive than cedar. In the midwest, wood fences are often installed with pre-made fence panels. Fence installers come to your house set the posts and then place the panels. In the Pacific Northwest it is more common for the fence to be built on site because the terrain is very uneven and hilly, making it difficult to use pre-fabricated panels.

The most ubiquitous wood fence is called the estate style fence. The estate fence is built with a 2×4 as the bottom rail of the fence panel and a 2×4 as the top rail. Most often wood fences are built with 6 foot tall fence boards that are approximately 1 inch think and 4 inches wide. Most large fence builders will use posts that measure 4 1/8 inch by 4 1/8’s inch. These posts are much bigger than posts you will find at Lowe’s or Home Depot which commonly measure only 3.5 inches by 3.5 inches.

Experienced fence builders know that you need to set your posts in concrete between 18 and 24 inches into the ground. For the sturdiest posts you should let them cure at least 24 hours before you come back and build the fence. Setting your posts is the most important step in building your fence, if you get off line the whole fence will be crooked, so make sure to take extra care on this step!

If you’re looking for a fence that is more intricate than a basic estate style fence, try looking into a modified panel fence. A modified panel fence has a 2×4 that runs on top of the fence boards to give the fence a much cleaner, more sophisticated look. In addition, there is a 1×4 and a 2×4 that run just under the top 2×4. When you finish the fence off with custom post caps, it’s easy to see why this fence is extremely popular.

If you want to go for the grand-daddy of them all wood fence, look into a full panel construction. This type of fence is similar to a modified panel, except that there is a 2×4 that runs parallel to the ground. If you ask your local fence builder about any of these types of fences, they should be able to build these for you. There are lots of extras you can add to these fences, such as: spacing between the fence boards, custom post caps, lattice, trellis, gate arbors and much more!

Travis Van Slooten asked:


Wood privacy fences are an important component of a house especially one in the urban community. A well-chosen and appropriately-designed fence affords homeowners the pleasure of enjoying their private space without necessarily giving the impression of being an unfriendly neighbor. You don’t even have to fence the entire perimeter of the house. In some cases, even just short sections of fencing in your property can already give you a semblance of solitude and discourage curious onlookers.

Keeping in mind the style and landscaping design of one’s area, there are many fencing options to choose from. Wood privacy fences make for some of the best privacy fences and come in a variety of styles and materials. Vinyl fencing is also a suitable and cheaper alternative, or you can opt for a more natural look with the use of greens – shrubs and trees.

Before putting up that first wooden slat or fence post on your perimeter however, it is best to check with your local zoning authorities for any restrictions on fencing. Different cities have different zoning codes wherein certain limits are imposed on fences including the height, material, and even the direction that the fences face. Be sure to check out as well if there are any privacy fencing regulations observed in your residential area or subdivision.

In sorting out city permits and zoning policies, this is where the practicality, and not just the beauty, of using evergreen trees and shrubs come in – with these types, you don’t have to deal with any legalities. In addition, “living wall” privacy fences are not only limited to the evergreens.

Bamboo hedges can serve as attractive and reliable fences, while there are also a lot of great flowering shrubs which can provide striking foliage that varies in season. Evergreen shrubs on the other hand, can also be artfully trimmed, creating the classic hedge. The choice shrubs that are pruned in this fashion are the boxwood, privet, and yew.

If you want immediate results and don’t want to be bothered with maintaining your fences, then hardscape fences or the traditional privacy fences are clearly the best option for you. The project is easy enough to do and the fence sections are light enough such that the average homeowner can do the job himself. An essential factor to consider when doing the work yourself is if the fence that you put up is strong enough to withstand strong winds. For fences 6 feet tall or less, fence posts should be dug at least 2 feet deep into the soil.

Wood privacy fences not only make for suitable privacy fences, but also the most visually appealing ones as well. The best materials for wood fences that are less likely to warp are cedar, redwood, pine, and cypress. In any case, the wood should be chemically treated for the prevention of rot and insect infestation. To make your wood fences resistant to water damage, you can choose either of two options: treat the materials with synthetic-resin water repellent, or paint it. If you consider painting, do so after the wood slats are cut to the right size but before installation.

Wood fencing in stockade style provides the most solid wood barrier for your property. If you think partial privacy would be enough, lattice fencing doesn’t totally fence out the outside community and allows some breeze and sunshine into your yard. Another popular wood fence is to adopt a combination style – solid wood board fence for about 70% of the fence going down, and lattice design for the top part to make it look more attractive and add a touch of airiness.

Wood Pellet Production Guide