Benefits and uses of pressure treated wood lattice

Treated wood lattice is an easy, versatile way to lend beauty, privacy and dimension to an area without blocking airflow or confining the space. Because lattice has so many uses, Universal Forest Products offers a wide selection of lattice panels, including garden, heavy-duty, and privacy lattice. All are secured by galvanized staples and feature-finished corners. Caps and dividers are also available for framing your lattice. Universal's ProWood pressure-treated wood lattice retains its natural, light wood color.  And that's because ProWood lattice is treated with MCA (micronized copper azole)... read more

Add value and style to your home with color treated decking and fencing

Sunny days and clear skies are perfect for making exterior home improvements. Homeowners want to use their time and money wisely, so it’s important to choose projects that don't require a whole lot of maintenance and have a good return on investment. Consider a top exterior project that will increase your home’s value and curb appeal – like a color treated lumber deck or fence. And, because you won't have immediate maintenance like staining or sealing, you’ll get more time to enjoy the beauty of your outdoor area. Fence, railing or deck upgrades: no painting or staining required If you’re... read more

Why ProWood Dura Color Treated Lumber is Right for Your Next Building Project

  Say goodbye to annual staining of your treated lumber deck or fence when you build with ProWood Dura Color™. ProWood Dura Color pressure-treated lumber isn’t pre-stained; instead, the color is driven deep into the wood fibers during the pressure-treating process, penetrating the wood through-and-through and allowing the natural characteristics of the wood to remain visible. Best of all, ProWood Dura Color features a two-year color-assurance limited warranty and a lifetime limited warranty against rot and termites. That’s why ProWood Dura Color lumber is perfect for decking, railings, fencing... read more

Things To Consider When Planning A Deck

      Now that warmer temperatures are taking hold, people are heading to their favorite outdoor spots, like the deck. Once primarily used for sunbathing, decks have grown into outdoor living spaces to work, relax, cook, dine and entertain -- day or night. And deck options have grown with them. Here are a few basics any deck planner should consider: Decking materials Wood, composite or plastic? It’s perhaps the most important - and most difficult -- choice to make because cost, durability and maintenance needs can vary significantly. Wood can be the most affordable or the most expensive... read more

The ProWood “Desperate Deck” Contest Kicks Off Today - Winner Gets a $20,000 ProWood Deck Makeover

          How desperate can a deck get? That’s what ProWood wants to know. ProWood, the leader in professional-grade, pressure-treated lumber, is giving desperate deck owners across the nation a chance for a deck makeover through its ProWood “Desperate Deck” Contest. ProWood is asking homeowners to send pictures of decks in their most desperate state – damaged, unstable, color-worn … whatever they deem as desperate. One desperate deck will then be selected to receive a $20,000 makeover with ProWood lumber and accessories.   How to enter The ProWood “Desperate Deck” Contest is open to U.S.... read more

Pre Stained Fencing - Avoid the Mess: Look to ProWood Dura Color

ProWood Dura Color™ fencing may look like it's pre-stained, but it's actually colorized to a cedar or redwood look during the pressure-treating process. ProWood Dura Color is the latest advancement in pressure-treated lumber. Not only is Dura Color fencing treated with an EPA-registered wood preservative system to protect against termite attack and rot, it’s also color-infused, so pigment is driven deep into the wood fibers, creating beauty that’s guaranteed to stand up to the elements for years!   Build your ProWood fence from the ground up using individual ProWood treated fence posts and... read more

What does the tag stapled to my ProWood treated lumber mean?

Each piece of ProWood® Professional Grade lumber carries an end tag which has essential information for any builder or do-it-yourselfer, including: The preservative used The appropriate end use (i.e., above ground or ground contact) The quality standards it meets Safe handling information                 Description of use. Warranty statement. Code report for treatment. Code for use/exposure category (see Description of Use). Treatment authority. Third party quality inspection (assures product has passed retention and penetration test).   When starting a building project, it's important to... read more

ProWood – A new standard for pressure treated lumber

Universal Forest Products touts its ProWood® brand of premium pressure-treated lumber as "Professional Grade." Why is ProWood better? ProWood is made with superior quality lumber that's consistently treated to the highest industry standards. ProWood pressure treated lumber is perfect for serious do-it-yourselfers and contractors, alike, and backed by a lifetime limited warranty.   ProWood is quality lumber treated with the world’s leading preservatives recognized for their enduring natures and environmental qualities, It will fill treated lumber needs for all users with the quality expected by... read more

How to stain and seal your pressure treated wood deck

Although ProWood pressure treated lumber protects against rot and termites, a little maintenance should to be performed to maximize protection against fading and weathering. This periodic maintenance will allow you to enjoy on your deck area for years. Add color and water repellent Wood Sealer Start by applying a topical sealant to your new project for surface protection. I do not recommend use of a conventional multicoat paint system or varnish. The performance is nearly always disappointing and scraping and sanding and often must precede repainting. Instead, choose an outdoor wood sealer.... read more

Small Deck Changes That Make A Major Impact

Updating your deck to enhance its appeal doesn't mean replacing the entire structure. A few easy steps and simple additions to refresh your deck’s appearance can give your outdoor space a new personality. Clean the entire structure When is the last time you cleaned your deck? Even if you don't use your deck frequently, nature's elements leave layers of dust, dirt and grime that detract from the appearance. The easiest way to clean a deck is with soap and water. Once it dries, you'll be amazed at how fresh and clean your outdoor space appears. For deeper cleaning and more detailed information... read more

Walking on Water? Meet Latitudes.

Boaters and folks who live on the water — whether it’s an ocean, lake or river — know better than any of us the toll the elements take on almost anything left outdoors unprotected. And structures, such as docks, intended to be wet most of the time, don’t last long unless the proper materials are chosen to begin with. So when residential or business owners invest in something as substantial as a new dock, they want durability, sustainability, low-maintenance, and above all, longevity — ensuring years of easy use and enjoyment. With Latitudes composite decking and composite marine decking,... read more

How to install and secure a deck railing post with blocking

Blocking a treated wood deck post is critically important for making sure your wood railing, composite lumber railing or metal deck railing stays secure for the life of the deck. Blocking/bridging is installed into the side framing mainly to control lateral movement. If you have to run handrail in the direction of the joists, use blocking to create your box and bolt through the post and the blocks. The bridge will help keep the outside joist from deflecting when you lean on the handrail. Installing a post when the railing runs parallel to the joists First mark the location of the post with a... read more

The Right Look for Pool Decking

A swimming pool deck is a great way to enhance the beauty and functionality of your yard and swimming pool area - but only if it fits in with the style of your landscaping and home. Color and material of your pool deck should complement the architectural style of your home as well as the pool and landscaping. Keeping the cosmetic details in mind will ensure you build an eye-catching backyard oasis for entertaining your family and friends for many summers to come. And when it’s time to pick out pool decking, Latitudes has a variety of composite deck board options to suite your needs. Latitudes... read more

Common sizes and dimensions of deck and fence post caps?

Deckorators, the industry leader in post caps / post tops for decks and fences, offers many post caps in various shapes and sizes, but the most common sizes are 4x4 and 6x6, which are made to fit a standard 4x4 or 6x6 pressure treated lumber or cedar post. What are the inside dimensions of post caps? The inside dimensions of the standard 4x4 post top measure 3-5/8", and the inside dimensions of the standard 6x6 measure 5-5/8". Deckorators produces a limited selection of other opening sizes, such as 4-5/8", 4-7/8" and 6-1/8". In addition, Deckorators makes a 4x6 post cap (with inside dimensions... read more

Can I use pressure treated lumber with The M Brace in a raised vegetable garden bed?

If you're constructing a raised vegetable garden using The M Brace raised garden bed kit, you should have no reservation about using the latest in pressure treated lumber for your side and end walls. In the last five years a new generation of pressure treated lumber was developed and is know as Micronized Copper Azole (MCA) or by brand name – MicroPro, ProWood Micro and Home Depot's WeatherShield among others. When constructing a raised garden bed with The M Brace garden bed metal brackets you should have no fear using the MCA pressure treated lumber. Because (MCA) micronized... read more

How to handle and store tropical hardwood decking

Tropical hardwood decking, such as Ipe decking and Abaco decking from Aljoma Lumber, should be stored out of direct sunlight and be allowed to acclimate and stabilize to the installation environment's humidity level prior to installing. Once Ipe or Abaco decking is delivered to a job site, be sure to keep the material off the ground by placing a few pieces of scrap lumber under the deck package. Cover the material with a tarp to protect it from the elements (sun and rain). If left uncovered, unfinished or unprotected, virtually any exotic hardwood decking may warp and split. About Abaco... read more

Simple ways to update an old deck

Nothing lends a splash of the new and different like remodeling or updating a deck. Real estate agents know how popular decks are with prospective buyers, and few home renovations will get a higher return on investment. A remodeled deck breathes new life into a home's surroundings for those who choose to stay put rather than buy a new house.Consider replacing old wood balusters with scenic glass balusters from Deckorators. They’re great for opening up the view and will make the deck seem larger, without adding a single square foot.Deck lighting can make a dramatic difference when dusk arrives.... read more

Increase the value of your house by adding a deck

Americans will spend nearly $141 billion on remodeling in the first half of this year (2011), according to Harvard's Joint Center for Housing Studies. And If you'll be among the many homeowners opting to improve, rather than relocating, you may be curious to see what renovations are likely to give you the best balance of enhanced resale value and immediate enjoyment.Whether you prefer pressure treated wood lumber or synthetic lumber, adding a deck is one of the best ways to improve resale value, expand your living space and up your enjoyment of your home environment. On average, homeowners who... read more

Abaco hardwood decking provides great looks, durability

Abaco tropical hardwood decking, from Aljoma Lumber, has a contemporary European design that features a traditional smooth finish on one face and an elegant moulded surface on the other. The moulded surface makes each board slip-resistant and cooler on the feet. Abaco has slotted sides for quick and easy installation of hidden fasteners. Use hidden fasteners designed for tropical hardwood that gap each board with the proper spacing and allow for natural expansion and contraction. By using a hidden fastener on Abaco, virtually all, pre-drilling is eliminated, making installation a breeze. The... read more

Deck Postcovers are durable with look and feel of real masonry

Deckorators, creator of the Postcover, has launched a new and improved cast stone Postcover deck railing accessory line that boasts the look and feel of real masonry.Deckorators Cast Stone Postcover mimics the look and feel of real stone columns, and is made of glass-fiber reinforced concrete for increased strength and superior protection against the elements. The Deckorators Postcover is designed to coordinate well with wood, composite or vinyl deck railing, wood deck columns and fence posts. Postcovers are hand-painted and come in three unique styles: Gray Cobblestone, Gray Fieldstone and... read more

Universal Forest Products is the nation's leading manufacturer and distributor of wood and wood-alternative products to the retail building materials, industrial packaging/components, manufactured housing, residential construction and commercial construction & concrete forming markets.