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Cedar Decks Get Prepped For Restaining

May 15th, 2013

cedar deckWithout much maintenance, a cedar deck will last for 20 to 30 years. However, if you don’t regularly stain your cedar deck’s surface, it will quickly become ridden with warps and splinters. We recommend yearly staining, which extends the life of cedar decking while also preventing pest infestations. Moreover, an annually stained deck will be less slippery. And for the homeowner focused on maximizing resale price, a regularly maintained cedar deck will bring a higher asking price, as it will look newer than a neglected deck.

If you’re planning to take advantage of our glorious streak of good weather to stain your deck, here are the steps you’ll need to take to prepare. Read the rest of this entry »

Pergolas & Richland, WA Have Histories Rich in Agriculture

May 7th, 2013

Bunch of GrapesAgriculture, Richland, pergolas: They all have a natural affinity. Richland, one of the three Tri-Cities in southeastern Washington, began as a small farm town. Its location at the confluence of the Columbia and Yakima rivers makes Richland perfect for growing produce; the land here is, indeed, rich. In the last decade, a thriving community of wineries has cropped up in the area as well – this August, Washington State University’s campus in Richland will break ground on a $23 million wine science center. Finally, food processor ConAgra/Lamb-Weston is located in Richland, making it convenient for area farmers to process their crops.

Given Richland’s history of agriculture and its long growing season, it’s not too surprising that many Richland residents enjoy transforming their own backyards into gorgeous gardens. Our Tri-Cities store manager Bob Mead fields Richland residents’ frequent requests for pergolas to use as growing structures to support their gardening efforts. He points out, “With a pergola you can grow a garden from top to bottom. One of the early uses of pergolas was to grow grapes and other vines.”

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Project Spotlight: Cedar Deck in Oregon City Gets a Facelift

April 30th, 2013

Cedar Deck in Oregon CitySometimes a bit of destruction is required to create a stunning cedar decking area. That was certainly the case with today’s spotlight project, a cedar deck resurfacing project we recently completed in Oregon City. If your deck is looking dull, drab and just plain worn out, this renovation project may interest you.

One unique aspect of this renovation was that we were able to incorporate the existing multi-story frame, which was perfectly sturdy enough to sustain years of use. Engineer types will appreciate that the structural support for elevated decks like this one get better airflow than ground-level decks, thus minimizing the tendency for dry rot and allowing contractors like us to reuse the still viable frame. However, to give the tired-looking 480-square-foot deck a “facelift,” we tore off and replaced the cedar decking surface as well as the handrails. This approach saved the customer several thousands of dollars while still delivering the appearance of a brand-new deck.

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Sustainable Salem: Patio Covers Cut the Summer Heat

April 23rd, 2013

patio coverSalem residents are known for their dedication to earth-friendly practices. From acting as a test market for electric vehicles to improving bike paths, Salem’s legislators and residents have found multiple ways to pursue a more earth-friendly way of living. But Salem homeowners may not yet realize how adding a patio cover can also help save the planet.

The Sustainability of Patio Covers

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Whether a Pergola or Patio Cover, Tri-Cities Windy Conditions Require the Expertise to Build a Solid Structure

April 16th, 2013

PergolaPergolas and patio covers are some of the most popular outdoor living structures in the Tri- Cities. (Pergolas have open roofs, while patio covers provide solid protection from the elements.) These structures allow Tri-Cities residents to take advantage of the area’s desert sun – more than 300 days of sun per year, typically! In such a dry, sunny place, it just makes good sense to build a comfortable, sturdy outdoor living structure.

Structural integrity is important when building anything in the Tri-Cities, due to the famous Chinook Winds that sweep through the area. Named after local tribes, the Chinook Winds are warm enough to melt winter snows in a day and strong enough to blow down shoddily constructed structures.

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How to Properly Paint a Wood Fence

April 8th, 2013

Cedar FenceFew sights in life are as uplifting and cheerful as freshly painted or stained cedar fencing. Beaverton and Portland homeowners can stain or paint fences to protect them from the elements. We’ve focused on how to stain wood fencing in previous posts, so today we’re providing tips on painting a wood fence installation.

Beaverton and Tigard homeowners should begin the fence painting process in the drizzly days of winter, when it’s too wet to work on a fence. This is the perfect time to choose a paint color and plan your project. Here are a few tips for selecting a paint color for an exterior fence: Read the rest of this entry »

From Cleaning your Cedar Deck to Gardening We Have Your Spring DIY List [Infographic]

April 5th, 2013

Spring DIY Outdoor Maintenance List InfographicIs your outdoor living space ready for spring? Here in the Pacific Northwest, spring and summer seem to fly by, and before you know it, winter rolls back around. Make the most of the sunny weather by whipping your cedar deck, fence and landscape into shape now. We’ve compiled this infographic to help you prepare your spring DIY list for making fence repairs, cleaning and improving your deck, and sprucing up your garden.

 

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Patio Covers & Cedar Fencing: Salem Store Designers Offer Expert Consultations

April 4th, 2013

Salem designer

Taylor

Salem designer

Melissa

Salem designer

Cody

Here at Rick’s, we pride ourselves on outfitting Oregon and Washington homeowners with the best outdoor living options, from patio covers to decking materials to PVC and cedar fencing. Salemresidents, however, get a special bonus: expert advice from in-house design gurus Taylor, Cody and Melissa.

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Why Spring is the Best Time to Clean Cedar Decking or Fencing

March 27th, 2013

Spring BlossomsYou spring clean every nook and cranny in your home, but what about your outdoor living area? If your cedar decking and fencing is looking dingy, cleaning is the best way to recover its original brightness. One day of solid cleaning can augment year-round enjoyment of your cedar deck or cedar fence. Beaverton and Portland deck owners who would prefer to skip this day of maintenance can call on us for our deck resurfacing service.

Why is spring the perfect time to wash cedar decking and fencing? Because the temperatures are less extreme at this time of year. In the dog days of summer, cleaning puts more stress on the wood of your fence or deck. When heat bears down on wet wood, more damage is caused. In contrast, the cool days of spring are perfect for deck cleaning, since the lower temperatures will cause less extreme expansion in the wood of your cedar fence. Beaverton and Tigard homeowners can think of deck and fence cleaning as one more home maintenance task that should be included in their annual spring cleaning. Read the rest of this entry »

How to Inspect and Fix Farm Fencing

March 20th, 2013

On a farm, fences serve many important purposes. Indeed, livestock farming is nearly impossible without plenty of sturdy fencing. Farm fencing keeps animals where they belong while also protecting them from predators. Farmers shift animals from one fenced area as a part of pasture management. Additionally, farm fencing separates different types of animals that could harm each other. For all of these reasons, one of the first things that must be done on a new farm is a fencing installation.

ElectrobraidBeaverton and Portland homeowners are aware of the damage storms can cause to fencing; farmers must also be careful to watch for damage. To inspect farm fencing, walk or ride around the perimeter of your land. The first thing to look for is fencing that’s been downed by fallen trees or tree branches. In this case, you’ll need to first get the tree out of the way. Here’s where riding your tractor around the perimeter shows its advantages; you can haul your chainsaw along with you much more easily on a tractor.

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