WoodFenceExpert.com
Serving Southern California
Call Stefan Today
Direct Cell: 310-717-2000
"Save money - do it now.
Don't wait for price increases."
WoodFenceExpert.com BLOG
A Column Of Irregularly Published
Articles For Your Information
Serving Southern California
Call Stefan Today
Direct Cell: 310-717-2000
"Save money - do it now.
Don't wait for price increases."
WoodFenceExpert.com BLOG
A Column Of Irregularly Published
Articles For Your Information
BLOG.WOODFENCEEXPERT.COM
Should The New Fence Be Stained?
June 28, 2009 - Sunday
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June 28,
2009 Should the new fence be stained? This question can be re-phrased two different ways! First-How long would you like the new fence to last? Second-Would you like the new fence to be even more beautiful for a longer time? A fence is definitely an investment in, and an improvement to a property. It's also something you get to look at for many years to come. Simply applying only one coat of stain will increase the life of the new fence. I recommend giving the fence a new coat of stain every 3 to 10 years: depending upon various climates & environments, the appearance, and your free time and level of motivation (if you do-it-yourself). Modern stains have been chemically engineered to also function as wood preservatives. And those hungry little bugs that eat fences everywhere certainly don't like the taste or after-affects of a good, strong oil base stain! I often use a specially engineered stain & termite treatment in one application! The stain is one of the best outdoor wood stains that money can buy! Many builders and suppliers feel that the brand of stain we use IS the best! Do I stop there? Noooo! I have taken it one step further! Let me just say it's probably the best stain and treatment most fences will ever get! After I build your fence let me know if you're interested in this special stain & treatment. Then I will let you know exactly why it's the best. But the exact recipe is a company secret, sorry. Certainly two coats are available if you wish. If you want a darker stain finish and the benefits of a termite treatment, it's best to take advantage of the most thorough 2-Step process of: Step 1, being the termite treatment application; then Step-2, being the application of a darker finish stain. Call me direct on my cell at 310-717-2000 for an in-person estimate for your new wood fence or other outdoor wood project! |
Why Do Some Fences Sag In The Middle Between The Posts?
June 21, 2009 - Sunday
Which Is Better: Screws Or Nails?
June 20, 2009 - Saturday
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June 20,
2009 This question is often asked, but not fully understood. For the most common, regular types of wood fences, such as vertical 1"x6" (or 1"x4" or 1"x8") dog ear (dog ear fence boards have the little corners cut off at the top of each fence board), we have to clarify. First, let's consider how these boards are fastened to the frame (usually parallel 2"x4" horizontal boards running from post to post, inside or between the posts (not "on top" of them). There are several different types of wood screws that I have seen in old fences that are falling apart, that I teardown and replace. It's easy to believe that "Since it's a screw it will hold better and last longer". On many screws the shaft between the threads is thin and weak-so when you're tightening that screw it breaks! Many screws are designed for inside use, so they rust when used outside on a fence. And you've got screw heads (which are usually larger than nail heads) detracting from the beauty of that fence, albeit a relatively inexpensive, common design. Is this specific application, I use 8d nails that are galvanized for outdoor use (so they don't rust, deteriorate and weaken the fence, or leave nail streaks from the rain). Furthermore, the shaft of these 8d outdoor galvanized nails is thicker than the shaft of just about all the wood screws that somebody might use to hold the fence boards up. So they're actually stronger, surprise! The air nailer I use drives these nails in nice and fast, which means I save time, which means YOU save money! These nails are driven in quite nice and firmly, so they're not coming loose. I also drive them in at an angle so they do not stick out on the other side, where somebody might get a cut or a small stab from brushing up or bumping into the fence. This also takes advantage of all of the surface area of the nail, making it yet even more secure. So for the most common types of fences that most people have, using screws for the boards is a waste of time and money, when you find out that properly using the right kind of nail is stronger and much more efficient (and less expensive)! For some of the more fancy & elegant types of fences, screws are the better choice. But there are special reasons, only certain types of screws, and special techniques which all must come together to create the masterpiece fence which will also be strong, and perform as you would expect! This will be the subject of a future post. Framing is entirely a different matter and here is why. I use heavy duty framing screws that have a thick shaft throughout, as well as a lifetime guaranteed coating (even for marine projects such as docks and piers) on the outside of each screw. So these babies are very strong and they are guaranteed to last for the entire life of the project! The frame works harder than the boards they hold, so using the right, special screws, and using them correctly is the better way to hold the frame together strongly and beautifully! Let the most qualified builder construct your wood fence or other outdoor wood project! Call me direct on my cell at 310-717-2000 for an in-person estimate for your new wood fence or other outdoor wood project! |
Top Quality Wood Fences?
June 13, 2009 - Saturday
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June 14,
2009 Even though we're now in the busy period of fence building this year, it is still recommended to not get too rushed and make the best decision for your property. The more professional, skilled and experienced fence builders are definitely worth waiting for if you really want a high quality job built correctly, strong and beautiful. Obtain 2 to 3 estimates and review them side by side. Which person would you rather build your fence or outdoor wood project? Ask questions about different types of wood, different styles of fencing, different types of foundations, etc. 19 times out of 20 when old fences fail it's right at the ground level between the top of the concrete and the top of the ground that has accumulated on top of the concrete fence post foundation. Raised concrete foundations prevent this as do the use of heavy duty galvanived steel posts such as the PostMaster, manufactured by Halco. During your interview with the prospective fence builder, ask them, "How do you make the fence last a long time?". This is where almost all fences fail, at the base of the post, so their answer should address this factor. Get the most qualified builder for your fence or other outdoor wood project! Call me any time on my direct cell at 310-717-2000 for an in-person estimate for your new wood fence or other outdoor wood project! |
