The days may be shorter, but winter in Southern California still allows for plenty of time outdoors without the temperatures getting too hot. It’s an ideal season to winterize outside wood decor and structures, as well as prepare for your spring projects.
As homeowners decide how to best spruce up their backyard space, the most common question asked is: What is the best wood for my project? Therefore, we’ve rounded up several indoor and outdoor winter projects you can tackle in the new year, and recommended lumber for each.
Winterize Your Outdoor Lumber
Give your wood siding, decking, and/or horizontal fencing a fresh coat of paint or wood stain to keep it looking new and protect it from the extra moisture the first few months of the year can bring.
Lumber recommendation: Western Red Cedar and Redwood are two of the most popular choices for outdoor projects due to their warm, rich tones and natural resistance to insects and decay.
Build a Solid Roof Patio Cover
Installing a solid roof cover offers protection from the sun during the summer and also provides coverage from the rain and bad weather during the winter and into spring.
Tackling a roofing project early in the year means you can spend more time on the deck without the risk of getting overheated.
Lumber recommendation: Depending on the style of your home, Douglas Fir is often recommended if you’re painting or staining your roof cover or pergola. However, Western Red Cedar or Redwood naturally creates an inviting appeal.
Plot Your Garden
It’s never too early to think about gardening projects. These early months are a good time to prepare the soil, since the typical increase in rain makes it easier to dig out rocks or deep roots and get garden boxes ready.
Additionally, building a potting bench is another outdoor lumber project that will be beneficial come spring, when planting and pruning are in full force.
Lumber recommendation: Redwood is the preferred choice for building garden boxes and potting benches, as the beauty of the wood is naturally resistant to pests, UV damage, rot, and decay.
Add an Accent Wall
Another outdoor lumber project best-suited for winter is sprucing up the exterior of your home with an accent wall. The mild weather makes it more manageable to work for several hours outdoors.
Lumber recommendation: Based on the current aesthetic of your home, Moso Bamboo, Redwood, and Western Red Cedar all work well, in addition to composite board options, such as Trex Decking or Azek Decking, both of which can be used to build an accent wall.
DIY Gifts and Home Decor
Winter projects aren’t for the outdoors alone. There are plenty of ways to enhance the interior of your home with fun, new projects.
Whether the new year means taking on a new hobby, upgrading your indoor space, or starting on gift ideas for upcoming celebrations, here are a few DIY projects that are beautifully crafted with wood:
- Designing a bathmat using Western Red Cedar
- Putting together floating shelves using a rustic timber, such as Western Red Cedar
- Creating a unique charcuterie board with a hardwood like IPE or Red Balau
- Building a fireplace mantel with Douglas Fir timbers as a go-to choice
FAQs About Tackling Winter Lumber Projects
What’s an easy home project I can tackle in a day?
If you want to start small, build a set of bookshelves, decorative horizontal fencing, or a side table. You can also stain your deck or paint an accent wall.
Should I hire a roof contractor or do it myself?
It’s best to hire a professional who is familiar with safety standards and building codes to install anything that affects the structure of your home. Research contractor credentials and read reviews before getting an estimate of the project.
Does J&W Lumber work with contractors to provide materials?
Yes, J&W Lumber works closely with homeowners and contractors to fulfill lumber orders necessary for all types of indoor and outdoor projects. They also have a referral program for homeowners looking for a contractor to complete their project.
There are multiple ways to give new life to your home without it taking up a whole weekend. Shop J&W Lumber for all your winter lumber project needs.