If you’re thinking of starting a lumber project or are already in the middle, you should spend some time at the lumber yard familiarizing yourself with materials, learning about new techniques and asking lots of questions. All the technical terms and industry jargon floating around can be intimidating. But if you’re a DIYer, we want […]
Talk Like a Pro: Common Lumber Terms Explained

Why Talk to a Lumber Specialist?

Being a DIY enthusiast doesn’t mean that you have to be an expert in building techniques or materials. In fact, part of the fun is learning new skills and practices. This is where the specialists at your local lumber yard can come in handy. Read on to learn why you should be taking advantage of […]
Safe and Sound: Get Smart About Decking Hardware

Your home’s exterior deck is forced to withstand the elements day-in-day-out, all year long. It’s tasked with handling extreme temperature fluctuations, fending off assaults by insects and fungus, and—depending on where you live—resisting corrosive elements like salt air. And none of this includes all the standard wear accumulated from actually using the deck itself. In […]
Put an Exclamation Point on Your Home with Exterior Trim

Trim is the finishing touch that creates each home’s distinctive style. Like the frosting on a cake or the exclamation point on the end of a sentence, trim isn’t the main foundational element of a structure, but it’s an important part of a home’s unique charm. Exterior trim is mostly decorative, meaning, it serves no […]
How to Increase the Lifespan of Your Fence

Your fence is asked to stand up to some pretty strenuous conditions. Heavy winds, harsh sun, corrosive salt air and moisture from the ground are all conspiring to bring down your fence—figuratively and literally. However, today’s fencing materials are more innovative than ever and are able to stay strong in the face of day-to-day abuses. […]
How Much Will a New Fence Cost?

It’s easy to get excited by the idea of transforming your yard by installing new fencing. But what if your ideas are way outside of your price range? Or what if your budget will go further than you realized and you miss out on upgrades you didn’t know you could afford? Pricing a new fence […]
6 Patio Cover Trends That Will Transform A “Blah” Backyard

As a southern California resident, you’re in the unique position of being able to comfortably enjoy your outdoor space for most of the year. The outdoor experience begins the minute you cross the threshold. So, how’s your patio looking these days? Is it an inviting space you can’t wait to spend time in? Or is […]
Patio Covers: DIY or Hire a Contractor?

Renovating or replacing your patio cover can breathe new life into a dull back yard. You’ve seen examples of patio covers you love. You’ve gotten ideas from the internet, magazines and friends. But are you ready to tackle the installation yourself? Or would hiring a contractor be the wiser choice? Here are some helpful guidelines […]
A Quick Overview to Buying Wood Siding

Home siding is one of those improvements that can dramatically change the appearance of your house. It’s a pretty big decision—from an investment and an aesthetic standpoint—so you should consider your options carefully before making a commitment. Here’s a quick look at the most important things to keep in mind when buying new siding for […]
Spruce Up Your Yard with a Horizontal Fence

Horizontal fences have been around forever (ex. prairie fences) but have recently surged in popularity. With a smart layout and thoughtful materials, a horizontal fence can turn a ho-hum yard into an outdoor show-stopper. Sometimes called “good neighbor fences” because they look good from both sides of the fence, the uninterrupted lines of a horizontal […]









