Treated Wood Decking - A History of Treated Wood Used for Residential Decks

When most people think of treated wood the first thing to come to mind is outdoor decks. Structures built outdoors are exposed to many damaging environmental conditions including rain, snow, insects and ultraviolet radiation. Wood treatment with preservatives is recommended to extend the life of any exterior wood. Approximately 40% of treated lumber in North America is used in the construction of decks. Although everyone has walked on a treated deck, most know little history of the treated wood.

In the first half of the 19th century, wood was commonly treated with oil borne preservative systems such as those used to treat railway ties. A high level of protection was achieved however the finished product was aesthetically unsuitable for residential decking applications. At the time majority of the decks built were from naturally durable species such as cedar and redwood.

The early 1970's a copper based preservative know as chromated copper arsenate was introduced to the decking market. Wood preservative companies were trying to expand applications of their products and captured the residential decking market with great success. Wood treated with chromated copper arsenate gained market share over the next 20 years at the expense of naturally treated wood.

In 2001, consumers became concerned about the risks associated with chromated copper arsenate treated lumber. In particular, the use of arsenate on structures contacted by children was brought discussed. Although scientific studies suggested there were no risks associated with chromated copper arsenate preserved wood, it was voluntarily removed from the residential market on December 31st, 2003. Today chromated copper arsenate is still used as a preservative for agricultural applications, wood foundations, treated plywood and other industrial uses.

Ammonium copper quaternary and copper azole were introduced as alternatives to chromated copper arsenate lumber. Protection provided was similar to previous generations of chromated copper arsenate, however ammonium copper quaternary and copper azole were more corrosive requiring the need for heavily coated fasteners. All three systems chromated copper arsenate, ammonium copper quaternary and copper azole contain copper to that protects the wood. Additionally, copper is what gives treated wood a greenish appearance.

Micronized copper systems were introduced to the treated wood market in 2008. Small microscopic pieces of copper are deposited into the wood cells during the treatment process. The result is lumber with similar durability as previous generations of preservative systems, however corrosion of fasteners is minimal. In the United States today, micronized copper preserved wood is used for a majority of the decks. In Canada, treated wood is still treated with ammonium copper quaternary and copper azole however a shift to micronized copper preservatives is expected to occur in the near future.

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8 Reasons Why You Should Choose Composite Decking for Your Backyard Deck

Everybody loves a deck. There is something very inviting about a back yard deck that just makes you want to kick back and relax. In Australasia, composite decking materials are starting to make inroads into the market, but the advantages of this type of decking may not be fully realised. Here, the advantages of composite decking are explained in detail.

1. Low Maintenance.

Little to no maintenance is the biggest advantage of Composite Decking (otherwise known as WPC). Unlike natural timber, composite decking does not rot, fade, discolour, twist, warp, attract termites or mould. Natural timber requires regular oiling or staining (at least once per year) at a significant cost in both time and materials. Composite decking eliminates these costs. Reclaim your weekends!

2. It is good for the environment.

Most WPC boards are made from recycled materials, up to 90% of the total composition. These materials are typically reclaimed hardwoods and recycled plastics, reducing the amount of plastic heading for landfill. Some suppliers also have FSC accreditation, which ensures the responsible use of timber in manufacture. It is worth noting that you should avoid decking which uses rice pulp instead of reclaimed hardwood, as this material may not be recycled and it prone to moisture absorption, leading to warping and premature decay.

3. It is supplied in standard sizes.

Composite Decking is supplied in standard widths and lengths, helping you ensure you are getting full value for money. It also means you will not have to sort through your timber delivery looking for the appropriate size and grade of board. This can greatly reduce the waste on your project. Longer lengths also means fewer joins, reducing the risk of expansion.

4. Installation can actually be cheaper.

As the Composite Decking boards are standardised and normally much larger then natural timber boards, installation cost may actually be reduced. This is because larger boards means larger areas can be decked more quickly, potentially saving labour costs. Decking supplied with below surface or 'hidden' fixings also require fewer screws than natural timber, which needs a minimum of 4 screws for each and every board, regardless of length.

Heavy duty WPC allows for larger spans on the sub-frame, again reducing the material and labour costs.

5. Can be used in marine areas

Thanks to its non-corrosive properties, Composite Decking is ideal for marinas, jetties, pontoons and around spas and swimming pools. It will not rot from exposure to water, nor will it attract mould. Most composites are also non-slip - highly practical in wet areas.

6. Simple to install

Composite Decking is typically installed on a sub frame in the same manner as natural timber and can therefore be used to replace rotted timber without replacing the frame as well. Below surface fixings make laying the deck boards very fast and easy, meaning you can DIY and save on paying a tradesman!

7. Uses hidden fixings for a sleek, safe look.

Below surface, or 'hidden' fixings give composite decking its sleek, clean appearance. These fixings not only look great, but are very easy to install and provide barefoot safety by keeping sharp screws and nails securely in place below the surface.

8. It looks great!

Early composite decking looked and felt more like plastic than wood, but new designs have come full circle - your friends may not be able to tell the difference! WPC is now available in a huge range of colours, profiles and finishes, from ultra modern to ultra realistic, the choice is yours.

Increase the value of your home and avoid the maintenance, by installing a quality composite deck this weekend.

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Factors to Consider in Choosing Patio Furniture

Improving your patio will not only be limited to fountains, plants and lighting fixtures. More importantly, this will encompass the furniture that you will have.

This is important because the furniture that you have will contribute to the appeal of the patio. Furthermore, how comfortable you will be at that part of the house can be due to the furniture that you have.

A furniture with good quality should always be what you will get. Furthermore, the quality should be worth what you have paid for. It might not be all of the time that you can have furniture with good quality if they are sold at very cheap prices. But, there is always a chance that you can find one.

You can look into the material that the furniture is made from. The material can easily tell you the possible quality the product will have. Of course, you will be looking for materials that have good quality even if they stand alone. What was used to construct and assemble the furniture items will also be part of the questions that you need to ask.

The quality can also be related to the durability of the product. As much as possible, only have those that can withstand the drastic changes in the weather. They should be able to endure the hot rays of the sun. They should remain in good condition even after becoming soaked in the rain for several hours.

The design or the style of the furniture can be based on what you have chosen as the general theme for your patio. You should stick to a certain theme in order to have spontaneity on this area of your property. Furthermore, it can be more relaxing and more appealing if each and every part complements one another.

The patio is still part of your house. And so, you just have to choose furniture that are similar to what you have inside your home. For added comfort, you can include foams to pad the seats that you have. When the rains come, you can just easily remove those.

Then, the size of the furniture has to be taken into consideration. There should be enough space left for you to be able to position your furniture. In addition, there should be enough space for people to walk through and around your patio comfortably. Do not introduce too many furniture items. A bench or a couple of chairs and a table might be enough to help you relax in your patio.

The cost of the furniture that you have to purchase will also be a big deal. And while you are looking for the most affordable or reasonably priced product, you have to take into account their quality and durability. Sometimes, there might be no need for you to buy a new one. There might be some old indoor furniture that you have kept somewhere. Instead of leaving them in the storage to rot, you can put them to good use, for even just a short time, on your patio.

Patio Blinds: A Great Enhancement For Your Patio   Patio Heaters: 4 Deciding Factors Revealed   Creating Your Dream Deck - How To Select Decking Material That Is Right for You   Creating an Amazing Decking Space   City of Ottawa Deck Permits   

Before You Build That Backyard Fire Pit

As a homeowner, you no doubt have looked for ways to make your home as comfortable as possible. You may have upgraded appliances and renovated parts of the house, and if you have been interested in outdoor relaxation you might have looked at ways to improve your backyard. Having a fire pit installed for multi-purpose use is one alternative to improving backyard functionality and entertainment opportunities, but before you head to the outdoor recreation shop you ought to give yourself pause and consider a few things.

Here are a few questions you should ask yourself before you make any calls or head to a masonry for the bricks and other construction materials:

1) What type of fire pit should be installed? Fire pits come in a variety of sizes and styles. A simple model may be a large copper or stone bowl for burning the wood that is portable so you can move it from your deck to your yard when the mood strikes. The chiminea, that outdoor fireplace with the bulbous bottom and chimney-shaped top, is also a popular style for outdoor recreation. Also, you have the option of having a stationary pit built - a brick or stone structure that can be used for outdoor fires or even grilling. Wood and gas might be used in these types of elaborate pits.

2) Should a professional install it, or should I do it myself? If you are interested in an advanced setup that requires installation of a propane tank or a gas line, you may want to contact a contractor that specializes in this sort of construction. If you plan to buy a portable fire pit, there isn't too much work to do, though you should make certain the pit is placed in a safe place.

3) Will it be used? A fire pit is nice to have in the backyard, but what good is it if you do not use it often? Before you commit to the expense, know that this is something that will be used any time of year, and used safely.

4) How much will it cost? Fire pits will range in price from fifty dollars to several hundred, depending on the setup. You definitely want to shop around for the style and price that best suits your budget.

When you know for certain a backyard fire pit is the perfect complement to your outdoor recreation, visit your local home recreation shop for ideas on creating an inviting and cozy environment for your family.

Patio Blinds: A Great Enhancement For Your Patio   Patio Heaters: 4 Deciding Factors Revealed   Creating Your Dream Deck - How To Select Decking Material That Is Right for You   Patio Heaters: Best Kept Buying Secrets Revealed!   

How to Protect Patio Furniture During Winter

The winter season may be ideal to go out and play in the snow. However, it may also be too cold for your family to stay outside your patio. As much as you like to enjoy your outdoor area, the weather can be uncomfortable. In order to protect your patio furniture from the harsh cold months, you need to bring the pieces of furniture indoors or give it the necessary protection it needs to prevent its deterioration. Not all pieces of outdoor furniture are resistant to different weather conditions. Some furniture can not withstand too much rain, ice or snow. By protecting all your pieces of furniture, you can prevent any future damage as well save money from buying a new set of outdoor furniture for your patio once winter is over.

Protecting patio furniture is easy. Furniture comes in various kinds of materials like wood, metal, plastic, wicker and fiberglass among others. Each kind demands a different type of protection. Wood furniture is easily damaged because or water and moisture while metal furniture becomes susceptible to rust. You need to bring every thing indoors to avoid getting it damaged. Make sure that you have ample space in your garage or basement for furniture storage. If you have large pieces of furniture that can not be brought inside, use the appropriate furniture covers. Before storage, you need to clean your furniture to prevent any staining. Use a mild soap and water in cleaning your furniture sets and gently scrub all the dirt and grime. For fabrics, pillows and cushions, brush off any dirt or wash its covers according to the manufacturer instructions. Take the necessary precaution when cleaning wood furniture to avoid scarring it. Make sure that all pieces of furniture are completely dry. Damp or wet spots can cause mildew and rust for metal furniture. If you do not want to bring indoors your furniture or they are too heavy or big to store, you can use protective covers during the winter. These protective covers can be bought in furniture shops. It provides sufficient protection to your outdoor furniture because these covers are made from water proof and durable materials enough to withstand extreme winter weather. Some covers come with zipper closures, Velcro and drawstrings among others. These covers are specifically designed to protect furniture under different weather conditions. It comes in varying sizes and shapes to fit all kinds of furniture from tables, loungers, benches and recliners to name a few. It is also easy to use because of its simple features that secure your furniture for the duration of winter. When buying protective covers, always choose those furniture covers made of durable materials, water resistant, breathable and sturdy.

Furniture protection is necessary especially if you want to preserve its quality. Some pieces of furniture are not made to withstand extreme weather conditions so it is better to give it the care and protection it needs. If you do not want to use your patio furniture during winter, keep it safe and dry by storing it indoors or covering them with protective furniture covers. Storage and the protective covers prolong the life of your furniture.

Patio Blinds: A Great Enhancement For Your Patio   Patio Heaters: 4 Deciding Factors Revealed   Creating Your Dream Deck - How To Select Decking Material That Is Right for You   Garden Furniture That Lasts for Years   Deck Coatings - How to Choose the Right Coating   

Go Green With Recycled Rugs

If you've made a decision to go completely green with the type of product you buy, you'll be happy to know that there are companies available that provide recycled rugs. Now, it's important to note that you may not want to choose just any type of recycled product on the market. It will be important for you to know exactly what type of product you'll receive, as well as the benefits that will be provided as a result of deciding to go green. With that being said, there are rugs available that have been completely created using 100% recycled polypropylene. If you aren't familiar with the name, this is the main ingredient used in creating plastic shopping bags.

Before rushing out to find these recycled rugs, it will be important for you to know a little bit more about these types of products, and how they can provide benefits for you in your everyday life. You will find that there are some companies that are completely focused on creating products that are sustainable. You will also find that there are just as many companies that aren't concerned with this effort, and as a result - they provide products that aren't actually healthy for the environment. So, it will be important to determine whether or not the product you purchase will be able to serve all causes.

Choosing Recycled Rugs over Traditional Rugs

You will find that there are a wide variety of rugs available that have been totally and completely recycled. Some companies will use older materials and simply recycle them to make new products. But there are other companies that are concerned with using products that are being thrown way to make new and improved products for the future. When it comes to rugs, you will quickly learn that many of the products being made will look, feel, and provide comfort unlike anything you've ever experienced. These products are 100% recycled, and provide a healthy alternative to other products that aren't green.

Where to Find Recycled Rugs

If you've been looking for a 100% green alternative, there are companies that you can find online that will provide these options for you. They have developed a process which uses polypropylene to make environmentally friendly, healthy, and sustainable recycled rugs.

If you are concerned with saving the environment, it starts with selecting a simple direction in which to travel. It will be important to understand that the process will need to take place over time, and it begins with a unique idea for a simple product. In this case, the product is recycled rugs, and in order to make this happen it takes people like you to choose a green alternative over something less environmentally friendly.

Patio Blinds: A Great Enhancement For Your Patio   Patio Heaters: 4 Deciding Factors Revealed   Creating Your Dream Deck - How To Select Decking Material That Is Right for You   Creating an Amazing Decking Space   City of Ottawa Deck Permits