• Utilize Firepits and Fireplaces – Firepits are a great way to introduce heat to the patio area, outdoor kitchen and, if it’s done properly, the deck as well. The firepit can become a centre of outdoor activity as the weather darkens and cools and provide unforgettable atmosphere on those cold, clear winter nights when there’s a new blanket of snow on the ground and the house is ablaze with holiday lights. Making sure your outdoor kitchen includes a covered area with a generous size fireplace is another way to keep the backyard open for business when the weather turns cold.

• Create a Winter Garden – A winter garden can keep your backyard landscape alive at a time when everyone else in the neighbourhood is giving up on theirs. Winter garden plants that will dazzle year round (along with the colours of their blossoms) include:

• Flowering Quince (red)
• Snowdrops (white)
• Winterberry (lipstick red)
• Witch Hazel (red and yellow)
• Camellia (red)
• Christmas Rose (white and green)

• Provide Cover – One of the simplest and best ways to extend your yard’s useful period into the cooler months is to provide cover for yourself and guests. Awnings, either fixed or retractable, will help trap any heat generated by a fire pit or activities related to an outdoor kitchen. Remember, heat rises. So creating a block for that rising heat in the form of an awning or even a covered pergola will go a long way toward making at least part of your backyard useful into colder months.

• Take Advantage of Foliage – Foliage happens. Why not have your Ottawa landscaping company take advantage of it? By the time the leaves have turned most folks have thrown in the towel on the yard until next spring. But you don’t have to. Extend the magic of fall foliage and keep your landscape alive by planting a variety of trees that display different colours and shed their leaves at different times. If you want to keep things green all year long plant a variety of pine, hemlock and fir trees, sprinkling in a few deciduous and flowering trees to create colourful accents during the spring and fall.

• Lighting – One relatively simple way to ensure your backyard landscaping doesn’t go into hibernation during the winter months is to install an outdoor LED lighting scheme. Outdoor lights can provide the much needed visual and thematic continuity that helps maintain interest in a yard even after the leaves have fallen and the first snows have moved in. One of the most difficult things for most people to deal with during the winter months is not the cold, but the dark. A well thought out backyard lighting scheme will not only provide the aesthetic benefits mentioned above it will also go a long way toward lifting the spirits of everyone in the house.

You own your property 12 months a year you should be able to use it 12 months a year. A landscape that includes a mix of deciduous and non-deciduous trees, lively winter gardens surrounding a heated pool, a semi-covered outdoor kitchen with fireplace and a hot tub, and all tied together with a tasteful, property-wide lighting scheme can attract as much attention in the fall, winter and spring as it does in the summertime, when the fish are jumping and the living is easy.

The post How to Utilize your Backyard All Year Round in Ottawa first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.

PVC Fencing: Unlike wood fences, PVC fences are long lasting, easy to clean and require no maintenance. For these reasons PVC fencing in Ottawa has become extremely popular as it is also weather resistant; a huge asset with Ottawa’s harsh winters. In fact, most companies will offer a lifetime warranty on PVC fencing because of its resilience. The installation process is quick and easy, and the appearance is very clean and aesthetically pleasing. PVC fences can be pricey but they are an investment in the long run, saving you the headache of fence maintenance and increasing the value of your home.

Iron Fencing: Similar to PVC fencing, iron fences are a great alternative to wood fences as they are strong, durable and provide security — especially around pools. Iron fences can be custom made and are very artistic and aesthetically pleasing. They are commonly coated in a UV protector that is important for fencing in Ottawa, as the extreme temperatures and sun exposure can wear away at wood fences. Iron fences are more durable that wood fences, require much less maintenance and are a cheaper alternative to PVC fencing. Though there are many misconceptions about iron fencing, most companies can install it for around the same price as wood fences. Iron fences are a trendy and unique way to modernize your backyard.

Many companies that do fencing in Ottawa have already begun installing these new, innovative designs this spring to ensure a summer filled with privacy and relaxation. If you are looking to increase the security, privacy and over all value of your home, then invest in new fencing in Ottawa and be assured this investment will save you headaches in the future.

The post Why PVC and Iron Fences are gaining popularity in Ottawa first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.

• Inspect

Before you begin it’s important to make sure that your fence is actually ready to stain. If you’ve recently had a northern white cedar fence installed, like the types of fences we install, you’ll need to let it “dry out” over a period of 5 weeks (or longer, if the weather has been wet or overcast). If you have an older fence that has been painted or stained before, or which has acquired mold, mildew, dirt, or other contaminants then you will first need to prepare your fence by pressure washing it. Don’t forget to refer to our post on the proper way to pressure wash your fence. If you have to pressure wash your fence then you’ll need to give it some time to dry before you proceed. The fence must not be wet when you begin the staining process.

• Weather

You will want to check the current weather and the upcoming weather before beginning your fence staining project. The temperature should be no colder than 10°C. You also want to choose a time where sunny, dry weather is expected for the next few days. Ideally you’ll have 2-3 dry days after your project to let the stain dry completely.

• Prepare

You will need a staining brush and a paint roller with a rough surface roller cover to proceed. The roller will get most of the stain on in broad strokes but the brush will allow you to reach the areas that the roller just can’t cover.

A staining brush is not the same as a paintbrush! A staining brush is larger and has a wider base of bristles. Most paintbrushes are not equipped to handle stain and will simply be ruined by the time you are done with them. If you want your project to look its best find the right tool for the task. It’s also a good idea to have some broad, plastic sheets to put down over plants and nearby sections of the house so that you don’t stain anything that you didn’t really mean to stain. You’ll also need some sandpaper, as you’ll want to make sure the wood is good and smooth before you begin. While a sprayer may look tempting it won’t save you as much time and work as you might think. Usually sprayers do not produce complete or consistent coverage which means that your fence won’t look as good as it could look or be as protected as it could be.

• Stain

Choosing the right stain isn’t just about choosing a color that you might enjoy. It’s also about the materials that the stain is made out of. We recommend oil-based stains over water-based stains. Oil-based stains last much longer: even when this stain grows “old” it doesn’t produce the same kind of cracking and chipping that water based stains can produce. Of course you will want to make sure to test your stain, either on a piece of scrap wood or a portion of the fence that nobody ever sees. Make sure you like the color and that the wood reacts well to the stain.

After the fence has been cleaned, dried, and sanded you can begin the actual staining. Use full, up and down brush strokes and work on one board at a time. If you have a very large fence you can work on different sections of the fence over time after letting the first section dry. If you have an old fence, and washing and staining it do not help you restore the fence to new or nearly new conditions, then it may be time to call us for a free estimate so that you can replace your fence.

The post Is it too late to stain my fence? first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.

1. Check the damage
2. Determine the size of the damage
3. Clean the fence
4. Replace or repair the fence
5. Paint or stain the fence

1. Check the damage

Use a pry bar to check the areas of your fence which are broken. In case there are nails fixed to the wooden posts of your fence, use a pair of pliers to remove them. You need to always wear a pair of work gloves when you are mending a fence which was broken in bad weather.

2. Determine the size of the damage

Measure the broken sections of the fence by using a tape measure. Buy a new supply of wood to replace the broken pieces from the fence. Try to purchase wood that matches the one from your fence as much as possible. Measure the wooden post of the fence and use a rip saw to cut the wood to fit the measurements of your damaged fence.

3. Clean the fence

Remove the surface layer of aged wood can bring a new life to your fence. With a power washer, clean your fence. A power washer that operates at 1,500 or 2,000 psi max. Use 15- and 25-degree spray tips. The power washer’s spray will slightly raise and roughen the grain on smooth wood. This allows more sealer to soak in and improves the finish. The wood’s color will brighten as the surface is stripped away. Watch closely and stop stripping when no more color change occurs. You don’t have to remove too much surface to expose fresh wood, and continuing to spray won’t improve the color.

4. Replace or repair the fence

With the fence clean, it’s time to fix or replace damaged boards, refasten loose boards and countersink any protruding nails. Remove the damaged wooden posts and replace them with the new posts by installing them properly in the gap where the broken posts were once located. Place a level on the new post of the fence to make sure that it is straight. Use a hammer and nails to fix the posts to the frame of the fence. Make sure to hammer down the nails in even spaces between one another so that the new post is firmly fixed to the fence’s frame.

5. Paint or stain the fence

Before applying the stain, be sure the fence is dry. Allow at least 24 hours. If it’s cool and humid, allow another 24 hours. Apply paint to the surface of your wooden fence. Make sure that you using exterior paint of a very good quality to paint the fence. Let the exterior paint dry thoroughly after you finish painting and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Painting the fence is optional but it is a very good idea because it conceals the storm damage repair. To preserve the natural color of the wood, use an exterior semitransparent oil stain. It seals the wood while allowing the grain and color variations to show through. And its pigments add an overall color tone. Make sure the stain contains ultraviolet inhibitors, which will slow down bleaching by sunlight, and a mildewcide to slow fungal growth. Look for samples on cedar at the paint store, or bring in your own piece of wood to test. A test sample is the best way to ensure a satisfactory result. Most semitransparent oil stains are guaranteed to last two to five years. (Solid-color stains last longer but are more difficult to renew.) Fences usually face severe weathering, so expect the finish to last no more than three years. Plan on recoating the fence within this time frame to keep your fence looking fresh. Before recoating, wash the fence with a garden hose sprayer and use a bristle brush on stubborn dirt deposits and stains. Let the fence dry and stain it using the same method.

The post How to repair water damaged fence first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.

Source: https://ottawa.weatherstats.ca/charts/relative_humidity-yearly.html

To make your iron fence last, remove moisture as much as possible. It is quite impossible in the snowy season, however, removing any excess moisture as soon as the snow is gone can protect your fence. When the snow is gone and spring is peeking through, you can remove any vines, weeds or grass that might be growing around or onto the fence. Cover the surrounding areas, like vegetation or masonry, with tarps. Unwanted plants and vegetation can bring additional moisture to your fence.

But what happens if your fence has already rusted? Remove any evidence of rust using a fine wire brush. Do not use heavy corded wire because this will ruin the integrity of the fence. Afterward, rinse the fence using nonionic detergent and water and allow it to dry. Apply a rust converter to the areas where there is already rust; phosphoric-acid-based or tannic-acid-based converters are most appropriate. Follow all manufacturer instructions explicitly and wear all the required personal protective equipment.

Apply a thin coat of primer. Primer must be oil-based and made for metal applications. Allow it to dry fully. Spray-on primers are easier to apply and will get into the crevices of ornamental designs more easily than brush-on applications. Apply a finish coat of an oil-based paint that is designed for metal. Use a similar paint color if you can get one locally. Otherwise, contact the manufacturer to see if any touch-up paint is available. Maintain your fence’s paint job by cleaning the fence with soap and water once every six months. Apply a thin layer of metal-grade wax to the outside of the fence, especially in areas that are exposed to sprinklers and vegetation, to protect the paint’s surface. Replace missing fasteners or other gate and fence hardware with pieces of similar size and appearance, which you can get from local hardware or home improvement stores. Grease the hinges of the gates annually, or if the gate squeaks. Squeaky hinges mean they’re already too dry, so apply a general-grade lubricant to remoisten them.

One of our iron work in 2015. Contact us to see more examples.

The post Make Your Iron Fence Last first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.

Why wood? – Cost, maintenance, and longevity?

It’s inexpensive and lightweight, to be sure, but so is chain link. The main reason is that a wood fence can easily be shaped to give properties character and individuality. You can choose from dozens of styles, including linear post-and-rail and crisscrossing lattice, as well as myriad picket patterns and post-cap designs. And you can stain the wood to make it pop out or recede from the landscape as either a vibrant or subtle frame for what’s behind it.

On the following slides, see some of the forms a wood fence can take, and learn the basics of buying, installing, and maintaining it. Take the time now to carefully consider your choice; if you follow our tips, you’ll be looking at that fence—and enjoying it—for many years to come.

It lasts about 20 years, if made of rot-resistant wood. Then posts are usually the first to go; panels survive longer because they typically don’t touch the ground. Posts should be plumbed and tamped every three years or so. If the wood has a coating, the schedule varies; clear toners and waterproofers need annual refreshing, semitransparent stains last three to four years, and solid-color stains go five to seven. Paint is not recommended.

Which Wood Type?

Which Style?

The post Wooden Fences – Frequently Asked Questions Answered first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.

Location

Choose an area with plenty of morning sunlight and some afternoon shade. Most vegetables, especially fruiting types, do best with six to eight hours of full sun exposure. Leafy and root vegetables will tolerate partial shade. Don’t plant gardens under or near trees or large shrubs—their roots will rob fertility and water from vegetables. Don’t plant vegetables in the narrow shaded space between houses and walls. A loose, fertile, level, well-drained soil is best. If possible, avoid heavy clays and very sandy soils. If caliche is present it must be dug out and removed. Avoid areas that are crusted with alkali salts or infested with Bermudagrass, nutgrass or Johnson grass. A synthetic soil, self prepared or purchased, can be used in raised beds or containters (pots, tubs, boxes) if good soil is not available. Where the space is limited, container gardening can be practiced. A convenient water supply for irrigating is necessary

Layout

Planning ahead will help avoid problems and make your garden a complement to your landscape. First, sketch a plan of the intended planting area for vegetables. Write down the size of the area or location of containers. This is the beginning of a gardening notebook or journal. Decide on the vegetable species wanted. Select those that your household likes, that are adapted to your climate and practical for the location. If space is a problem, plant those that utilize space efficiently like bush varieties or bush beans, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, leaf lettuce, onions, radishes, Swiss chard, tomatoes, and turnips. Mark on the plan where the vegetables will be planted, making sure to leave room for growing space between plants. Also, list the planting date for each vegetable. Arrange plantings according to harvest periods and growth characteristics. Plant vegetables adjacent to each other which will be harvested about the same time. Avoid having taller plants shade younger and smaller vegetables. Use vertical space by trellising climbing crops.

Varieties

Gardening success can be greatly influenced by the varieties you use. Select from recommended lists and from those know to do well locally. It is a good idea to try one or two new varieties each year. Plant them next to old favorites for comparison. Keep a notebook or journal from year to year to note what varieties perform best. For mini-gardens, try bush or dwarf varieties and the more colorful ones. Seed catalogues will be a big help in finding these.

Equipment and supplies

Before planting, find a reputable source for seed and other garden supplies. Seed catalogs can be a big help, but be sure the varieties are locally adapted. Buy new seed since some seeds over a year old will not germinate (sprout) well. Select plants that are healthy, stocky, mediumsized, with vigorous roots and that are pest free. Have all equipment and tools clean and in good condition before working the soil. A hoe, spade, garden rake, trowel, measuring stick and planting line are essential. Study pest control recommendations to determine what may be needed after positively identifying the pest.

Soil foundation

To maintain and improve soil conditions, mix organic matter and fertilizers into the soil before planting, and prepare and cultivate the soil when dry or slightly moist (never when wet). Organic matter makes the soil loose (friable) and easy to work. It improves nutrient and water-holding capacity, drainage and aeration. Well rotted manure, compost, and leaf mulch are commonly used organic materials.

In preparing the seedbed, do not work the soil when it is too wet. Wait for it to dry sufficiently so it crumbles in your hands. When growing vegetables in close quarters or where good soil is not available, an artificial soil can be used. During the growing season fertilizers may be needed. However, too much fertilizer too close to the plant may injure plant roots.

Planting your vegetables

Most vegetables are started from seed or transplants. Seed can be sown directly into the garden soil, while transplants are started elsewhere and later planted into the garden. Harvest can be obtained sooner with transplants; however, it is more expensive and certain plants do not transplant well.

Irrigate

Proper watering can be accomplished by observing the plant and soil. Do not allow the plant to become stressed, wilted or slow-growing. On the other hand, too much water, especially on heavy soils, will exclude air from the root zone, resulting in poor growth. When the soil becomes crumbly upon squeezing, it’s time to irrigate. Moisture is needed around the seed for sprouting. Frequent watering will be needed to keep the soil adequately moist and prevent crusting of the surface. As the plant grows, the watering period should be longer, allowing deeper penetration through the root zone. Plants need to be watered more often during hot periods than cool periods. If a watering method moistens the plant foliage, irrigate in the morning so plants have time to dry during the day. This will lessen disease problems. Night time watering encourages disease growth. Plants growing in containers should be watched more closely for water needs because the roots are more crowded and temperatures of root media are more extreme. Keep soil moist but do not over-water. Make holes on the side and/or the bottom of the container for drainage and air.

Weed Control

Weeds compete with vegetables for water, nutrients and light. Weeds often harbor insects and diseases. Two important ways to keep down the weeds in and around your garden are mulching and cultivation.

Pest Control

Problems of the garden can be minimized by being prepared for them. Learn about the insects and diseases that commonly occur in the area and learn control methods. Whenever possible select disease resistant varieties. Soil problems can be reduced if the steps mentioned earlier are followed; however, crop injury from salt can appear if proper management has not been followed.

Harvest

Most vegetables are at peak quality for only a short period of time and should be harvested. Learn to tell the proper time to harvest each crop. Immature vegetables will not improve after harvest and overmature vegetables will be tough and lack the desired taste and texture.

The post Perfect Vegetable Garden in 10 Steps first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.

unskinnyboppy created this amazing raised garden bed.

2. Light up railing!

From Pinterest, we found this creative idea to brighten up a summer night. This definitely will create a buzz with your party guests.

3. Outdoor Oasis

Stylemepretty created this outdoor oasis with their backyard deck. Get inspired! A simple rug and couch can make wonders!

4. Stay cool!

The garden glove shared this awesome trick for any summer night out, we just have to share it with you! Now you never have to miss a moment of the summer breeze!

5. Scared of the stairs?

If you have an elevated deck and the darkness is preventing you to take full advantage of your amazing backyard? Add some accessory lights to your stairs!

Pinterest Haven

The post 5 Ways to Elevate your Backyard Deck Game first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.

1. Get organized with an additional shed

I bet last summer you had already planned for this to happen, however, with all the events going on, the backyard was never free. Guess what? March break is the perfect time to start thinking and building that shed!

2. Revamp the deck

After a long winter, your deck might look a little dull. But once all the snow melt, it’s a perfect opportunity to take a look over your deck and perform any repairs or replacement of rotten wood planks. Be sure to give it a thorough cleaning, and apply a protective finish if there are any signs of moisture damage. However, sometimes the deck might not be “revamp-able”. Try getting a new one. Our custom decks can bring a gorgeous look and lot of functionality to your backyard. You can expect a knowledgeable consultant to meet with you and discuss your options. Whether you have an idea in mind or plan to rely on us for suggestions, we’ll provide the expertise, insight, and finishing to make your vision become a reality. Call us today at 613-413-7572 or email us for a FREE quote!

3. Defence that fence

Your fence is also exposed the elements constantly, with wind and rain whipping against it. So while you’re assessing and protecting your deck, do the same with your fence. Repair any broken sections or areas that are unstable. If your fence is in a state of ill-repair, you may consider investing in a new fence. We specialize in residential wood, vinyl and ornamental aluminum fencing. We offer a variety of different products so we can customize your fence to your exact specifications. Call us today at 613-413-7572 or email us for a FREE quote!

4. Prepare for spring cleaning

The winter in Ottawa is slowing ending. That doesn’t mean it didn’t do its damage. Buried under the snow might be some plants or flowers that you forgot to protect last fall. Start clearing and prepping for the new growth.

5. Plan your garden/BBQ oasis.

Once your backyard had shed the old winter skin, start painting your masterpiece!

Don’t leave your backyard projects until the last minute! Bite the bullet, make a list and set a date to tackle them so that you can relax and enjoy. Capital Deck and Fence offers:

• Free consultations – There are many pieces towards building your perfect deck including budget, type of material, layout etc. Our consultants can offer professional suggestions and work with you to design a deck that meets your needs and provide stunning look to your yard.
• Quality Product – Once you’ve landed on a design idea it’s important to know that you’ll be getting material that is going to look great in the long run. Capital Deck and Fence uses select vendors who all have a reputation of delivering the highest quality lumber and fasteners.
• Professional Installers – Our installers are not only trained to install your deck properly, but are trained in customer service as well. They are always happy to answer any questions you have and explain any construction detail that you may be curious about so that you’ll have the peace of mind that you won’t have any headaches down the road. Our contractors respect your property and they make sure that everything is neat and clean when the project is completed.
• Product variety – Some companies may specialize in one particular type of deck. Capital Deck and Fence specializes in knowing what type of deck is right for you based on your preference, budget, and engineering. Whether its cedar, redwood, pressure treated pine, composite, or other, each product has its pros and cons. We’ll share our knowledge in each product so that you can decide which fits your needs the most.

The post 5 backyard projects to plan this March Break in Ottawa first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.

Define your lawn

The least you can do is mow and edge your lawn. Edging your lawn makes a garden (or yard) look restrained and tamed, which gives it the appearance of lower maintenance – a popular selling point. Creating an edge is easy and can be as simple as using a sharp spade to cut a neat separation between your lawn and garden bed, path or fence. Alternatively, you can use a physical barrier such as timber, steel, brick or stone. Weeding and mulching your plant beds will help your garden appear low-maintenance and well kept. Avoid mulches that are too “out there”, such as dyed woodchip as these can put off home buyers.

Plant your worries away

Address your property’s shortfalls such as overlooking neighbours or busy roads by planting-out your gardens. While the plants may not initially create a full visual barrier, or any real sound improvement, the perceived improvement from a buyer’s point of view will be worth it. Talk to your local garden centre about your garden’s particular environment (shade, light, soil and proximity to the coast). And remember, if you are selling, your nursery can order in mature hedging for an immediate result. Minimising the number of plant species in your garden will make your garden appear easier to maintain and give it a more uniform look. However, don’t be too dogmatic about restricting your choices. In general, Carroll encourages some plant diversity as it encourages biodiversity, is good for the local ecology, reduces pest impact, extends flowering times and generally looks more interesting!

Paint your backyard alive

If your porch, front doorway or even the interior of your home is looking a little worse for wear, adding a new, fresh coat of paint can work wonders for revitalizing it, cleaning it up, and making your home appear newer and well maintained. So spend the money on a few cans of paint if any of these areas look weathered and worn. And if you have any rooms with bold colours, opt for some neutral tones instead.

New Fence/Deck

When the fence around your home is rotten and weathered, make the effort to install a new one. Since it’s also located in plain sight, it can have a drastic impact on those first and last impressions. These days, there are a variety of fence options you can choose from. Whether it’s a wood fence, PVC fence (vinyl fence) or ornamental iron fence – a newly installed fence will wow potential buyers and improve your resale value as well.

The post Selling your house? Improve your backyard. first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.