1. Place a plastic tarp over plants that are near the wooden fence. Put on a long-sleeve shirt, long pants, goggles and work gloves.
2. Clean the wooden fence with water from a power-washer. Use a power-washer that supplies 1,500 or 2,000 pounds per square inch (psi) of water pressure and features 15- and 25-degree spray tips. Standing 18 inches from the fence, slowly wash the fence with the power-washer, using long, back and forth motions. Continue the task until the entire surface on both sides of the fence is clean. Allow the fence to dry completely.
3. Examine the fence for damaged areas and missing boards. Mend or replace broken boards, and replace missing boards. Repairing broken or cracked wood with waterproof wood glue is recommended on The Family Handyman website.

4. Test an oil stain on an inconspicuous area of the fence to determine the product’s finished color. Revise the oil stain you will use if necessary. Apply a thin layer of the oil stain to all portions of the fence’s wood by using a medium-nap paint roller on the large sections and a paintbrush on edging and smaller slats. Use quick, fluid strokes in the direction of the wood’s grain.
5. Allow the first coat of oil stain to dry at least 24 hours, and then apply a second coat of oil stain. Apply a third coat of the oil stain, if desired, after the second coat dries at least 24 hours.

Tips. If the weather is damp or humid, allow a newly power-washed fence to dry for 48 hours before applying oil stain to its wood. Some home-improvement stores rent power-washers.

The post How to protect wooden fence from the elements first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.

• 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.

Give it a Cleaning

From the active summer months of barbeques, backyard parties, dirt, and burrowed debris, it’s always a good idea to get out a power hose along with a wood-safe cleaner and give the surface a good cleaning. If you need a little extra power, use a good scrubbing brush to get into those crevices.

Replace any Rotten Wood

As you go along cleaning the deck or fence, pay particular attention for signs of extreme rotting. If you notice a few sections that are rotting, you can hire a fence repair company to replace those slats with new wood. Ignoring these and simply covering them up with a protective finish will only allow the problem to fester. However if the support beams are rotten, it becomes a serious safety issue and it may be time for a new fence. You can purchase a new wood fence, or opt for a PVC fence, ornamental iron fence, or chain link fence instead.

Strip the Paint

Between dragging deck chairs around, the high foot traffic, and your furry loved ones running around, painted decks can start to wear down. If your painted/stained deck looks like it’s had a lot of wear and tear, you might want to consider stripping the paint off before applying a protective coat. This may take more time and effort, but it will not only help to keep the wood protected, but also make it look great for the next year.

Apply the Protective Coat

Once your deck or fence has been thoroughly cleaned, you can apply a water-repellent protective finish. You can select from a variety of colours and stains that suit your taste. Just ensure that you follow the instructions carefully and apply as many coats as required to get a strong seal from those winter elements.

Your wooden deck and fence are essential and costly features of your backyard. And after the wear and tear from the summer months, it’s important to do what you can to maintain them so that you can get the most out of them. Increasing the longevity means performing a few simple up-keeping tasks at the end of each summer. So be sure to refinish and protect your exterior wood surfaces so that they’re in great shape for the next year.

The post Prepare your wooden fence for winter 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.

Vinyl or PVC fences are rising in popularity. Is it for you? We list off some pros and cons of PVC / Vinyl fences for you. Before diving into the pros and cons of PVC/Vinyl fencing, we highly suggest you read our  What is PVC fencing? post.

Pros of PVC Fences

• Modern, sleek, and beautiful. Vinyl fencing is a beautiful choice to fit in any time of house. It has a blend of modern features but also the feel of classic characteristics.
• The many designs and colors options PVC / Vinyl fences can create endless choices. PVC fencing can match any home and any style. 
• Easy matching of PVC gates with your vinyl fencing. We know security is a big plus, PVC gates are just as flexible in options as PVC fencing.
• Vinyl fencing has a longer lifetime than many wood fences which can fade, crack, and rot. This means you will be worry free for a long time.
• Vinyl fencing is easy to clean and requires almost no maintenance. Check out our How to Maintain PVC fencing: 4 Easy Steps post for amazing some amazing tips and tricks.
• Many manufacturers have lifetime replacement for their vinyl fencing in the case of cracking, fading, or other types of natural damage. Check out our warranties.

Cons of PVC Fences

• The cost of vinyl fencing is much higher than the materials used to create a fence out of wood, rock, wire, or cement. Contact us today to see how much each fence material costs.
• Vinyl fences do not have a long lifetime in very sunny climates because too much exposure to sunlight can cause them to crack and crumble. In Ottawa, winter dominates, therefore this would not be as much as a problem. For Winter maintenance, check out our post on Winter Fence Maintenance – Wood, PVC, Iron and Chain link.
• If a vinyl fence becomes damaged, it can be tricky to repair, depending on the fence style and manufacturing company. 
• Vinyl fences are not good for temporary use, due to the posts and concrete. They cannot be moved after they are installed.

For more information, we explained the 5 Benefits of a PVC Fence in Ottawa. We know that you might want to explore some other fence material therefore we have a post on How to choose the right fence material | Wood vs Iron vs PVC vs Chain-link.

Still have questions, contact us today.

The post The Pros and Cons of PVC / Vinyl Fence first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.

However, wood has always given off a special warmth, which is missing from these other materials. When it comes down to selecting materials for fences, wood fences will forever remain a classic trim for your home.

Longevity

The first myth we’re going to dispel is the idea that wood rots easily and that it doesn’t offer longevity. On the contrary, wood fences can last more than 50 years, provided that the wood has been pressure-treated. However, the best way to preserve and maintain your fence is to apply paint or stain from the beginning, and again when needed.

Sustainability

One great thing about wood is it’s a sustainable material. Materials like iron or concrete require a lot of manufacturing, creating a large carbon footprint. Wood simply needs to grow, and new trees require approximately ten years of growth until they’re ready to be cut and milled into lumber. That means that by the time wood fences need replacing, after more or less ten years, depending on the climate, more than enough wood will have grown to replace it.

History Says it’s Our Favourite Material

As a country bordering the ‘land of freedom’, we Canadians are familiar with the American dream. And consequently, we can easily picture the ‘white picket fences’ associated with this dream. For more than 400 years, the favorite residential material for fences has been wood, and that’s because of several reasons – it’s widely available, beautiful, and of course, it’s associated with success.

Design Flexibility

There are many designs which can be made from wood fences because of wood’s flexible nature. You can carve and cut wood into any desired shape, and sometimes you might be surprised at what the material can do. In the past, wood has even been shaped into magnificent Gothic vaults.

There are certainly a wide variety of fence patterns to choose from, and wood allows you to use your creativity. Some like lattice patterns for plants to climb over it, while others like the simple post and rail. If you’re installing fences, and you don’t have a specific pattern in mind, it’s recommended that you speak with your fence company about the design options available.

Affordability

When making fences, let’s not forget about the cost. While offering a timeless look, wood is more affordable than other materials. It’s also relatively inexpensive to stain the wood into different colours. The verdict: wood fences are great for your wallet without sacrificing quality and style.

The post Why Wooden Fence Will Never Go Out of Style first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.

Here’s a list of the pros and cons of some of the most common materials for building fences:

Wood. As the go-to material for thousands of years, wood is still one of the most common and versatile products for building sturdy fences. Even though it’s one of the most affordable options, wood fences are quite durable and will stand the test of time – with the proper maintenance. If there was a drawback to this material, it would be that a wood fence requires some regular maintenance as compared to fences made of other materials. However, with proper waterproofing (as with a paint or stain that fits your design) a wood fence can be the happy medium between functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Iron. Wrought iron fences call to mind pictures of stately Victorian homes with expensive landscaping, and for good reason. Real wrought iron is one of the most expensive materials to build a fence out of, but it is also the most durable and lasting. Even though wrought iron can rust when it’s scratched (nothing a bit of regular maintenance won’t fix,) it remains the most sturdy of all the fencing materials.

Today, most “wrought iron” fences are made out of steel, which is more affordable than iron, but only slightly. Still, you can get all of the aesthetic appeal without the hassle of regular maintenance.

PVC.  Also known as vinyl, PVC is a man-made, plastic-like material that is often used to build durable, low-maintenance fences. PVC is only slightly more expensive to install than a wood fence, but colors can be limited to pre-determined neutral shades like tan or white. Also, while a PVC fence may require little day-to-day maintenance, they can fade over time and may need replacing every decade or so.

Chain link. Chain links fences are great for putting up a fence quickly, affordably and when design isn’t your top priority. Both durable and inexpensive, a fence made of chain link will do a great job defining a boundary, but lacks merit for privacy.

The post How to choose the right fence material | Wood vs Iron vs PVC vs Chain-link 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.

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.