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.

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.

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.

Garden fences often serve to protect areas from animal trampling and herbivory (eating plants). Knowing your enemy is critical to building an effective barrier. Even so, if your garden is the only green feed for miles, then that animals will often find a way into the sturdiest of fences. Deer can be difficult to exclude with conventional fences and there are several designs. If electricity is not used, a deer fence should be at least eight, and preferably ten feet tall. Cottontail rabbits can be excluded with a two-foot tall poultry wire fence that is stretched tight to the ground and preferably buried at least two inches. Jackrabbit exclusion requires a three-foot tall fence buried at least six inches below ground. Javelina can be excluded using a sturdier version of a jackrabbit fence. Cattle require a standard ranch-type fence that will withstand rubbing and pushing. Elk are the toughest to exclude. Twelve-foot wire fences are often used, but aggressive bull elk can tear down almost any wire fence.

Wood fences are usually more attractive than wire fences, but require some maintenance (i.e. paint, repair, etc). Concrete block, brick, or stone are the most permanent types of fence but also the most expensive in terms of time and materials. Masonry fences are also the most efficient at reducing noise. Both wood and masonry fences can create privacy, but they also exclude light to allow plant growth. In addition, masonry fences retain and reradiate heat. This quality can be an advantage or disadvantage depending on your needs. In some situations, wood and masonry fences will also trap cold air, which flows downslope on cold nights and can cause frost injury to fruit crops and frost tender ornamentals.

Wire fences offer many functional amenities and can be ornamented to make them more attractive and/or less noticeable. Cyclone or chain link fences are very common. This is because they last a long time, require little maintenance, and are very functional. Gates are welded and all parts are weather resistant. Different colored vinyl coatings are also available to help the fence blend in to its surroundings. Woven wire is also a durable fencing material. Woven wire is available in a variety of heights, patterns, and hole sizes to meet your functional and aesthetic needs. Welded wire is similar to woven wire, but is usually less durable. Both woven and welded wires are best suited to level ground because they are not flexible. Chain link is slightly more flexible for use on uneven terrain. Wire fences also allow air, water, and light to pass through.

Wrought iron or welded metal fences are sturdy, but usually require some knowledge, equipment, or outside assistance. They have many advantages and can be very decorative. They are often combined with masonry pilasters. On a recent visit to New Orleans, I saw some beautiful examples of wrought iron fences many of which were over 100 years old and still functional.

Live vegetation is mostly decorative, can create privacy, and function as a windscreen. Many times, a combination of fencing materials can be used to meet both aesthetic and functional needs. For instance, a wood or masonry fence could be used in highly visible areas where appearance is more critical and wire fence could be used on less visible areas where function is the primary concern. Likewise, a wooden, wire, or wrought iron fence could use poultry wire at the base to exclude rabbits.

Size and location of gates should also be considered. Once a fence is built, you will need to walk around it if you don’t have gates conveniently located. Gate width may restrict accessibility to vehicles or equipment. Think about these needs before you build the fence. Repost from Jeff Schalau.

The post How to build a fence first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.

A Wall of Green
Shrubs, plants, and trees can be your best friends when it comes to shielding your view from those sunbathing neighbours. There are a variety of shrubs and miniature trees that will grow and can easily be maintained for creating a perfect barrier of green space. It’s a great way to recapture some privacy without feeling offensive by installing a towering fence, especially if you prefer a more natural look to your garden. Evergreens are a common choice for this reason.

Potted Plants
There’s such an array of potted plants that can grow nice and tall to get that perfect touch of privacy. For example, ferns or even bamboo are great for placing in pots along your deck or seating areas. They’re convenient because they can be easily moved into those key spots that have a view that’s a bit too clear for your liking.

Wooden Pergolas and Vines
For outdoor spaces such as a dining area, lounging area or deck, you can construct a simple pergola with wooden panels that act as a natural enclosure. Plant a few vines along them and you’ll have the perfect amount of privacy and shade, all in one.

Fountain and Ornamental Walls
If you’re looking for a way to not only block the view but also drown out the sound, consider installing a fountain piece, coupled by an ornamental wall behind it. They look great and they compliment each other as a feature piece, while drowning out the sights and sounds next door.

Decorative Curtains
One very simple way to get instant privacy it is by hanging a few decorative curtains along your deck or enclosure. You can drape them along in sections, bundle them up, and close them fully when needed.

Privacy Fence
You didn’t think we’d forget to mention adding a new fence, did you? As Ottawa’s premier fencing company, we have a wide range of privacy fences in a number of different materials, finishes, and colours to suit your exact needs and style preferences. Wood fences and PVC fences are particularly effective as privacy fences, but ornamental iron fences in combination with these other elements such as shrubs and plants can also create a sense of seclusion.

The post How to get Backyard Privacy? first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.

In the past we have listed some helpful tips and tricks:

• The Ultimate Backyard Fencing Guide
• How to plan for a fence installation – THE CORRECT WAY
• How to Prepare Your Yard for Fence Installation

However we never went over what could go wrong! Today we shall change that fact! Below we list 6 common but costly fencing mistakes!

1. Wrong Kind of Fence for your Home

This is the big one. Choosing the wrong kind of fence is one of the worst fencing mistakes you can make. If your garden fence doesn’t keep large pests out. It is useless. If your dog can escape his fence. It is useless. There are a lot of choices so how do you choose the right one? We dedicated a complete post on this issue: Choose the Right Fence for Your Home. You also might find How to Choose the CORRECT Paint or Stain for your Fence helpful!

2. Unsecured Anchor/Corner Posts

Corner posts are very important to the integrity of a fence. They bear a lot of the pressure, especially when constructing the fence. If you don’t secure them to the ground and support them with braces or other anchors you will slowly see you fence start to cave in. Or your posts might even snap under pressure. And no one wants that. Make sure your corner posts and your gate posts are deeply secured in the ground and properly braced.

3. Underground Utilities

The other day the city was putting up new guard rails on our road. Sometime that morning our internet went out. Then later that day we went out to do some errands and came to the work crew digging every single guard rail post by hand. And lots of new flags dotting the area showing where cable lines were running under the ground. Those guys looked thrilled to be using a manual post hole digger instead of their fancy post drilling machine. So make some calls before you plan your fence. Make sure you won’t be cutting off your neighborhood’s utilities. Make sure you know where your own septic system is. Because that is one fencing mistake you just don’t want to deal with.

4. Wrong Location

So let’s say you’ve spent all your free time fencing in whatever it is you are fencing. You’ve dug in posts. You’ve stretched wire. You’ve cemented in your gate posts and hung the gates. You are super proud of all your hard work. Then you start using the area that is now fenced in and you realized just how inconvenient your gates are. Maybe they are smack dab in the exact area where water and mud gather after storms. Maybe you want to walk you tiller from your shed to the newly fenced in garden and you have to go WAY around to get there. Maybe you didn’t quite plan all scenarios and you now you can’t fit a tractor in through the gate to deliver hay or bush hog or whatever. Before you start any fencing project make sure you have thought out exactly where you need your gates, what they will be used for, and if everything will work as they are supposed to. Because once those gate posts are secured and the fencing stretched…you really don’t want to move your gate. It’s not impossible to do, but it’ll cost you a lot of time and money and cause a headache or two.

5. Incorrectly Spaced Posts

Now let’s say you are crunching numbers for your new fence, and you figure you will save a few bucks by spacing the posts just a little farther then they ought to be spaced. This might work okay for a non-working fence. But let me tell you, if you’ve got an animal inside that pasture, they will be sure to find those weak points in the fence. You don’t want to spend your free time fixing a fence you just put up because the goat knocked it down again. And you don’t want to spend the money to insert new posts to help strengthen the wire. So if your fence needs posts every 8 feet, then put them every 8 feet.

6. Property Lines?

Didi you know that in some places, if a fence is placed on a property line incorrectly and no one contests it, after awhile (years)  that fence becomes the new property line? So if you don’t pay attention you could mistakenly give part of your land away to your neighbor. On the flip side, do you want to take your fence down and move it over a few feet when you neighbor complains that you just fenced in part of his yard? Or even worse, you could get a fine for accidentally fencing in public or government owned property. If you are at all unsure as to where your property line is, then call a surveyor. It’ll cost less in the long run.

So there you have it, 6 Fencing Mistakes That Cost You Time and Money. Whether you are planning a fencing project in the future or mid-job, hopefully you can skip making these mistakes and have a strong, well-made fence that will last a life time!

The post Common Costly Fencing Mistakes first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.

The post The Ultimate Backyard Fencing Guide first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.

There are many options when choosing your home’s fence, including wood, PVC, chain link and ornamental iron. Each kind of fencing has a unique set of benefits, which can be used to help determine what type of fencing is best for you.

Wood Fences
Wood fences can come in several forms; however, one of the most common is a closed slatted model. This type of fencing offers maximum privacy, while emitting a natural elegance. The only downfall with wood fences is that they may require staining and they require some regular maintenance.

Chain Link Fences
Chain link fences are great if you need a quick and easy set-up. They’re usually less expensive than their stylish counterparts and are virtually maintenance-free. One thing to keep in mind, however, is on their own they do not provide much privacy.

Iron Fences
Ornamental fencing is one of the more stylish and modern choices. In addition – iron fences also require little maintenance and upkeep, making iron fencing both chic and simple. Again, if privacy is your main desire, iron fences may not meet your needs.

PVC Fences
PVC or vinyl fences are the best of both worlds, offering both privacy and style. The only thing to keep in mind with PVC fences is that the initial cost and any repair costs can be higher than some of its counterparts.

Some other things to consider:
– Does your community have any requirements concerning fencing types, sizes and/or placement?
– Are there any city bylaws that will affect the placement of your fence?
– What is your budget for this project? Having a professional provide an estimate can help you determine which types are within this frame.

A new fence can be a great addition to your home, providing appeal, style, privacy and more! By using the information above, you should be able to determine whether wood, PVC, chain link or ornamental fencing best suits your home!

For a more in depth look into each fencing material, check out our guide, Pros and Cons of Vinyl/PVC Fences, Wood Fences, Iron Fences and Chain Link Fences.

The post Choose the Right Fence for Your Home first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.

One of the biggest and most common mistakes homeowners make when preparing to get any new major addition to or renovation of their property is, well, a failure to prepare at all. After all, you’re not the one actually installing these items, so surely it’s best for you to just leave things as they are and get out of the way? Wrong. The fact of the matter is that preparing your property is an absolutely essential part of most home improvement projects. Let’s explore a few tips to keep in mind when preparing your property for fence installation.

Utilities

For starters, you’re going to want to take into account all the different utilities which may be impacted by the installation of this new fence. Are there any gas or electric pipes or fixtures in the area in which your new fence will be installed which may in turn be adversely affected by the work being done? Coordinate with your fence contractor to ensure everything is being done safety and effectively. Your best option is to address these issues before installation begins to avoid any delays. This may mean anything from turning things off – especially in the case of water – to informing the workers upon their arrival so they can proceed with the appropriate degree of caution.

Talk To Your Neighbours

You’re also going to want to inform your neighbors as to the work if it’s going to impact their lives or – especially – their yards. If, for example, the workers are going to be erecting a fence on the boundary between your property and theirs, you’re going to want to let them know so they’re not totally shocked when a group of workers are straddling the property line, with all the debris and noise which that might entail. This is simply a good idea from an etiquette standpoint, and definitely worth remembering.

String a Line

If you feel that your property might, for whatever reason, make it hard for workers to install the fence in a straight line, you’re going to want to use string to lay out an outline of shorts to aid the workers. And, of course, you’ll want to turn off your sprinkler system so as to avoid the workers accidentally setting them off, or else having them go off on a timer while work is being conducted.

Ask your fence contractor if there are any specific concerns they have about your property. You may be able to lend a helping hand, or sit back sipping lemonade while they get started on the hard work.

These are just a few things you should consider before fence installation begins. Whether you are installing a brand new PVC fence, wood fence, or iron fence, it will be just a matter of time before your property is looking better than ever. Get in touch if you have any questions before work begins!

The post How to Prepare Your Yard for Fence Installation first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.