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.

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.

Colour Theory

Painting, repainting or staining your fence with a complimentary colour that elevates your overall exterior design is going to contribute to the overall aesthetic of your home, and likely increase the value if done well, so be sure to choose wisely!

The easiest way to find a winning paint or stain colour for your fence is to find a colour that complements the colour palette of your home, and the surrounding neighbourhood. You don’t want to be the neighbour with the bright blue fence in a sea of beige that you can see from two blocks over.

Get a “Green Light”

If you have a homeowners’ association or a neighbourhood beautification committee, etc., you are going to be required to get the “green light” from them before moving forward with painting or staining any of your fences, gates, or pretty much anything else on the exterior of your home.

Many neighbourhoods require homeowners to stick to a neutral colour scheme. This may include variations of beige, brown, black, and perhaps even subdued natural colours like a deep green, burgundy, or blue, but it is best to clarify before moving forward with a big project. If you neglect to obtain the required approvals, you could be forced to refinish your fence and other parts of the home’s exterior in a new colour – a frustrating, costly and time-consuming mistake.

Consult Your Neighbours!

Even if you only intend to paint or stain the area of fence that is on your property, you still need to make sure that you talk to your neighbours before you tackle this kind of project.

A quick heads-up will let them know what you’re up to, and may also give them the motivation to tackle this project at the same time. This provides the opportunity to colour-match, and even share the cost on materials – not to mention the opportunity to get to know your neighbours a little better!

The post How to Choose the CORRECT Paint or Stain for your Fence first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.

Outdoor projects are relatively simple and straightforward, and most of them can be tackled all on your own. Sure, adding a new fence or a new deck will almost always require you to hire the right professionals to make sure that you get the results you are after – but those are wise investments that always pay big dividends.

Add smart landscaping to the mix

There’s just something about having the greenest grass in the neighbourhood that gives you the pride of homeownership that a lot of people are after these days.

If you want your grass to be as lush and green as possible, you’ll want to make sure that you are feeding your grass on a regular basis, that it’s getting the right amount of water, and that you are supporting your grass with the highest quality landscaping efforts.

Add flowers, vegetable gardens, shrubs, and other landscaping elements to create that really special outdoor space you deserve. The warm season is relatively short in Ottawa, so you want to make the best of it before the cold days return.

Upgrade you fence for style and privacy

Of course, if you really want to go the whole nine yards with your outdoor space you’ll want to think about upgrading your fence and making sure that it adds a considerable amount of style to your outdoor spaces but that it also adds an extra element of safety and privacy.

There are all kinds of different fence options available to pick and choose from today. You’ll be able to find different fence materials, different looks, and different price points across the board – giving you the opportunity to create a fence that is perfectly suited to your needs and your budget. The right fence selection will enhance the look of your yard and add an extra touch to your landscape design efforts.

It’s tough to beat the impact of a new deck

At the end of the day, it’s tough to imagine any outdoor project impacting the look and feel (not to mention usability) of your outdoor space more than a brand-new deck.

If you want to entertain, if you want to transform your space, and if you want to add a lot of extra value to your property, nothing can beat a brand new custom PVC or composite deck.

Capital Deck and Fence is a locally operated Ottawa business that specializes in designing, building and delivering custom decks and fences. Contact us today at 613-413-7572 or directly on our website.

The post 3 Steps to Transform your Yard first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.

By finding a few hours to paint their fence, Ottawa homeowners like you can enjoy feeling a sense of relief and joy at finally getting the job done―all while enhancing your property’s curb appeal, whether your wood fence surrounds your downtown home or your country residence.

Whether you’re painting or staining your fence, the first step is to make sure it has been cleaned of any mildew or dirt which could have a negative effect on the painting process. Fortunately, gone are the days when cleaning a fence in Ottawa was limited to a bucket of soapy water and a sponge. Today’s homeowners can easily rent a spray washer, which will quickly and effectively pressure clean your fence in no time. Ottawa’s fence experts also advise to move the pressure wand in the direction of the wood grain of your fence as opposed to across the grain: this reduces the risk of visible marks forming in the wood itself.

Now that your fence is free from mildew and dirt, let the painting begin!

When it comes to applying a coat of colour or protective stain on your fence, Ottawa homeowners have the choice of using a spray paint gun, or opting for a traditional brush and using good old-fashioned elbow grease. Painters who have the benefit many years of experience under their belt will most often use a spray paint gun, and then immediately go over the painted area with a dry brush to remove excess paint and fill in any bare spots.

Finally, the best advice to follow when painting your fence is to work in the perfect weather conditions. A hot, humid day could cause paint to peel, while rain is obviously a big thing to avoid. Why not also ask your friends for a little extra help and fun too?

If you feel it’s time to finally paint or stain your fence this summer, you can always count on the expertise of wood fence experts. They have the experience, knowledge, and skill to offer you the help and advice that gets the job done.

The post When to Paint your Wooden Fence? This summer! first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.

HOW DO SLIVERS FORM AND HOW DO I GET RID OF THEM? Wood is a natural material and reacts to weather changes. Horizontal surfaces, such as decks and the top of handrails, are subject to significant traffic and will sliver more readily than vertical surfaces. Wood slivers form when the wood surface is subject to repeated wet/dry cycles which cause the wood fibres to bend and twist. The fibres want to return to their natural shape and in trying to do so, may rise above the original surface. Over time, this movement will form a sliver. While the forming of slivers cannot be stopped, you can minimize slivers by applying a protective coating such as paint, stain or a water repellent that minimizes water penetration into the wood and protects the wood from the sun. If the wood has been exposed to the weather for more than two weeks, sand it with medium grit, garnet sandpaper (80-100 grit sand paper) before applying a protective coating to remove weathered fibres. This will allow for better coating adhesion.

HOW DO I MAINTAIN MY STAINED DECK? Exposure to the elements and foot traffic cause deck surfaces to fade. Horizontal areas such as deck surfaces and handrails wear much faster than vertical deck elements such as spindles. Regular maintenance will help maintain the appearance of your deck and also preserve the wood. A wood stain is used to protect and colour exterior wood surfaces. There are two types of stains: film forming (solid stains) and penetrating stains (transparent and semi-transparent). Stain colour varies because of characteristics in the wood and how the wood is treated prior to staining. Wood characteristics such as density and grain vary from tree to tree and even in boards cut from the same tree. For example, a portion of board that is dense will not accept stain as well as a portion of board that has a more open grain. Wood that is rough sawn, unprimed or very dry may absorb stain more quickly than wood that is smooth cut, damp or treated with a sealer. When a wood surface needs to be re-coated, it should be repaired, sanded and cleaned so the new stain can fully penetrate the surface of the wood for maximum durability of the finish. After the wood is prepared, new stain can be applied. This coating will help protect the wood from sun damage. Paint on the other hand, will completely block the sun but it can also trap moisture which encourages faster decay of the wood. It’s important to use the correct type of applicator and the correct application technique to ensure the coating is evenly distributed and provides maximum protection for the wood. For example, a roller-applied stain must first be worked into the wood with a brush to give a more uniform colour and deeper stain penetration. IT’S IMPORTANT TO USE THE CORRECT TYPE OF APPLICATOR AND THE CORRECT APPLICATION TECHNIQUE TO ENSURE THE COATING IS EVENLY DISTRIBUTED AND PROVIDES MAXIMUM PROTECTION FOR THE WOOD. Most stain manufacturers provide detailed brochures that discuss stain product options, surface preparation and application tools and techniques.

Don’t forget our early bird special! View our partial online portfolio now or call us at 613-413-7572 or email us.

The post Maintaining Stained Deck and Getting Rid of Wood Slivers first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.

Vinyl/PVC Fences

Pros

• Low maintenance.
  • Do not need to be painted or stained.
  • Easy to clean.
  • Immune to pests and fungus.
• Vinyl does not produce splinters, which makes it a great choice especially if you have small children or pets.
• Great aesthetics. The appearance of vinyl fences is very similar to wood.
• Lasting power and strength. Lasts much longer than wooden fence and is nearly 5 times stronger than wood.  This means you will be getting more for your money and are investing in something that should last a lifetime.
• Flexible and will not snap or break off as easily as wood.

Cons

• Higher upfront cost compared to wood fences. However, because of low maintenance, the overall cost can be offset. Because you will not need costly maintenance, you actually save some money in the end.
• Vulnerable to extreme temperatures. They may become brittle when constantly exposed to cold or hot temperatures, making them prone to damage. Frequent heating and cooling of vinyl fences result in the contracting and expanding of components, making the components loose and gradually damaging them.
• When a single board in your vinyl fencing gets damaged, you may have to replace the entire section, which leads to costly repairs.

Wood Fences

Pro:

• Classic, timeless look.
• Durable
• Most affordable fencing option. Other materials, such as wrought iron, are expensive to produce and to install.

Con:

• Difficult to maintain.
  • Wood is more likely to rot and be infected by insects. This can happen more quickly if the post is set directly into the ground.
  • It requires regular maintenance, which is very essential to keep the wood sealed and protected.
  • It also needs to be painted and coated on a regular basis to keep it from cracking and the paint coat from peeling off.

Iron Fences

Pro

• Strength. Iron fencing is much stronger than other common fencing materials such as wood or vinyl.
• Durable. Iron fences will last much long than other fences.
• Easy to Maintain. For the most part, these fences are easy to maintain especially if they are painted. Paint will keep the tiny pits that may form in the metal from collecting substances that may cause them to corrode.
• Can be designed. The alloy itself has an elastic and malleable nature that many artists and designers can shape into interesting patterns. There are books and websites that feature interesting wrought iron fence designs and photos which are great for finding ideas to use in ones home.

Con

• No privacy. Open designs usually feature iron bars that are close enough together to keep people out, but wide enough apart to look through.
• Will Show Weather Damage Over Time. There are conflicting studies about whether wrought iron is better or worse than other iron alloys at resisting corrosion. Either way the fact remains: if a wrought iron fence is weathered long enough, it will begin to corrode. Rust on wrought iron is particularly hard to deal with because of the slag in the metal.
• Expensive because of its material and the difficulty involved in producing it, is more expensive than wood and vinyl fencing. Additionally, one may find it slightly more expensive to install it as well, especially if the design of the wrought iron is custom made.

Chain Link Fences

Pro:

• Affordability. Chain link fence is the most affordable fence option which can be installed by home do-it-yourselfers, although a professional can ensure a tight, lasting installation that will perform well for years.
• Low Maintenance. Chain link fencing requires little or no maintenance. All chain link fencing is galvanized, meaning the metal wire fence material underwent a chemical process to protect it from rusting. This extends the life of the chain link and limits the maintenance.
• Safety. Chain link is popular as it contains children and pets in yards while also offering a sight link through it to allow watching activity on the other side.

Cons

• Security . While chain link fencing can be built tall, and barbed wire added to the top for security, that is typically done only in industrial and manufacturing settings. Homeowners typically use a four-foot chain link, which, as most people know, can be readily climbed over.
• Appearance. Without vinyl coating or California style construction, and given its popularity and use at industrial sites, chain link is considered a generic, more pedestrian fence design. Even with galvanization, chain link fencing and fence posts can be scratched.
• No Privacy. Chain link fence won’t keep prying eyes away. There is an option for putting slats in the chain link to improve privacy, but that isn’t often used.

The post Pros and Cons of Vinyl/PVC Fences, Wood Fences, Iron Fences and Chain Link Fences first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.

Wood Gates

Whatever gate design you have in mind, the specialists at Capital Deck and Fence can provide you with design, supply and installation of complete gate solutions for your property. Our designers are experts in a variety of products and systems including:

• pressure treated wood and western red cedar gates
• PVC/Vinyl gates
• chain link gates
• iron gates
• customized gates

Your Full-Service Contractor

We can provide you with complete end to end services including conceptualization, design and plans.

The post Wood Gates first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.

Fences

We believe that fences make better neighbors!

Capital Deck and Fence is proud to serve residential, commercial, and industrial clients throughout Ottawa and the surrounding areas. We have been installing high-quality fences and we have earned a reputation as a company that provides high quality work and delivers excellent customer service. 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.

Our full product offering includes the following:

Vinyl / PVC Fencing

Wood Fencing

Chain Link Fencing

Iron Fencing

Why hire the fencing professionals from Capital Deck and Fence?

At Capital Deck and Fence, we believe that fences make better neighbors. In addition, a good fence design can add value and security to your home or commercial building, as well as improving its appearance. We, however, know that installing a fence involves a lot more than just digging postholes and nailing boards together. For this reason, we are dedicated to supplying our clients with the finest quality in fencing. Our unique and proven installation method is virtually trouble free and guaranteed for years of durability. We believe in quality service that is:

• Timely
• Courteous
• Convenient
• Reasonably Priced
• Efficient
• Dependable

If you are in need of fencing for your home, commercial building, or industrial facility, please give Capital Deck and Fence a call today for a free estimate. We look forward to working with you.

The post Fences first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.