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Anyone who owns a farm understands the importance of fences and gates. It’s pretty tough to keep animals—and even crops—contained without them, after all. The gates ensure functionality, security, and even aesthetics. That said, you still need to choose the right ones. In this blog, we’ll explore the different varieties of farm gates and cover some tips for upkeep. Wooden Farm Gates These are a common choice thanks to their traditional rustic appeal. Typically found on smaller farms, they blend in with the natural surroundings quite well, adding charm and keeping things organized. Advantages Down-to-earth charm that enhances the ambiance of the farm Natural and renewable materials mean they’re eco-friendly Installation Tips Treat Against Weather and Pests: When you properly treat your wood, you’re providing it with protection against moisture, insects, and rot. This will help it last for years to come. Use Sturdy Hinges and Posts: Durable hinges and reinforced posts prevent sagging over time and require minimal maintenance. If you’re looking for sturdy fence gate hardware, visit our hardware store! Metal Tube Gates These offer lightweight materials and plenty of durability—the best of both worlds! Thanks to these qualities, they’re great for large farms as well as livestock management. And here’s another plus: They’re galvanized to resist rust. Advantages Rust resistance Durability Lightweight, making for easy installation Installation Tips Set Posts in Concrete: Concrete is like the super glue of construction, so placing your posts in it means they’re not going anywhere! Use Adjustable Hinges: You’ll thank us later. Without adjustable hinges, it’s difficult to accommodate uneven terrain and make sure everything is operating smoothly. Mesh Farm Gates These kinds of farm gates are designed to keep pests and small animals out, thanks to their small gaps. This makes them a highly versatile, cost-effective option for several different farming needs. Advantages Affordable Lightweight Versatile for various applications Installation Tips Stretch the Mesh Tightly: A poorly stretched fence may look fine at the time of installation, but it won’t be long before it begins to sag. Apply proper tension to ensure durability. Anchor the Mesh Firmly to Posts: Can’t stretch it adequately enough without help? Tensioning tools are a great way to install a mesh fence the right way. Electric Farm Gates These are the ideal choice for farms with high-security needs, as well as those with significant livestock management requirements. Adding convenience to functionality, they can be operated by remote control, saving time and energy that’s much better spent elsewhere on the farm. Advantages Remote operation for added convenience Prevents unauthorized individuals from gaining entry Provides effective livestock management Installation Tips Properly Ground the Gate: With this kind of voltage running through your fence and gates, it’s important to make sure you aren’t creating unnecessary hazards. Be sure to ground the electrical components. Install Warning Signs: You want to keep intruders away, but you don’t want anyone to get hurt. Installing warning signs around the perimeter—and making sure they get high visibility—will let wanderers and other curious individuals know they should turn back. Sliding or Rolling Gates Do you have an enclosure that requires a large opening? Sheep herding comes to mind, or maybe you need to fit heavy machinery into the enclosure. Whatever the reason, sliding or rolling gates are great for these wide entrances or even areas with limited swing space. They operate smoothly and provide plenty of space efficiency. Advantages Space saving thanks to a sliding mechanism that replaces the traditional swinging design. Smooth and efficient operation. Sliders and wheels help to ease the physical demands of a heavy gate. Installation Tips Level the Ground: For the tracks to work properly, the gate needs to have smooth, level ground to roll on. Use Quality Rollers and Tracks: Not all components are created equal, so be sure to invest in quality products that boast longevity and durability. Which Farm Gates Are Right for You? Choosing the right gate depends on several things. What type of farm are you running? What’s the desired functionality? What’s your available space? Whether you’re drawn to the rustic charm of wooden gates, the versatility and strength of metal tube gates, or the convenience offered by electric options, one thing is true across the board: Proper maintenance and quality gate hardware are key to its functionality. For complex gates—electric or sliding, for example—installation by a professional is recommended. This will ensure safety and functionality, and we can point you in the right direction! If you’re in need of fence gate hardware or lumber supplies, you’re already in the right place! Our lumber yard has what you’re looking for and our hardware store has a vast selection of gate hardware on hand. Get in touch or pay us a visit, and we’ll help you realize the vision you have for your farm!

A deck railing is much more than just a pretty feature; it’s a critical part of your deck’s structure, providing safety and structural integrity. Without it, a deck is essentially a raised platform that poses significant risk of injury from a fall. But simply installing a deck railing doesn’t automatically make your deck safe and reliable. It needs to be done well. That said, even the most experienced DIY enthusiasts can make mistakes when they’re building and installing them—mistakes that could lead to costly repairs or even injury. Avoiding these pitfalls can save you time, money, and in some cases, lawsuits, so let’s shed some light on the common mistakes and how you can avoid them. Mistake 1: Incorrect Measurements When it comes to measurements, you need to be precise. “Close enough” won’t cut it here. At best, it’ll result in something you can’t “unsee” once it’s noticed. At worst, it can have a cascading effect that impacts the whole structure. You could be dealing with improper fitting, gaps, cluttered appearances, or instability. So how do you avoid those dreaded mismeasurements on your deck rail? Try this: Always use a tape measure to determine the length and height of the deck area in which the railing will be installed. Always double check your measurements! Cutting is the point of no return for your materials. A bad measurement can result in the waste of precious supplies. That said, you should always have some extra materials on hand to account for possible mistakes. When you measure everything with care, you’ll achieve that desired seamless fit and avoid wasting too much material on your deck rail. Mistake 2: Choosing the Wrong Materials Not all materials are created equal. Your selection can have a big impact on your deck’s structural integrity, safety, and longevity. That’s why it’s good to take your deck design or the climate you live in into account when making this important decision. As an example, it’s not advisable to use untreated wood in an area with high moisture that will quickly rot or warp it. Here are a few pointers for selecting your deck railing materials: Consider the weather-resistant qualities of each option. If your deck will be subjected to frequent rain or high humidity, use composite, vinyl, or treated wood. Make sure your deck doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb! The materials you choose will have a visual impact on your home, so you want to go with something that complements your house well. Want to truly understand the best options for your specific project? Get in touch with a professional deck builder who can steer you in the right direction. Mistake 3: Improper Spacing Between Balusters This one would be right at home as part of our first tip, but it’s such a prominent mistake that it needs to get its own callout. Improper baluster spacing can make your deck railing look pretty awkward, but there’s more to it than that. If the spacing is too wide between balusters in even one spot, adventurous children or pets can slip through. Here’s how you can make sure your balusters are done right: Safety guidelines dictate that there should be no more than 4 inches between balusters, so measure and install each one accordingly. To make sure you achieve uniformity, use a spacing template during installation. Measure and mark each placement before actually attaching balusters. Proper spacing helps your deck meet safety standards and look good doing it! Mistake 4: Failing to Secure Posts properly Posts are the backbone of your deck railing installation. If they’re weak or loose, it can compromise structural integrity and put everyone at risk. You can avoid it by using heavy-duty brackets and bolts to secure each post to the frame. Ensure every post is level before tightening by using a level. Finally, provide additional support to the base of each post with blocking. If you take these steps, your foundation will be stable and everyone who uses the deck can enjoy it safely. Mistake 5: Ignoring Local Building Codes Building codes don’t exist to make your deck rail project stressful. They’re in place to ensure safety, and overlooking them can lead to fines or safety issues. You’ll need to redo your work, as well, compounding the monetary fallout of such a mistake. To avoid these troubles, you’ll have to adhere to height requirements, spacing guidelines, and material standards. So how do you stay in compliance? Start by doing some research on local building codes and consulting with your local permitting office before your project begins. They can provide you with the rules around safety and structural requirements, as well as guidelines around materials or any other area-specific requirements. And of course, consult a professional deck contractor if there’s any doubt you’ll be able to stay in compliance. They do this day in and day out, so they’ll be able to help you follow the rules and avoid headaches down the road. Great Deck Railing Installation is Within Reach! A decking project is a big undertaking—the deck railing especially so. Careful preparation and execution is required from start to finish. When you avoid the common mistakes we outlined above—incorrect measurements, bad material selection, improper baluster spacing, failing to secure posts properly, and ignoring building codes—you’re well on your way to having a deck that will stay sound and safe for years to come. If you’re in need of quality supplies for your deck railing installation, we’re always happy to help! Reach out to us or stop by our lumber yard and hardware store for a glimpse of what a great deck is made of!

When we get cold, we have the option to go inside and warm up—maybe sit by the fire with a cup of hot chocolate. When your deck gets cold, relocation isn’t exactly an option. Sure, it’s not a living, breathing being, but that doesn’t mean harsh weather can’t pose a threat to it. As temperatures fluctuate, the freeze-thaw cycle puts stress on materials. Snow, ice, and moisture pose threats that make your choice of decking material—pressure treated lumber, metal, or composite decking—a critical one. Let’s go over the details of weather-resistant materials that will hold up well against the cold, versus those materials that will require frequent deck maintenance. Key Features to Look Out For There are a lot of materials on the market that could be used to build your deck. However, not all of them resist extreme weather equally well. Narrow down your search by looking for the following features: Durability in Freeze-Thaw Cycles Expansion and contraction is a common effect of freeze-thaw cycles, so it’s important to select a material that can endure these fluctuations. Otherwise, you may be dealing with extensive cracking and other damage. The best composite decking options, for example, will offer a high level of resistance. They’re intentionally engineered to be flexible and strong. Resistance to Moisture With cold weather comes snow and ice, and with snow and ice comes moisture. When that’s thrown in the mix, a material that resists it is key. If you want to avoid frequent deck maintenance necessitated by warping, rotting, and other water-related damage, make sure your selection is a trusted name in water-resistant materials. Slip Resistance This blog isn’t just about protecting your deck; it’s about protecting you, as well. Ice and snow may look pretty, but when they’re covering the surfaces you walk on, they pose a significant risk of injury. In fact, about 97% of all weather-related injuries are due to slipping on snow or ice. Choose a textured or slip-resistant material to mitigate this risk. Some options—such as pressure treated lumber and composite decking—offer built-in or natural textures that provide that extra grip you need. Top Decking Materials for Cold Climates Now let’s take a closer look at the materials used in products from our favorite brands like TimberTech, Deckorators, Trex, MoistureShield, and Fiberon. What gives them the features we just discussed? Composite Decking Composite decking is a combination of wood and plastic fibers, making it a low-maintenance, moisture-resistant option that’s less prone to warping. This material handles the freeze-thaw cycle well, and, as a nice bonus, it resists fading. Keep your deck intact and attractive all throughout its life! For the best composite decking materials, get in touch with us. Pressure Treated Lumber This is an affordable option that’s specifically treated to resist insects and moisture. Bear in mind that it requires more maintenance than other options. Sealing and staining will be a common activity for you. With the right care, though, pressure treated lumber can last for years despite cold climates! PVC Decking Looking for a durable, low-maintenance option? This is it! It resists moisture and is more than up to the task of withstanding cold weather. Thanks to its plastic features, it doesn’t absorb water, so cracking and warping aren’t a concern. If you’re prioritizing user safety, a slip-resistant texture is an option. Aluminum Decking This option is exceptionally strong and offers impressive longevity. As such, it’s an ideal choice for places with extreme weather. It’s slip resistant by nature, can withstand shifts with no issue, and the maintenance requirements are minimal. The up-front investment is higher than other options, but the money you save in the long term more than makes up for it. In short, aluminum offers unmatched durability when it comes to frigid weather. Maintenance Tips Regular Snow Removal: Want to avoid ice buildup? Grab a plastic shovel and get to work (metal shovels can scratch your decking no matter what material you selected)! Avoid Salt: Wood and composite decking are prone to damage when you use salt on them. We know it can be tempting to lay some down prior to a big snow, so consider a calcium-chloride ice melt. Sealing and Staining for Wood Decks: Before the seriously cold weather sets in, make sure you apply sealant so your deck doesn’t absorb moisture. This sealant will also help your deck keep that new look that too many old decks are lacking. The Choice Is Yours Pressure treated lumber. Composite decking. PVC. Aluminum. They all offer qualities that provide protection from the cold, but they’re not created equal. It comes down to what’s important to you. Do you want to avoid constant maintenance? Are you only worried about flexibility? When you know what you’re looking for, get in touch with us and we can supply you with everything you need!

Summer is gone. The heat has died down. In its place is the crisp air and colorful leaves of fall. Though it’s getting colder, we have a few months to go until the harsh weather of winter comes knocking. With these mild temperatures in mind, it’s the perfect time to give your fence a little TLC. Let’s explore what you can do to keep your metal, vinyl, or wood fence healthy and sturdy through the winter. Inspect for Damage Before you make any repairs or replacements, you should identify any areas of concern by walking along the length of your fence with a keen eye for damage. If you have a wood fence, be on the lookout for signs of rot. Pay special attention to the base where moisture is most likely to collect. Additionally, look for warping and loose boards. If you have a metal fence, look for rust, corrosion, and loose connections. If you have a chain link fence, make sure there are no gaps or sagging areas that could become a detriment to the fence’s strength. Finally, if you’re inspecting a vinyl fence, keep your eyes peeled for holes and cracks that might have developed as a result of fluctuating temperatures or physical impacts. If any posts are wobbling or leaning, they should be fixed to maintain the stability of the structure. Clean the Fence Now that your inspection is complete, it’s time to clean the fence—we promise we’ll eventually get to the actual repairs, so bear with us. It’s important to clean your fence because it means you’ll be ridding it of things that could cause erosion, like mold or mildew. Cleaning Tips: Wood Fence Use a mild detergent and water to remove unwelcome substances from the surface. If you’re using a pressure washer, take care to use it on a lower setting to avoid causing damage to the wood itself. Cleaning Tips: Metal Fence Mild soap and water are a great combination for cleaning your metal fence, as well. It will effectively remove grime that can cause corrosion and make your fence look unsightly. Once you finish cleaning, dry it thoroughly to reduce its chances of corrosion. Cleaning Tips: Vinyl Fence One big benefit of a vinyl fence is its low upkeep requirements. Because of this, you’ll find fence maintenance to be a rare event. Even so, cleaning dirt and grime off of it can only help to keep it in top condition. Use a garden hose and soft brush, as harsh materials could scratch the surface of your vinyl fence. Repair or Replace If you notice a small issue in the fall and fail to fix it, you may be regretting that neglect in the midst of a cold winter when the problem has grown. Best to do it now! Repair Tips: Wood Fence Replace damaged or rotting boards on your wood fence that are beyond repair, as well as rusted or loose nails, screws, and other hardware. If you notice your fence has suffered significant warping, it may be wise to replace the entire affected section. Repair Tips: Metal Fence Notice any rust when you performed your inspection? Time to make it go away! Sand down the affected areas and apply a rust-inhibiting primer before you paint over any spots that need attention. While you’re at it, tighten any loose screws or bolts. Repair Tips: Vinyl Fence If you came across any cracks or holes during your walk along the fence, utilize a vinyl repair kit to fill them in. Once that’s done, make sure all the fence posts are secure. If there are any loose ones, position them and stabilize them by filling in the post holes. Apply a Protective Coating A protective coating is a great way to protect your fence from the elements. This helpful layer of defense can minimize moisture, rust, and ultraviolet (UV) damage. Wood Fences: Wood stain sealant is the star here, as it helps prevent moisture and rot. Reapplication is recommended every couple of years to make sure you’re maximizing protection. Metal Fences: Once you remove dirt and dust from your metal fence, give it a coat of rust-proof paint to avoid corrosion in the future. Vinyl Fences: While this material has a natural resistance to rot and rust, a UV protectant can give your fence the help it needs to defend against fading and cracking. Trim Nearby Foliage If you notice any trees, bushes, or shrubs getting a little too cozy with your fence, it’s time to trim them back. This can help prevent scratches, buildup of moisture, and mold. As a general rule, it’s good to keep greenery at least six inches away from your fence to give it some breathing room. This can help airflow and keep stains at bay. Under no circumstances should vines or other plants be growing through the boards of your fence (that’s what trellises are for). Conclusion We’ll say it again: Fall is the best time to perform fence maintenance. The mild temperature and air quality create the ideal circumstances to address dirt, mold, and other damage. Whether your fence is wood, vinyl, or metal, there are plenty of steps you can take to maximize its lifespan. If you find that parts of your fence need to be repaired, our lumberyard is the perfect place for high-quality materials. Stop by when you need to, or get in touch with us with further questions. Have a great fall!