Supplies for Spring Home Maintenance Projects in Langley

With winter fading away, springtime provides plenty of opportunities to get started on some of the home improvement projects that you have been saving for warmer weather and lighter skies. At Country Lumber, we provide a vast variety of supplies for spring home maintenance projects in Langley.

Langley Spring Home Maintenance Project Supplies

If you live in Langley and you plan on doing maintenance or updates on your home this spring, it is worth knowing where to find the supplies you will need. At Country Lumber, we carry a massive variety of building supplies and products for spring building projects, including:

·      Concrete and concrete products

·      Lumber and wood

·      Decking materials

·      Siding

·      Roofing

·      Landscaping materials and supplies

·      Fascia

·      Fencing

·      Windows

·      Tools and hardware

Langley Spring Project Suggestions

Outdoor home maintenance often gets put on hold for Fraser Valley homes during the winter, so it can be useful to get some ideas for projects to get started on in the spring. Some suggestions for home improvement projects to get started on in the spring include:

Revamp Your Deck

Setting up your outdoor living space by fixing up your deck can make a major difference on how you enjoy the warmer seasons. This project could include repainting or re-staining the deck and refurnishing it or, if the deck is in poor condition, rebuilding the entire deck with new materials.

Gutter and Fascia Maintenance

Gutters and fascia can take a beating from the colder and wetter months, so it is important to make sure that you keep these features of your Langley home maintained. Cleaning and repairing gutters and replacing rotted or damaged fascia can help your home to be better equipped to resist future winter weather.

Roof Repairs

If there have been any kind of winter storms in Langley during the winter, it is likely that your roof will need some repairs. Whether you only need to replace a few shingles or need to repair holes or leaks, it is important to do a full inspection and prepare to do some work every spring.

Caulk Around Windows and Doors

If there is a dry day or two on the horizon, it is worth taking the time to re-caulk your Langley home’s doors and windows to seal your home and improve its efficiency.

Fix Siding Issues

Regardless of what kind of siding you have, it is common for it to come loose or get damaged. This can put your home in danger of incurring water damage. It is worth making sure that your siding is intact and that there is no discolouration at any of the seams in the siding.

If you would like to learn more about the kinds of supplies for spring home maintenance projects in Langley that we carry, or if you would like to find out about any of the other services and supplies available from Country Lumber, please contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

How to Fix a Hole in Drywall

Most people that have worked with drywall will tell you that it can be messy and sometimes frustrating to work with, so it is important to have a good understanding of how to fix a hole in drywall before getting started on patching your wall up. At Country Lumber, we know that any drywall repair job can be simplified with the right equipment, which is why we provide a variety of drywall tools and products.

How to Patch Drywall

There are a couple of different ways to repair drywall and the method used will depend on the size of the hole being repaired.

How to Fill Small Drywall Holes

A small hole in drywall is usually caused by hardware or small accidents and they are typically no larger than 2 inches. Small drywall holes can be fixed using spackle or wood filler. To patch small holes, adhere to the following procedure:

1. Sand down the edges of the hole and remove debris.

2. Scoop a little bit of spackle or wood filler into the hole using a trowel or putty knife and flatten it out a bit. Spackle shrinks as it dries, so be liberal with the amount used.

3. Wait for the spackle to dry completely and sand it smooth.

How to Patch Medium Sized Holes in Drywall

Medium holes in drywall are often created by doorknobs or other similarly sized objects. To fix medium drywall holes, self-adhesive patches are typically used. The following steps can be used to fix medium-sized drywall holes:

1. Place the adhesive mesh patch over the hole in the wall.

2. Using a drywall knife, scoop drywall joint compound or spackle onto the patch and begin spreading it across the surface of the patch towards the edges.

3. Feather the edges of the joint compound or spackle to blend into the wall by increasing pressure at the edges of the patch.

4. Let the patch dry and sand it flat.

5. Apply a second coat by repeating steps 1-4. If the pattern of the mesh is still visible, add a third coat.

How to Repair Large Holes in Drywall

For large drywall holes, it is often necessary to cut a new piece of drywall. Large holes can occur from accidents where a person or piece of furniture makes a hole in the wall, or they can be made deliberately when there is water damage to the drywall. Purchase a strip of drywall that is larger than the hole, and follow these drywall repair steps:

1. Cut a square out of the new drywall that is a bit bigger than the hole being fixed.

2. Hold the square over the hole and trace the outline onto the wall with a pencil.

3. Cut out the square shape from the wall.

4. Use drywall screws to screw furring strips in place on the sides of the square hole so that the furring strips overlap the edges of the hole.

5. Screw the square patch to the furring strips.

6. Tape the edges of the patch with drywall tape.

7. Using a drywall knife, scoop drywall joint compound or spackle onto the patch and begin spreading it across the surface of the patch towards the edges.

8. Feather the edges of the joint compound or spackle to blend into the wall by increasing pressure at the edges of the patch.

9. Let the patch dry and sand it flat.

10. Apply a second coat by repeating steps 1-4. If the pattern of the drywall tape is still visible through the sanded spackle, add a third coat.

If you would like to learn more about how to fix a hole in drywall, or if you would like to find out about any of the services and supplies available from Country Lumber, please contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Surrey Composite Decking Designs

There is a massive variety of different types of decking and, at Country Lumber, we provide many of these types of decking materials. The different decking types have various benefits and are well suited to different climates. In the Surrey area, one of the best types of decking materials to work with is composite decking due to its durability, longevity, variety, attractiveness, and its ability to stand up to changing weather patterns. For this reason, it can be useful to be aware of some different ideas for Surrey composite decking designs.

Composite Decking Design Ideas for Surrey Homes

With the high amounts of both moisture and sunshine that are common in Surrey, it is important to get a type of decking that is long lasting, resistant to rot, and low maintenance. Composite decking is the ideal candidate to meet these needs and, with the massive variety of colours and aesthetics that are available, it is possible to create many different deck designs. Some design ideas for composite decking include:

Multiple Colours

With composite decking materials, it is possible to create a deck that uses multiple colours to stand out from other monochromatic decks in your Surrey neighbourhood. By using a regular brown wood look for the majority of the deck and using grey or a darker or lighter brown for the trim and stairs, you can create a unique, interesting look for your backyard.

Bent Boards

Give your deck a rounded edge by using bent composite decking boards. Composite boards are much easier to bend than wood and can be bent much more quickly, as they only require the proper application of heat. If you have your heart set on a round deck for your Surrey home, it is worth going with composite decking.

Masonry or Faux Masonry Trim

While it can be expensive to use masonry for the entirety of a deck, it is possible to build a deck out of composite materials and then use masonry for the trim and side panelling. There are also many types of faux masonry that look great and can be used for the same purpose.

If you would like to learn more about Surrey composite decking designs and where to find the supplies needed to get started with a decking project, or if you would like to find out about any of the other services and supplies available from Country Lumber, please contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Where to Buy Lumber in Langley

There are many lumber yards in the Langley area, so it is important to know where to go to find the best service and building supplies when looking to buy lumber in Langley. At Country Lumber, we provide various different lumber products for projects across the Lower Mainland of British Columbia.

What to Look for in a Langley Lumber Yard

Whether your company is based out of Langley or you are working on a project in the Fraser Valley area and need to work with a local lumber yard, there are a couple of things that you should look for when deciding where to buy lumber in the Langley area. Some of the different criteria to consider include:

What Lumber is in Stock?

You should always make sure that the Langley lumber yard you plan to buy from is able to provide you with the materials you need. Even if what you need is not in stock, it is usually possible to place a special order, as long as you can make sure that the material can be supplied in time to line up with project deadlines. If a project is going to have any exposed lumber components, it is worth looking into what lumber suppliers in the Langley area are able to provide higher quality woods than SPF. It is also worth knowing whether the lumber yard provides composite beam materials.

Services Offered

Many lumber yards will offer additional services, such as delivery, loading, and unloading services. Make sure that your lumber yard offers the services that you need to the area in which you are building.

Price

Although most lumber yards have very similar prices due to consistency in supply costs, prices can be subject to change. For this reason, it is worth looking at whether or not Langley lumber yards have drastically different prices based on the time of year and type of lumber you need.

If you are interested in finding out more information about where to buy lumber in Langley and the different types of lumber that are available, or if you would like to find out about any of the other services and supplies available from Country Lumber, please contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

What is SPF Used for?

There are many different materials used for framing and building new construction projects, and the most commonly used material is SPF. As one of the most common types of dimensional lumber, SPF is used for construction for framing walls, floors, and ceilings, as well as roofing. At Country Lumber, we know how important it is to have a good dimensional lumber supply for any building project, so we always stock various sizes of SPF.

What is SPF?

SPF stands for spruce-pine-fir. The three types of wood are processed together and can be used in similar situations because they have very similar properties. Spruce, pine, and fir boards can be difficult to tell apart due to their shared appearance and qualities, which is why the boards are often sold together in lumber yards as SPF. All three woods qualify as softwoods, but they are still strong and can support large amounts of weight. SPF is dimensional lumber, meaning that it is typically described and sold by nominal sizes that differ from the actual size of the board (for example, a 2x4 is actually 1.5x3.5 when measured in actual inches). The most common nominal sizes of SPF that can be found in most lumber yards include 2x3, 2x4, 2x6, 2x8, 2x10, and 2x12.

What are the Uses of SPF?

SPF is most commonly used in framing work. It can frequently be found in wall and roof frames, roof trusses, floor joists, and beams. Because of the wood’s softness, the ununiform cuts, and its rough aesthetic quality, it is not typically used in finishing work, furniture, or cabinetry, but many woodworkers still choose to use it and it can be used to make beautiful projects when handled properly; however, if it is going to be used for finer woodworking, it is important to make sure that only one type of wood is used, as spruce, pine, and fir can appear differently when finished with stains or other wood treatments.

SPF is also commonly used for packaging and pallets. When finished properly, some grades of SPF are suitable and even desirable for decking and exterior finishing.

If you are interested in finding out more information about what SPF is used for, or if you would like to find out about any of the other services and supplies available from Country Lumber, please contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Engineered Wood vs Rough-Cut Timber: Which is Best for Beams?

If you are designing a project with exposed beams, it is important to know what kind of wooden beam material is best suited to your needs. At Country Lumber, we provide many timber and composite wood beams, and we know that different types of beam material can make a big difference in how a building looks and feels. If you are comparing engineered wood and rough-cut timber to decide which is best for beams in your building, it can be useful to speak with a professional like the ones at Country Lumber.

Differences Between Engineered Wood and Rough-Cut Timber

When looking for a building material to use for exposed beams in a house, workspace, or commercial space, it is important to know the compared benefits of engineered wood and rough-cut timber. While both materials are great options, there are many variables that can influence which is better to use in any given situation.

Rough-Cut Timbers

If you are looking for a classic, natural style for your building, rough-cut timbers are the way to go. There are as many different types of rough-sawn timber as there are types of wood, meaning that it has great versatility in appearance. Rough-cut timbers are strong and long lasting and they have been used for ages in construction, but they can be difficult to work with if the building has any sort of rounded ceiling, as most thick timbers do not bow.

Engineered Wood

Engineered wood beams are made out of layers of lumber, strands, fibers, veneers, or even particles of wood that have been glued together to create a solid length of material. There are many different types of engineered wood beams and each one has its own qualities and benefits. Some types of engineered wood are strong but not at all attractive and should not be used for exposed beams, while others, like Microlam, are very attractive and can be a great replacement for timbers. Engineered wood beams can be shaped more easily than timbers, but they stain differently than regular wood and many people prefer the pure wooden look of timber beams.

If you are interested in finding out more information about engineered wood and rough-cut timbers and which one is best for the beams in your building project, or if you would like to find out about any of the other services and supplies available from Country Lumber, please contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

How to Install Crown Moulding

Crown moulding is one of the best projects that you can do to make a big change to upgrade the look and feel of your home’s interior without making any structural or layout changes to the space. At Country Lumber, we know that, once you know how to install crown moulding, this job can be done by a confident home handyperson, and we provide all of the tools and supplies needed to finish any crown moulding installation.

How to Install Crown Moulding

Crown moulding installations can be frustrating and tiresome, as they require the installer to hold materials above their head for long periods of time and make mitred cuts that can be difficult to get exactly right. Despite these frustrations, crown moulding installation is a task that can be completed by many novices with the right tools and instruction. To install crown moulding in your home, adhere to the following procedure:

1.     Prepare Supplies and the Space

Start by measuring the room to ensure that you buy enough crown moulding to get the job done. Plan out the different walls and make sure that you get long enough pieces so that you have as few seams as possible. You will also need:

·       Construction adhesive

·       Wood filler or spackle

·       A pneumatic or electric brad nailer

·       A mitre saw

You can also prepare by marking the walls with masking tape so that you know where studs and joists are. This will make it easier to install the crown moulding. Use a chalk line to mark a straight line along the walls and ceiling where the edge of the moulding will lie.

2.     Start with the Longest Wall

Begin by cutting and installing the longest piece of moulding. Cut the ends at a right angle, as the first wall does not require the ends to be coped to fit. Drop a bead of construction adhesive along the edges of the crown moulding and lift it into place. Have a helper assist you in holding the board in position while you nail it into every stud and joist, starting at one end.

3.     Work Around the Room in a Circle

Moving to the right, cut and install each piece of crown moulding on each wall. One end of each board will need to be coped and mitred to fit over the previous piece of crown moulding. Coping and mitring can be done most easily by creating a custom fence for your mitre saw that holds the crown moulding at the angle at which it is going to be installed on the wall.

If you are going to use a mitre cut to fit each piece of moulding, it may take some trial and error to get the cuts right, as most corners in homes are not perfect right angles. Coping allows you to avoid this, but it can be a bit complicated if you have not done it before. Make sure that you look up a tutorial on coping and practice with some scraps.

4.     Fill in Holes and Clean Up

Use the wood filler or spackle to fill in nail holes along the pieces of crown moulding. You can also use these materials to fill in seams or touch them up after crushing the seams together. Touch up everything with paint or wood stain. Once all of this is finished, you are ready to clean up and enjoy the new look.

If you are interested in finding out more information about how to install crown moulding, or if you would like to find out about any of the other services and supplies available from Country Lumber, please contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Supplies for Abbotsford DIY Home Projects

If you are looking to enhance the look, function, and value of your Abbotsford home, there are a variety of home improvement projects that you can undertake. At Country Lumber, we provide a massive range of supplies for Abbotsford DIY home projects and other large-scale building jobs. If you are looking for a supplier of materials for your Fraser Valley home improvement work, we can get you what you are looking for.

Abbotsford DIY Home Improvement Supplies

With the right supplies, there are nearly endless different jobs that can be done to improve the quality of your home. Some of the most useful building supplies for Abbotsford DIYers include:

Shiplap and Tongue and Groove

If you are improving your home with any flat wooden surface, it is worth knowing where to find different types of shiplap and tongue and groove boards. Using these simple materials, you can create incredible feature walls, drop ceilings, cabinet façades, and even furniture. These boards can be primed and painted or they can be stained to offer a look that is consistent with Abbotsford’s modern aesthetic.

Mouldings

Whether you use MDF, finger joint, or any variety of wood board, mouldings can be useful for a wide range of accent projects. Whether you are planning on enhancing the look of your kitchen cabinets or installing board and batten in your bedrooms, moulding can give any Abbotsford home a great new look.

Plywood

There are hundreds of different varieties of plywood and they can all be used differently. Less appealing plywood can be used to set up a façade, which can then be covered with moulding or other attractive materials. Many types of plywood are attractive enough to be used on their own to create furniture or other home accents.

Hardware

Regardless of what kind of Abbotsford home DIY project you are taking on, you will definitely need a full supply of hardware and fasteners. Caulking, adhesives, nails, screws, hinges, and many other types of hardware are necessities for any DIY project.

If you are interested in finding out more information about the kinds of supplies for Abbotsford DIY home projects that you might need, or if you would like to find out about any of the other services and supplies available from Country Lumber, please contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Christmas Shopping at a Tool Store

If you have a friend or family member who is involved in trades or loves doing DIY projects, Christmas shopping at a tool store can prove to be quite rewarding. There are many great gifts to be found at a tool or hardware store and the recipient of your gift is sure to be excited to put their new tool to good use. At Country Lumber, we provide tools and hardware throughout the Fraser Valley and we can help you to find the perfect Christmas gift for your hard-working loved ones.

Great Gift Ideas from a Tool Store

With the holiday season fast approaching, there is no better time to get started on planning your gifts out than the present. In order to get a good handle on what to buy your friend or family member, it is important to know what they already have and what they might need. Try to open up a conversation about what tools they have already and what is working or not working and listen to their needs and frustrations. When you arrive at the tool store, talk to one of the knowledgeable staff to ensure that you buy the right gift. Some great holiday gift ideas could include:

Power Tools

Power tools are an excellent go-to gift, if you have the budget for them. Your loved one is sure to get plenty of use out of the tool and be excited to use it. If you are buying a cordless tool as a gift, make sure that you buy something that fits with the brand they already have so that the batteries and other accessories carry over.

Hand Tools

If your budget does not allow for power tools as a gift, there are many hand tools that are extremely exciting. Whether it is an interchangeable screwdriver, a beautiful new hammer, or a full ratchet set, hand tools are always a winning gift.

Woodworking Tools and Supplies

If your loved one is a woodworker, you are in luck because there is an endless supply of gift ideas available to you. A new chisel set, lathing tools, sanding tools, and sawblades are just a couple of examples of gifts that are sure to get them excited to open their Christmas gift.

Tool Belts, Carriers, and Storage

Every good handyperson needs a solid tool carrying and storage system. Tool boxes and organizers can help to keep your closets and garage organized and give a boost to productivity, while a good tool belt can greatly improve the actual job experience.

If you would like to find out more information about the possibilities of Christmas shopping at a tool store, or if you would like to find out about any of the other services and supplies available from Country Lumber, please contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

What is the Best Material to Use for a Deck in BC?

Whether you are building a second story deck or a ground level patio, knowing the best material to use for a deck in BC can help to ensure that your outdoor living space lasts as long as possible and looks incredible. At Country Lumber, we provide a wide variety of deck building materials that can significantly improve the curb appeal of your home.

Decking Materials in BC

There are many different materials that can be used to build a sturdy, reliable deck and some of these materials are more suited than others for life in British Columbia. With the amount of rain and moisture that we receive in the Vancouver area, it is important to make sure that your deck is able to stand up to mould and rot. Some of the best types of deck materials that can be used in BC include:

Pressure-Treated Wood

The most commonly used type of deck material in BC is pressure-treated wood. Pressure-treated wood is reasonably inexpensive and lasts much longer than most other types of wood. It is designed for use in outdoor situations and has a brown or green finish that repels water for a little while; however, it will need to be recoated with stain annually and repainted or refinished every three years in order to resist rotting.

Cedar

Cedar decks are known for their beauty and natural aesthetic. Because of cedar’s ability to resist the elements and maintain its good looks over time, it is frequently used in outdoor applications in BC. Cedar is more expensive than pressure-treated wood but it is still generally affordable, and it looks better, lasts longer, and requires less maintenance than pressure-treated wood.

Composite Decking

Composite decking comes in a massive variety of styles, hardness ratings, and finishes. This means that the price and quality of this type of decking can vary greatly depending on the manufacturer; however, composite decking is typically incredibly reliable and low maintenance, and it resists moisture better than most other types of decking material, which makes it ideal for BC homes.

To find out more information about the best material to use for a deck in BC, or if you would like to learn more about any of our products or services, contact Country Lumber or visit our store in Langley to speak with one of our representatives.