Fencing for Langley Farms

If you have a farm in the Langley, BC area, it is useful to know where to go to find fencing products that are capable of keeping your property safe. At Country Lumber, we provide fencing for Langley farms that is ideal for any type of agriculture.

Types of Fencing for Farms in Langley

There are many different types of fences that work well for farms in Langley, and the best type for your needs will depend on what you are trying to keep in or out. Some of the types of fences that are useful for farms include:

Tensile Wire Fencing

Wire fencing is commonly used on farms all over BC. It is useful for controlling livestock but should be used in conjunction with other styles of more visible fencing if there are horses or other fast-moving animals present.

Woven Wire Fencing

Woven wire fencing is highly effective for Langley farms and it can be used to pen in almost any type of animal. Many types of woven wire fencing are difficult to climb, making it ideal for keeping out predators. Woven wire comes in a massive variety of sizes and it is easy to install for most farms.

Wooden Board Fencing

If you want a type of fencing that is easy to install and has good aesthetic appeal for your Langley farm, wooden board fencing is a great option. It is easy to climb and can break easier than many types of metal or wire fences, so make sure that you combine it with a different type of fencing for livestock that might be at risk of escape.

Barbed Wire Fencing

Barbed wire is one of the most effective types of fencing for livestock. It can be used on its own or combined with other types of fencing in order to create a secure enclosure that discourages animals from escaping and predators from entering.

Other Fencing Products from Country Lumber

The material that is used for a fence is not the only important thing to keep in mind when setting up your Langley farm. It is important to also consider the gates, fence posts, and fencing hardware that will be used to secure your property. Make sure that you speak to an expert to find out what your options are for the type of fence that you plan on installing.

If you are interested in finding out more about fencing for Langley farms, or if you would like to learn more 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 Repair Damaged Fascia

Because fascia boards rest on the most prominent edges of your home, it is common for them to become damaged from impacts. The primary job of the fascia on your house is to protect the roof and walls from moisture, so water damage is also incredibly common. Fascia is a prominent aesthetic element on most homes and it can rot or deteriorate if not cared for properly, so it is important to know how to repair damaged fascia. At Country Lumber, we sell a variety of different types and sizes of fascia and our experienced team is always ready to help you find what you need to complete your home repair job safely and efficiently.

How to Repair Damaged Fascia Boards

Since fascia boards sit at some of the highest points of your home, it is important to exercise extreme caution when replacing them. Extension ladders are not usually the best choice, as they cannot rest on the section of fascia being replaced. It is usually best to use scaffolding or a stepladder, if possible. The steps to fixing damaged fascia are as follows:

1.     Evaluate the Problem

Different types of damage will require different solutions.  In ideal cases, you might not need to actually replace the damaged fascia board. If the damage is small enough and rot has not yet set in, it is often possible to fix it with an epoxy filler. If the board has begun to rot, it is usually best to replace it.

2.     Put Up Brackets

Before removing the damaged fascia, it can be helpful to install angle brackets behind the boards. These brackets should rest against the existing fascia so that you can more easily install the new boards in the same position.

3.     Remove the Damaged Fascia Board

Removing old fascia boards can be a bit of a hassle in some cases, depending on their position and what kind of gutter system is being used. Disassemble and remove any gutters that are in front of the fascia being removed. Most fascia is nailed to the ends of rafters, so you will likely need a pry bar in order to get the fascia loose. Once the fascia is removed, check the rafters underneath for signs of rot and, if you find some, make sure you call a professional for help with what to do about rotting rafters.

4.     Install New Fascia Boards

If there are no signs of rot in your rafters under the fascia, you can now install a new fascia board. Mark the placement of rafters along the fascia with a pencil so that it is easier to nail the new board in place. Getting the fascia board in place might be a two-person job. Once the fascia is secured to the brackets, nail it to the underlying rafters. You are now ready to paint it and reinstall your gutters.

If you are interested in learning more about how to repair damaged fascia, 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 Waterproof a Deck

Rebuilding a deck can be expensive and time consuming, so it is important to ensure that your deck lasts as long as possible. One of the biggest challenges for wooden decks in British Columbia is the massive amount of rain that we tend to receive. In order to combat this abundance of moisture, it can help to know how to waterproof a deck. At Country Lumber, we provide a massive variety of different decking products for both construction and maintenance and we can help you to ensure your deck looks fresh and finished for years to come.

Different Deck Waterproofing Products

Over time, the finish on a wooden deck can wear off due to foot traffic, sunlight, and moisture. When this happens, the deck can start to rot or mould, and it can also become discoloured and unattractive. There are various products that will help you to waterproof your deck, and the product you should use will depend on the finished look that you are hoping to achieve. Some of the different products for waterproofing or sealing a deck include:

·      Stain

·      Solid stain

·      Paint

·      Wood protectors/wood preservatives/wood treatment solutions

·      Timber oil

·      Waterproof sealer

Waterproofing Your Deck

Once you have selected your deck sealing solution, the steps to waterproofing the deck are as follows:

1.     Prepare the Area Around the Deck

Make sure that you clear off any old furniture, plants, or other obstacles from the deck before beginning. It is also important to cover any plants that are located close to the deck to ensure that none of the waterproofing materials can harm your garden.

2.     Wash the Deck

Using a pressure washer or a hose and scrub brush, clean off the surface of the deck. Make sure to remove any debris or grease that might be stuck to the deck’s surface. If you are using a pressure washer, do not hold the nozzle too close to the deck’s surface or you could damage the wood. Ensure that you get in between the boards when cleaning by using a small brush or scraping tool.

3.     Sand the Deck Surface

Use a sander with medium grit sandpaper to sand down the deck. It is most important to smooth out rough patches, but you can sand the whole surface to improve the deck’s receptiveness to the new waterproofing treatment.

4.     Apply the New Deck Waterproofing Solution

The application process will differ depending on what kind of deck waterproofer or sealant solution you are using. Many solutions will require you to apply numerous coats for best results. It is also good to observe whether you can use a sprayer or if you should use a brush. In most cases, you should use a stain brush and apply at least two coats, leaving 12-24 hours between coats and making sure to get in all the cracks. Inspect the instructions that come with your waterproofing solution or consult with a professional for more information.

If you are interested in learning more about how to waterproof a deck, 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.

Benefits of Treated Lumber

One of the biggest issues with building with wood is that most types of wood have a limited lifespan when left out in the elements. Sun and moisture tend to take a toll on most types of lumber. In order to mitigate this issue, one of the most commonly used types of wood for outdoor construction or landscaping purposes is treated lumber. Treated lumber, also frequently called pressure treated lumber, uses intense pressure to force a chemical compound into the grain of the lumber that makes it resistant to rot and decay. At Country Lumber, we know when the benefits of treated lumber make it a necessity to use for building projects and our knowledgeable staff can help you to get the right type of wood for your upcoming project.

Advantages of Pressure Treated Lumber

Although treated lumber often costs more than natural wood, it is more than worth the extra money that it might cost in many circumstances. Some of the best reasons to use treated lumber for a project with exposure to the elements include:

Moisture Resistance

The best reason to use treated lumber is for its resistance to moisture. While most types of natural wood will absorb moisture and soften, treated lumber will repel moisture. Moisture in wood provides ground for many different microorganisms to grow and cause the wood to rot, so using treated lumber is a necessity in areas where moisture will be present, such as landscape features, decks, gazebos, bridges, and even docks and piers.

Resistance to Microorganisms

Pressure treated lumber is designed to repel moisture so that there is no ground for microorganisms to gain a footing on, but it is also designed to repel the microorganisms themselves. The chemical compounds used to treat lumber are all copper based in order to create an environment in which fungus, bacteria, and other microorganisms are unable to survive.

Insect Repellence

Insects such as carpenter ants or termites can cause big problems for wood structures, especially if the wood is prone to moisture. Many types of treated wood are designed to repel insect activity. Not only can treated lumber repel insects that can cause structural damage, but it can also work to keep bugs that are a nuisance, such as spiders, from becoming a problem.

If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of treated lumber, 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.

The Best Roofing Materials for BC Homes

There are many different types of roofing available that can work well for homes in any area, but some types are better suited for certain climates than others. In British Columbia, certain kinds of roofing last longer and provide better value in the moist, mild weather that is common to our province. At Country Lumber, we provide all of the best roofing materials for BC homes in a wide assortment of styles.

What are the Best Types of Roofing for BC Homes?

Whether you are building a new custom home or your existing home needs a new roof, it is good to know what the best type of roofing is for the area in which you live. Some of the best roofing materials to use in BC are:

Cedar Shake Shingles

Western Red Cedar is one of the most useful woods for building in the Pacific Northwest. Its naturally water-resistant, rot-resistant, and mould-resistant properties makes it ideal for use in British Columbia. It is also exceptionally strong, incredibly long lasting, and looks great.

Laminate Shingles

Laminate shingles are a type of heavy-duty asphalt shingle that use multiple layers of more refined asphalt in order to last longer, insulate better, and provide better durability. Despite their slight increase in price, laminate shingles are better suited to stand up against the type of weather that British Columbia homes are subjected to than regular asphalt shingles. Using laminate asphalt shingles can help homeowners to save money in the long run, as their lasting properties can mean that homes do not need to be reroofed as often.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofs are not just for agriculture and commercial uses. Metal roofing is an incredibly popular and sensible option for BC homes due to its durability, weather resistance, and attractiveness. Metal roofs are known for standing up to damage from weather and debris that would have completely destroyed any other type of roof. They are available in a massive selection of styles and colours to suit any home’s aesthetic.

If you are interested in learning more about the best roofing materials for BC homes, 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.

Types of Concrete Dry Mix

If you have a project around your home that requires you to use concrete, it can be extremely useful to know the different types of concrete dry mix to ensure that you use the right mixture for your particular needs. There are many different types of concrete, and the type that will be required will depend on a variety of factors, including what the purpose of the concrete is, how strong it needs to be, what kind of weather it will be exposed to, and how fast it needs to set. At Country Lumber, we provide a wide variety of types of dry mix concrete for all kinds of applications.

Different Types of Dry Mix Concrete

The best type of dry mix concrete to use for any job will depend on what kind of benefits are needed. Some of the different types of concrete include:

Regular Concrete

The most common type of dry mix concrete comes in a variety of brands and names, and the general term is regular concrete. Regular concrete is used for all kinds of things, from setting fence posts to paving sidewalks, patios, and driveways,

Sand Mix

When you need a concrete dry mix for patching or filling in gaps, sand mix is the way to go. It is commonly used as a grout for outdoor tile or masonry as well.

Fast-Setting Concrete

Similar to regular concrete, fast-setting concrete is often used to install fence posts, mailboxes, swing sets, and other such fixtures. It typically hardens in 20-40 minutes, making it ideal for situations where time is a concern.

Mason Cement

Mason cement is designed for commercial grade use, and it is mainly used to set bricks, blocks, and stones in place for construction purposes.

Mortar

Mortar is similar to mason cement in that it is designed to set masonry in place, but it typically sets faster, making it useful in patching and filling as well as for setting bricks.

Anchoring Concrete

Anchoring concrete contains an epoxy solution that bonds to surfaces with high tensile strength. This makes it useful for applications where a structure needs to be anchored to a concrete or masonry surface.

If you need to know more about the different types of concrete dry mix in order to get the best product for your 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 House Siding Materials for Abbotsford

Whether you are building a new house, residing your existing home, or even performing a small repair or renovation, it can be useful to know the best places to buy house siding materials for Abbotsford. There are many different types of house siding materials and, at Country Lumber, we supply many of siding materials and brands to builders throughout the Fraser Valley.

Where to Find Siding for Abbotsford Homes

Siding is an incredibly important part of any house. The siding on a building keeps moisture and other weather-related hazards away from structural components while also offering one of the key aesthetic elements for the home. The siding that you pick will make a big difference in how your home looks and the type of siding used can affect how long it lasts, how durable it is, and how easy it is to maintain. Some of the most common types of siding used in Abbotsford homes include:

Wood Siding

With its natural beauty and widespread use, wood siding is one of the most popular options for Abbotsford homes. Wood siding is typically made from cedar and it can come in a massive variety of styles to give many different finished looks. Although cedar siding lasts well in the elements, it does need to be refinished every couple of years to ensure that it stays protected and lasts as long as possible.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is well used throughout Abbotsford and the rest of the Fraser Valley for its affordability and ease of installation. While vinyl siding often is produced to look like wood, it does not always stand up well under close inspection, and it tends to fade after a few years. Vinyl is easy to repair, as broken panels can be replaced fairly easily.

Metal Siding

Although metal siding is more popular for commercial and agricultural buildings than it is for homes in Abbotsford, it can still be incredibly attractive and works well as a siding material for houses. Metal siding can be kept from getting too hot by applying the right kind of paint and it is one of the longest lasting types of siding available due to its durability and weather resistance.

Fibre Cement Siding

If you have an Abbotsford home, fibre cement is one of the best options for siding your home. Although many people do not like the idea of using a cement product to side their home, this siding material is well known for its incredible curb appeal and durability. Fibre cement siding is made to look incredibly similar to wood siding and it is able to withstand incredibly strong blows, fire, moisture, and sunlight. It is also an excellent insulator, meaning that energy bills are typically lower with fibre cement siding.

If you would like to learn more about where to buy house siding materials for Abbotsford, 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 Lay Concrete Pavers

If you are looking into putting in a patio on your property using pavers, it can be useful to get some pointers from people who have experience with this kind of work so that you do not run into difficulties. At Country Lumber, we provide a variety of concrete products and other patio products and our team is always happy to offer advice on how to lay concrete pavers. 

Steps for Laying Concrete Pavers

When installed properly, concrete pavers can make for a beautiful, stable patio but, if not installed correctly, the pavers can be unstable and unsightly. The steps for installing concrete pavers are as follows:

1.     Excavate the Area

Mark off the area where you intend to lay your pavers using rope, sticks, or marking paint. The area within the lines that you have marked will need to be excavated in order to keep your pavers from resting too high off the ground. Dig out 7 to 9 inches from the surface, depending on the thickness of the pavers you are using, and level the ground at the bottom as much as possible.

2.     Lay a Base

The base material used underneath concrete pavers should be gravel. The gravel should be about 3 to 6 inches deep. Once the gravel base is laid, it will need to be compacted to ensure that it is level and does not settle after the pavers are installed.

3.     Lay Sand

Bedding sand should be laid on top of the gravel to provide a stable, level surface on which to install the pavers. The sand should be somewhat loose but perfectly level when the pavers are being placed.

4.     Install the Concrete Pavers

Starting at one corner, begin to lay the concrete pavers. Work your way across the patio space one row at a time. Lightly compact your pavers as you go.

5.     Firmly Compact the Pavers

Make sure that each paver is securely in place by compacting all of the pavers firmly once you have placed the entire patio. Ensure that there are no proud edges on any of the pavers that could become a tripping hazard.

6.     Add Sand

Pour sand across the top of the pavers and try to get as much of it between the pavers as possible. This will help to keep them from shifting. If you use polymeric sand, it can help to prevent weeds from growing up between the concrete pavers. Sweep off the excess sand and spray down the patio with a hose.

If you would like to learn more about how to lay concrete pavers, 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 Supplies are Needed to Pour a Concrete Patio?

Spring and summer are the ideal times to do home improvement projects on your home’s exterior. If you have a concrete patio that needs to be redone or if you have the space for a patio and want to install one while the weather is suitable for pouring cement, it is useful to know what supplies are needed to pour a concrete patio. At Country Lumber, we provide a wide range of supplies for all kinds of building projects, including concrete supplies and tools.

Concrete Pouring Supplies

Pouring a concrete patio can be a messy and frustrating job even with the right tools, so it is important to make sure that you have everything prepared for the job to go as smoothly as possible. Some of the supplies that you will need to pour a concrete patio include:

Concrete

The type of concrete that you will require will depend on a variety of factors, as there are many different types of ready mix concrete available. Consult a building professional to find the right type for your project.

Rebar, Wire Mesh, and Tie Wire

In order to keep your patio from cracking and shifting, you will need concrete mesh, rebar, and tie wire to hold it all in place.

Wood for Forms

Unless you are using premade concrete forms, you will need to purchase 2x4 or 2x6 boards to build forms for your concrete patio. If your patio only consists of one slab, you will only need to purchase enough wood to frame the outside edge of the patio.

Concrete Mixer

You will need a mixer to create the concrete you use for your patio and to prevent your cement from hardening while you pour the different sections of the patio.

Shovels, Rakes, and Wheelbarrows

In order to place your concrete, you will need a wheelbarrow and tools to move it across the surface being used. Shovels and rakes can be used to spread the concrete once it has been poured.

Screeds, Floats, and Trowels

Once your concrete patio is poured, you will need various tools to flatten it and shape it. A screed is a large, straight, flat device (which can also be a 2x4) used to flatten the surface of your concrete patio, and floats and trowels are used to touch up the edges and rough spots.

If you would like to learn more about what supplies are needed to pour a concrete patio, 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.

Should I Use Cedar or Treated Lumber to Build a Fence in Vancouver?

If you are looking for a good spring project for your home in Vancouver, replacing an old fence or building a new one can be a great way to raise your home’s curb appeal and improve your yard. For many people looking to build a fence in the Vancouver area, it is common to ask the question “Should I use cedar or treated lumber to build a fence?” At Country Lumber, we sell a wide variety of dimensional lumber that can be used for fences as well as other fence products, and our knowledgeable staff is always happy to help you find the right products for your home improvement needs.

Cedar vs. Pressure Treated Wood for Vancouver Home Fencing

Making sure that a fence is able to stand up to moisture is incredibly important, especially when your home receives as much rain as is common in Vancouver. For this reason, the two best types of wood to use for fencing are usually either cedar or pressure treated lumber. Some of the various benefits of the two different types of wood include:

Benefits of Cedar for Fencing

Red cedar is one of the best woods to use outdoors because it is naturally resistant to decomposition and mould. It also does not typically warp in the sun and its tight, straight grain makes it a strong option for long boards. Cedar does not usually stand up as well to being immersed in soil as pressure treated lumber does, so it is often best to encase posts in concrete before putting them in the ground. Cedar is well-known for its beautiful colour and aroma and it can be stained easily, making it compatible with the various aesthetics of many Vancouver homes.

Benefits of Pressure Treated Fencing

Pressure treated fencing is typically made from pine that has been chemically treated in order to protect it against rot, insects, and moisture. It is an incredibly popular choice for many fences as it can last for a long time, although it does not usually last as long as cedar and needs to be recoated every few years to ensure that it does not lose its weather resistance. Pressure treated fencing tends to be cheaper than other types of fencing.

If you would like to learn more about whether to use cedar or treated lumber to build a fence in Vancouver, 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.