Western Red Cedar Table Arbor ~ DIY

Jun29

Perfect for small spaces when a massive Cedar Pergola would be overwhelming, or as in this case, to add lighting above an outdoor picnic table, this Western Red Cedar Table Arbor is a great DIY project. Easy to assemble, and not a lot of special tools are required.

We used a 5’ Western Red Cedar picnic table we already own and made the table arbor appropriate for its size. We modified the existing table by cutting 4” openings in the tabletop just outside where the table legs are to allow the table arbor to be secured to the picnic table legs, rather than the tabletop for more security and stability.

Material List

2 ea 6’ 4×4” Appearance Cedar Posts
4 ea 4’ 2×6” Knotty Cedar Boards
4 ea 6’ 2×4” Knotty Cedar Boards
8 ea 4’ 2×2” Clear Cedar Boards
16 ea 6” Timberloc Screws
8 ea 4” Timberloc Screws
36 ea 3” Stainless Steel Screws

Tools Needed

Tape Measure
Cordless Drill & Bits
Chop (or Skill) Saw
Level

After the openings are cut through the tabletop of the picnic table, we squared the ends up on the 4×4’s, leaving one end on each flat (for the top of the table arbor) and angled the other end on each to add interest. We attached the first post to an existing table leg using four of the 6” Timberloc screws about a foot down onto the table leg. To ensure the two posts will be even in height, before securing the second one, use the level to determine the second post’s correct placement. Attach with four 6” Timberloc screws.

For ease of construction, the next portion of the frame is built on the tabletop around the 4×4’s but not secured to the 4×4’s. We evened up the ends and angle cut the 2×6’s and placed them on either side of the 4×4 post, then laid out the 2×4’s with even spacing and secured the 2×4’s (after we cut the angles on the end) on top of them using 6” Timberloc screws through the 2×4’s into the 2×6’s. Once the frame is assembled, around the 4×4’s, lift it up and secure it to the top of the 4×4’s. Be sure to use the level to check the height on each end before securing each 2×6 to the 4×4’s with two 4” Timberloc screws on each side of the 4×4. Each post will have a total of four 4″ Timberloc screws in it to secure the frame to the top.

Next, we squared up the ends of the 2×2’s and cut each into the desired angle, spaced them evenly on top of the 2×4’s. We used 3” Stainless Steel screws to secure the 2×2’s onto the 2×4’s. (p.s. cats are not very helpful for this portion of the job)

Solar-powered garden lights (3 sets) were secured to the table arbor using stainless steel staples. This will add lighting to the table after the sun goes down. (cats are not very helpful with this portion of the project, either)

The finished product ready for the next party!

To learn more about using the correct fasteners for this project and your other Western Red Cedar outdoor projects, please find more information by reading our blog post on this subject by clicking HERE.

Before your next project, be sure to visit us! We ship nationwide!

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

1.360.757.6343

950 B Fountain Street, Burlington, WA

Azek Pergola by Dihedral Builders

Jun12

Backed by Azek’s promise of high-quality and lasting performance, this amazing custom-built Pergola will retain a like-new appearance for many, many years.

Because each Azek board is made from cellular PVC, it will not cup, rot or split and can be routed and cut without chip outs. Each and every piece of Azek is manufactured to be consistent in density, color ( it comes in a crisp, semi-matte white finish), and square edges, which provides a uniform aesthetic. And, since every inch of the product is usable, there’s no waste.

This pergola is moisture and insect-resistant. And while Azek may be painted to any color desired, it doesn’t require paint for protection. It is also suitable for ground and masonry contact and is backed by a 25-year limited warranty.

Amazing Design, Craftsmanship, and Photos by Dihedral Builders of Anacortes, WA

Before your next project, be sure to visit us! We ship our products nationwide!

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

866.757.6343

Fire Treating Western Red Cedar Shingles and Shakes

Jun6

Man has been using natural materials, such as Western Red Cedar, for siding and roofing since the beginning of time, especially in areas where it grows naturally. And while Cedar is somewhat fire-resistant naturally, when it will be used in areas where fire danger is high, adding a permanent fire retardant can be extremely helpful.

Class A Fire Retardant Western Red Shingles

There are three classes of fire treating available for Western Red Cedar Shingles and Shakes. Class “A” is effective against severe fire exposures, Class “B” is most effective against moderate fire exposures, while Class “C” would be effective against light fire exposures.

Where required, optional fire retardant treatments that have passed the California State Fire Marshall & ICC 10 year real-time weathering test are available. Be sure to check with your local building officials to determine which class of fire treatment is best for your particular area. All of our Classes of fire treating meet all local and state wildland-urban interface requirements.

We routinely work with the Nation Park Service to provide them with Fire Treated Western Red Cedar Shingles and Shakes for fire lookouts in Washington state, especially those that are in high-risk areas. The Western Red Cedar Shingles blend beautifully with the surrounding area, and because they are treated with fire retardant, are less likely to catch fire.

Fire lookout with fire treated western red cedar shingles

In order to begin fire treating the Western Red Cedar shingles or shakes, all the air and moisture must be removed from the wood. This is done in a large pressure autoclave cylinder. Next, the cylinder is filled with the fire retardant. As the chemicals fill the cylinder, the vacuum that was previously created by pulling the moisture and air out pulls the fire retardant into the wood. The pressure is then increased in the container, and the fire treatment is pushed even deeper into the Cedar. Once the required amount of treatment is retained in the Cedar, any remaining fire treatment is drained, and the Cedar shingles and/or shakes are transferred to a kiln for drying. The Cedar is dried over the course of several days very slowly to ensure the chemicals are completely bonded with the wood.

After Western Red Cedar is treated with fire retardant, the color of the wood may be slightly darker, but no other difference is generally noticed. Over time, they will grey just as natural Cedar would, but the treatment does not diminish.

A limited Lifetime Warranty is provided on the fire retardant treatment when the Western Red Cedar Shingles and/or Shakes are installed properly and used for intended purposes. For information on installation, please click HERE.

Our team would be happy to discuss your fire treating options with you. Please give us a call today! We ship nationwide!

Before your next project, be sure to visit us!

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

Toll-Free 866.757.6343

New Team Member!

May30

We are pleased to introduce our newest team member, Simon Moonshine Kelly!

His job duties as a Mascot include: Greeting customers, sniffing, making people smile, and having his picture taken so that we can shamelessly post his likeness all over social media!

brutus and puppy

brothers2

Before your next project, be sure to visit us!

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

Tips for Re-finishing Your Western Red Cedar

May23

For the best results, thoroughly inspect your Western Red Cedar siding, trim, and/or decking first for any damage, mildew, and dirt. Make any necessary repairs, then clean the Cedar with warm water and phosphate-free soap. If necessary, a stiff bristle (non-metallic) brush can be used. If there is mold or mildew (brown or black spots), it needs to be killed with a commercially available mildew killer/cleaner or warm water and oxygen bleach. Should water staining be evident, scrubbing the wood with an oxalic acid solution can be effective for removal.

If there is old paint or solid color stain that is peeling and cracking, you will likely need to remove the old finish before removing any mold or mildew. First, scrape away all loose, cracked, or peeling finish. In severe cases, all the old products must be removed and must be done with extreme care not to damage the wood underneath. Should old paint or solid color stains not require full removal, you can feather the edges of the product to the bare wood that has mold or mildew on it by careful sanding. Clean it thoroughly, rinse with clean water, and dry completely.

A pressure washer may be used for cleaning your Western Red Cedar; however, great care should be taken. Use a low setting so that the grain is not raised or damaged is caused to the wood.

If your Wester Red Cedar lumber has greyed and you would like to restore it back to its original color, that can be done fairly easily using commercially available wood brighteners following the manufacturer’s directions after you have sanded the exposed surface of the Cedar.

After you are certain your Cedar is completely dry after it is cleaned, it is time to refinish. When choosing a refinishing product, it should be the same type as the original finish. Old latex should be replaced with latex, and old oil-based finishes should be replaced with new oil-based finishes, with the exception of latex being able to be put on top of old oil-based finishes. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions no matter which product you choose, and make sure that it is specifically formulated to help control extractive bleeding and is approved for use on Western Red Cedar.

Caution: Film-forming finishes such as lacquer, shellac, urethane, and varnish are NOT recommended for use on Western Red Cedar in exterior applications and should be removed with great care.

Before your next project, be sure to visit us!

We ship nationwide!

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

(360) 757.6343

AZEK® Decking Named #1 in Quality in 2017 BUILDER Brand Use Study

May16

SKOKIE, IL—AZEK^® decking has been honored as the #1 Quality product for composite/PVC decking by building and construction-industry professionals through the 2017 BUILDER Brand Use Study.

AZEK Building Products invests heavily in materials science research and development to create a capped polymer decking product that resists scratches, stains, fading, mold, mildew, and moisture damage. The AZEK Building Products team ensures AZEK decking is a high-quality, durable product that also adds beauty and value to a home through product innovation.

Developed with advanced polymer engineering, AZEK’s Alloy Armour Technology is a proprietary alloy formulation that provides improved performance characteristics, such as outstanding weathering and UV protection, resistance to scratching, and the ability to hold color over time. This technology has allowed AZEK decking products to carry an industry-best, 30-year limited fade, and stain and a limited lifetime warranty.

“AZEK lives at the intersection of science and style,” said AZEK Building Products CMO Julia Fitzgerald. “Builders tell us AZEK’s polymer core makes it perfect for heat bending to create curves in premium decks. We also find that builders are changing our cities’ skylines with AZEK rooftop decks. The lightweight durability is perfect for rooftop applications.”

“Being recognized for offering a product that is best ‘Quality’ by those in the field is truly rewarding,” said Patrick Barnds, General Manager of Decking at AZEK Building Products. “We always strive to earn the respect of our customers as being the company that manufacturers the best decks.”

Azek PVC Decking

About Hanley Woods 2017 BUILDER Brand Use Study
Hanley Wood, and their publication BUILDER, sponsored the 2017 BUILDER Brand Use Study to profile the brands builders use and to better understand the building product selection process. The Farnsworth Group conducted the study, and the data is based on 936 responses from “Builders, Builders-developers or General Contractors.”

About AZEK^® Building Products:

AZEK Building Products is a leader in developing premium, low-maintenance exterior building products. Available to a worldwide audience, its product lines span AZEK Trim, Deck, Rail, Moulding, Porch, and Pavers, as well as capped wood composite Decking and Railing under the TimberTech brand. Both brands, synonymous with quality, style, and innovation, are made in America and lead their market areas by continually reinventing product lines and redefining product categories.

Cedar Country Lumber of Burlington, WA is a proud specialized Dealer for Azek and Timbertech decking and railing products. For more information, please visit us in Burlington. We are located at the North end of Burlington Blvd with easy access on and off 1-5. We have a wide variety of literature, as well as samples available.

Azek Decking

Need an installer for your new deck? We can provide recommendations for a licensed and insured contractor to assist you in the local area!

Before your next project, be sure to visit us!

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

950 B Fountain Street, Burlington, WA

360-757-6343

Turn Point Light Station – Stuart Island, WA

Apr13

We are pleased to share with you these photos we received from our customer who was commissioned to fabricate and install historic replicas of the exterior doors for the Turn Point Light Station, located on Stuart Island in the beautiful San Juan Islands of Washington state.

Due to its dimensional stability and workability, Clear, Vertical Grain Douglas Fir was chosen for this project. Originally built in 1893, the Turn Point Light Station has been under restoration since 2009.

The Light Station in 1904

Our customer writes, “The doors were fabricated last winter from grade A or better Clear, VG Douglas Fir that I purchased from you, and the pre-finished doors were absolutely beautiful. I must confess the application of primer, and 2 coats of paint just seemed wrong! I work from home and have a very limited 12’ X 12’ open shop and have attached a picture of the first door, the shortest one, at final glue-up. Primer and 2 coats of paint were hand brushed in my dining room and allowed to cure over the winter in my wife’s studio. At long last, the doors were hung, and final adjustments were made on May 10. Two pictures show before and after. The building is being converted into a museum at this time and should be open to the public after June 30, 2016.”

We spend the time to source the highest quality Premium Forest Products at the best prices in Western Red Cedar, Alaskan Yellow Cedar, Douglas Fir, and other exotic and domestic soft and hardwoods. With shipments of lumber, siding, shingles, shakes, timbers, and other specialty building materials leaving our warehouse daily all over the US, our customers value our products’ quality and our honest business practices, combined with excellent customer service and superior product knowledge.

So, before your next project, be sure to visit us!

We ship nationwide!

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

950 B Fountain Street, Burlington WA 98233

360.757.6343

How to Style a Front Porch

Apr3

-by Kym Kelly

As we come and go in our busy daily lives, we often stop seeing our surroundings through other’s eyes. A neglected front porch that accumulates miscellaneous odds and ends may not seem like a big deal, but to a new visitor or potential buyer, it can be a real turn-off. Even on a budget, some small touches, such as a good cleaning and a fresh coat of paint on the front door, can really boost the first impression. And, with the addition of a few furnishings, your porch can add real value, creating a welcoming transitional space between the outdoors and indoors.

Even a small porch can be made to feel welcoming by updating the light fixture, adding a fun little sign, and a well-placed chair, as seen in this picture.

After a good freshening up, consider your porch’s size and your home’s architectural details. You want to make sure people can easily access the steps and front door and not feel crowded with too much furniture or accessories. You will also want to create a style that compliments the exterior of the home and reflects the personality of the home’s interior.

For those lucky enough to have a big front porch, making it into additional usable living space can be challenging. For years, the porch at our house was left totally blank, other than a seasonal wreath on the door and a welcome mat. I had this idea in my head that it needed to be accessorized with beautiful rocking chairs, wicker love seats and tables, fantastic carpets, lush ferns, and gorgeous potted plants just like in the magazines. I wanted it all but wasn’t ready to pay the $2,000+ to create that style. Finally, I began to look at items I already owned and scoured second-hand stores to find items in my budget that would turn my porch from a boring entry to a bonus living area for our home. Now, our front porch has become my favorite room, and I look forward to freshening it up each season by changing the plants and other accessories.

A customer of ours in Florida sent us this picture to let us know how amazing the
custom stained Western Red Cedar Shingles we provided look on her home (p.s. we love
customer photos!). I adore the sweet style she created on her porch with the vintage day bed and loads of pillows. She lives close to the ocean, so the simple addition of some “beachy” accessories completes this outdoor space perfectly. Note how the color palette of accessories complements the shingles, which we custom coated with a semi-transparent stain called Water Lily. So inviting!

So, when you go home tonight, take a good, hard look at your entry and begin to think of items you already own that you might be able to add to bring a little personality and style to your front porch. Scour garage sales or thrift stores for a fun piece of furniture, and maybe add a fresh coat of paint to the piece to bring additional color to your porch. Next, add some softness with pillows, candles (I buy the inexpensive ones at the Dollar Store), seasonal flowers, and accessories.

A well-styled porch welcomes you home every day!

Before your next project, be sure to visit us! We ship nationwide ~ Specializing in Premium Forest Products in Western Red Cedar, Alaskan Yellow Cedar, Douglas Fir, and other exotic and domestic hard and softwoods.

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

950 B Fountain Street, Burlington, WA

360.757.6343

Cedar Roof Top Deck

Mar22

Sometimes, thinking outside “the box” can have great rewards! Our customer recently completed this beautiful rooftop deck to enjoy our upcoming beautiful Pacific Northwest evenings. When the weather cools and the “rainy season” begins, the Western Red Cedar deck panels can be removed and stored. Because it is light in weight and naturally resistant to rot and decay, Western Red Cedar is the perfect choice for this type of application.

Each decking panel was made using our 5/4×5” Knotty Western Red Cedar decking, a somewhat uncommon size that allows the look of a wider board but a little lighter on the pocketbook. This decking is Kiln Dried prior to final milling, making for a smoother finished deck board. Beautiful and affordable!

To make each of the removable deck top panels, the 5/4×5″ radius-edged Western Red Cedar decking was screwed to 2×4” Cedar runners cut to the appropriate size for each of the rooftop panels. The size of your panels will depend on your particular roof, all while taking into consideration how the panels will be moved and stored. If you will be moving the panels up and downstairs by yourself, for ease of removal, smaller panels would work better than something that would be stored on the same level moved by two people.

To allow for expansion and contraction of the decking and allow rain and debris to fall through, allow adequate spacing between the deck boards. We recommend at least a 1/4″ gap between boards. When installing the Cedar deck boards to the runners, to prevent corrosion, we recommend using Stainless Steel or coated screws at least 2-1/2″ long for 5/4″ decking.

For more information on planning and installing your decking, including a list of tools and other items needed; please visit our blog on Deck Installation by clicking HERE. If you have other questions, our team of experts is happy to help.

Before your next project, be sure to visit us

950 B Fountain Street, Burlington, WA

360.757.6343

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

We ship nationwide!

AbsoluteCedar Trim

Mar1

We are pleased to introduce AbsoluteCedar Trim ~an engineered Cedar trim and fascia product designed to provide years of performance on your next project. Manufactured by Woodtone and distributed to homeowners and contractors by Cedar Country Lumber, AbsoluteCedar Trim has a 30-year warranty against rot and defects.

Manufactured from Western Red Cedar, AbsoluteCedar Trim is a great choice for exterior trim

Manufactured from the highest quality Kiln Dried, Tight Knot Western Red Cedar is finger-jointed together for added stability and cost-effectiveness compared to other exterior trim products; this S1S2E product is reversible, allowing you to choose either a smooth or textured face and is manufactured from 100% renewable resources.

Each piece of AbsoluteCedar Trim is primed with 2 coats of latex primer in a factory-controlled environment to ensure an even coating on all six sides. This high-quality primer has tannin blockers and mar-resistant properties specifically designed to be used with Western Red Cedar. And, the 30-year warranty gives you the security you need when making your decision on which trim product to use.

Applications

Interior & exterior trim and fascia boards
Window & door trim
Column Wraps
Bellyband trim
Garage door liner
Rake/frieze boards

Dimensions

1×2, 1×3, 1×4, 1×6, 1×8, 1×10 & 1×12″
5/4×3, 5/4×4, 5/4×6, 5/4×8, 5/4×10, 5/4×12″
2×2, 2×4, 2×6, 2×8, 2×10, 2×12″
Available in 16′ or 20′ lengths

Before your next project, be sure to visit us!

360.757.6343

950 B Fountain Street ~ Burlington, WA 98233

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

We ship nationwide!

Cedar Country Lumber

Your Premium Forest Products Provider Specializing in Western Red Cedar and Alaskan Yellow Cedar Building Materials

Author Archives: Cedar Country Lumber

Western Red Cedar Table Arbor ~ DIY

Azek Pergola by Dihedral Builders

Backed by Azek’s promise of high-quality and lasting performance, this amazing custom-built Pergola will retain a like-new appearance for many, many years.

Fire Treating Western Red Cedar Shingles and Shakes

New Team Member!

Tips for Re-finishing Your Western Red Cedar

AZEK® Decking Named #1 in Quality in 2017 BUILDER Brand Use Study

SKOKIE, IL—AZEK^® decking has been honored as the #1 Quality product for composite/PVC decking by building and construction-industry professionals through the 2017 BUILDER Brand Use Study.

About AZEK^® Building Products:

Turn Point Light Station – Stuart Island, WA

How to Style a Front Porch

Cedar Roof Top Deck

AbsoluteCedar Trim

Backed by Azek’s promise of high-quality and lasting performance, this amazing custom-built Pergola will retain a like-new appearance for many, many years.

SKOKIE, IL—AZEK® decking has been honored as the #1 Quality product for composite/PVC decking by building and construction-industry professionals through the 2017 BUILDER Brand Use Study.

About AZEK® Building Products:

SKOKIE, IL—AZEK^® decking has been honored as the #1 Quality product for composite/PVC decking by building and construction-industry professionals through the 2017 BUILDER Brand Use Study.

About AZEK^® Building Products: