DIY Builds
DIY Builds
Photo: Spencer Selover
Long-lasting hardwood siding is a much better choice for the environment than using a plastic siding. With oil-based stains helping to protect it, the siding will last years longer than vinyl and it will look better the entire time.
How much does it cost to build a 12-foot by 12-foot shed? Building a shed costs an average of $60 to $150 per square foot, so a 12-foot by 12-foot...
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Log cabins have a long and illustrious history of longevity. They usually last twenty, thirty to even fifty years, if they are kept in good...
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Outward-opening doors help reduce any probability of rain, sleet, or snow entering the house. It also keeps cold drafts at bay by swinging outwards...
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When it came to the most physically demanding work, contractors and consumers agreed on the top two jobs: demolition and roofing. Each requires...
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Most wood siding used today is a type of softwood, usually some form of pine or cedar. Softwood has its uses and benefits, but it also has several drawbacks that led to homeowners looking for alternatives like vinyl. Softwoods need to be painted to look their best, mostly because these woods tend to be less consistent in color; painting the siding hides a multitude of defects including sapwood, tight knots, bark pockets and more, and gives the home a consistent, fresh look. Plus, softwood may contain open knots with cracks that will need to be filled before they can be painted. This means you'll need to use paint instead of a stain, as the knots will show through any stain you try to use. The paint also helps protect the surface of the wood —which is prone to issues with moisture, rain and insects — but paint will fade over time. This necessitates scraping and repainting every few years. If the paint isn't maintained, moisture can begin to infiltrate the wood and soften it, causing it to swell and warp and eventually rot. It's this high maintenance that many people want to avoid, even while they like the look and versatility of wood. Hardwood siding is different. Woods like Batu Mahogany, Ipe, and Cumaru are naturally more resistant to moisture and other issues that typically affect softwoods. The wood handles a stain better, particularly oil-based stains, which are recommended to bring out the natural color and beauty of the wood, while also penetrating and protecting it from moisture. Oil-based stains don't peel away from the wood the way that paint will, so there's no chipping, peeling and scraping involved. Hardwoods are much longer-lasting and aren't prone to splitting or other issues that can affect both softwoods and vinyl. They can also handle high temperatures and can be installed in rainscreen applications. Some types of hardwood, such as Batu Mahogany from Nova, also have a Class A fire rating. For areas that experience extreme drought or wildfires, like California and Colorado, this siding gives you more choices for how you'll clad your home, without putting it at risk the way that vinyl or traditional softwoods will. Probably the biggest advantage of all in using hardwood siding over vinyl is its appearance. No matter how many molds vinyl is poured into to give it the appearance of a wood-grain texture, the siding is still made of plastic. The seams overlap one another in an obvious manner, while the planks themselves have rounded edges that don't look like real wood. Installation options are limited and so are the colors you can choose from. The material won't look like wood, and it won't perform like hardwood either. Plus, the color will fade to a "milk carton" plastic color over time. Premium hardwood siding can be made to suit any type of installation. This includes traditional horizontal lap, shiplap, board-and-batten, contemporary patterns and in a rainscreen. By using fasteners that can account for the way boards expands and contracts, as well as oil-based stains, hardwood siding can enhance the appearance of your home naturally.
Current planning permission rules for agricultural land You cannot erect, build or alter any building classed as a dwelling. The building must be...
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You will however need planning permission if your business meets any of the following criteria: Noticeable increase in people coming to your home...
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Long-lasting hardwood siding is a much better choice for the environment than using a plastic siding. With oil-based stains helping to protect it, the siding will last years longer than vinyl and it will look better the entire time. Plus, wood siding is easy to repurpose or recycle, and it won't sit in landfills for hundreds of years the way that vinyl siding will. And while trees absorb greenhouse gasses, plastic manufacturing produces greenhouse gasses, which are bad for the environment. You can take our Continuing Education course for more information about sustainable tropical hardwoods. Using hardwood siding gives you a beautiful exterior with less maintenance and a better, longer-lasting appearance and durability than vinyl.
Metal Shed Cons Feels Flimsy Compared to Others. Some metals can be thin and feel flimsy when compared to a wooden shed, however they are made of...
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The most common types of materials used for loose-fill insulation include cellulose, fiberglass, and mineral (rock or slag) wool. All of these...
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These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.
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If your energy needs are around 1,000 to 5,000 watts, go for a 24 volt system. If your energy needs are over 3,000 watts, go for a 48 volt system....
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A shed can even help to increase your asking price when you decide it's time to sell. In fact, some professionals estimate that a new shed could...
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